Abstract: A 1.9 $mu@m laser is used to weld small diameter vessels. The absorption characteristic of tissues at this wavelength renders this laser suitable for welding of vessels with diameters in the 1 to 3 mm range. The appropriate laser power range for welding is 120 to 200 mW with a fluence on target of approximately 100 J/cm$+2$/. For vessel wall thicknesses matching the optical absorption depth, measured burst pressure was approximately 400 mmHg. In this case the acute weld strength is greater than 3 $MUL 10$+6$/ dynes/cm$+2$/. Anastomotic compliance of the welded zone was a factor of two lower than native vessel tissue both immediately following welding and after 10 weeks of healing. The advantages offered by this laser wavelength are convenient energy delivery via fiber optics, no irrigation needed for tissue cooling, and applicability to small vessel anastomoses. !12
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