Long-term investigations of laser-assisted microvascular anastomoses with the 1.318-micron Nd:YAG laser.

Abstract

Laser-assisted microvascular anastomoses can be performed with the most diverse types of laser (Dujovny et al: 4th Annu Gen Sci Meet LANSI, 1986; Godlewski et al: World J Surg 10:329-333, 1986; Gomes et al: Rev Hosp Clin Fac Med Sao Paulo 37:255, 1982; Quigley et al: Laser Surg Med 5:357-367, 1985; Quigley et al: Lancet 1:334, 1985; Quigley et al: Neurosurgery 18(3):292-299, 1986; Jain: J Microsurg 1:436-439, 1980; Jain: Lancet 2:816-817, 1984; Krueger and Almquist: Lasers Surg Med 5:55, 1985; Neblett et al: Neurosurgery 19(6):914-934, 1986; Schober et al: Science 232:1421-1422, 1986; Ulrich et al: 2nd Annu Gen Sci Meet LANSI, 1984; Ulrich and Bock: Optoelectronics in Medicine, Spring-Verlag 418-423, 1986). However, postoperative complications in the form of thromboses and aneurysmatic sacs could be detected in 7-29.8% in longitudinal investigations. By conversion of the beam geometry (1.3 micron Nd:YAG laser, 200 micron light conductor) and use of three concentrically applied 10.0 backstitch sutures in 25 end-to-end anastomoses of the common carotid artery of adult albino rats 0.8-1.2 mm in diameter, early and late complications could be markedly reduced (12%).