Near-Infrared Welding of Aorta and Skin Tissues Using a Cr~(4+): YAG Laser

摘要

We present a study on welding of ex vivo aorta and skin samples using a tunable Cr~(4+): yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser to explore the wavelength dependence of the welding efficacy. Welding efficacy was monitored by measuring the tensile strength of the welded tissue and the extent of collateral tissue damage. Tensile strengths were measured using a digital force gauge. Full thickness tissue bonding was observed with both aorta and skin samples. The welding of aorta was so perfect that it was difficult to distinguish the welded sites from the non-welded sites on hematoxylin and eosin staining of the samples under optical microscope. No collateral damage of the aorta samples was observed. Scanning Electron Microscopic study of the welded samples supported the optical microscopy results. Best results for aorta and skin were achieved in the 1455-1460 nm range. The weld strength as a function of wavelength correlates with the absorption spectrum of water. Fluorescence imaging of welded aorta and skin shows no significant change in collagen and elastin signal.