Abstract
Objectives. Laser assisted vascular anastomosis (LAVA) has been developed to a stage where clinical use is within reach. Advantages of LAVA are minimal vessel damage, faster operation and the potential for minimally invasive application. Design. A Medline literature search was performed on vessel welding combined with cross-referencing. Results. Four different lasers have mostly been used for LAVA, always in combination with stay sutures. The CO 2 laser has only been used in the early period. Without solder, mean leaking point pressures (LPP) of 754 mmHg ( n=75) were obtained, only slightly lower than in suture controls (LPP=915 mmHg, n=82). At follow-up the percentage of aneurysms was high (overall 12% in n=486). Although Argon LAVA showed moderate success (LPP=146 mmHg, n=125), the first clinical application has been successfully performed. Diode LAVA in combination with solder and dye resulted in an acceptable LPP of 409 mmHg ( n=163) in larger vessels, with a low incidence of aneurysm formation (1% in n=107). Conclusion. At present the diode laser is the most popular. Solder developments resulted in stronger welds and might make stay sutures redundant. The combination of CO 2 laser and solders has not been evaluated and deserves further investigation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
