ABSTRACTThis in vivo study examines vessel anastomosis using a 1.9-μm diode laser. Ten end-to-end carotid anastomoses and 10 end-to-end jugular anastomoses were performed in Wistar rats. The technique required brief applications (20 to 25 spots) with a diode laser (λ = 1.9 μm, diameter = 220 μm,P= 60 mW,t= 0.7 sec,F= 110 J/cm2) after placement of three equidistant stay sutures. The macroscopic aspect and patency were evaluated at different postoperative intervals. Vessel histology was performed at 15, 21, and 30 days after the procedure. These anastomoses revealed minimal thermal damage in the adventitial layer at the depth of 200 μm. No medial or intimal thermal damage was identified. No thrombosis was observed, giving a permeability of 100 for both arteries and veins. The mean clamping time was 9 ± 3 min. For 1.9 μm, the H2O extinction length was 0.15 mm. The welded thickness was comparable to the extinction length of the wavelength, which yielded a weld strength comparable to the strength of suture repairs. These findings suggest that a low-energy 1.9-μm diode laser has potential clinical application for anastomosis of small
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