Abstract
We have developed a stent specifically for use in the laser welded anastomosis of small blood vessels (outer diameter 0.8 - 1.2 mm). The stent consists of a core composed of a 50% (v/v) mixture of polyethylene glycol 4000 and polyethylene glycol 20,000. This mixture (PEG 4/20), is covered with a coating of mono/diglyceride. Among the properties of PEG 4/20 is a melting point of 60 - 70 C and a high solubility in water. The glyceride portion of the stent has a melting point of 36.0 - 38.0 C and is insoluble in water. The PEG 4/20 center provides a rigid frame to the stent for easy insertion into the artery, while the glyceride component prevents early dissolution. Upon the application of laser energy, the glyceride coating melts and the PEG 4/20 center remains intact until completion of the anastomosis. Following laser anastomosis, the blood flow through the repaired vessel dissolves the PEG 4/20 center leaving no trace of the stent. We have used these stents successfully in pilot studies utilizing an indocyanine green laser solder with an 810 nm diode laser (gallium-aluminum-arsenide).
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