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Laser assisted vascular welding with real time temperature control
Author(s) -
Stewart Robert B.,
Benbrahim Aziz,
LaMuraglia Glenn M.,
Rosenberg Meir,
L'Italien Gilbert J.,
Abbott William M.,
Kung Robert T.V.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1096-9101(1996)19:1<9::aid-lsm2>3.0.co;2-w
Subject(s) - welding , laser , thermometer , materials science , laser beam welding , biomedical engineering , temperature measurement , temperature control , optics , composite material , mechanical engineering , medicine , engineering , physics , quantum mechanics
Background and Objective Previous studies in laser assisted vascular welding have been limited by the lack of a reliable end point for tissue fusion. As a means of improving the reproductibility of laser assisted repairs, a system incorporating real time temperature monitoring and closed loop feedback was used. Study Design/Materials and Methods The system consisted of a direct view infrared thermometer for monitoring the laser heated spot, a 1.9 μm diode laser, and a microprocessor for data acquisition and feedback control of the laser power to maintain a constant tissue temperature. Rat aortas were welded under constant surface temperature conditions. Results In vivo temperature stability of ±2°C was achieved over a temperature range of 70–90°C pertinent to welding small vessels. When welds were completed using the feedback system to maintain the tissue temperature at 80°C, the acute success rate was 100% and the burst pressure was 290 ± 70 mmHg. Conclusion These studies demonstrate that the use of real time monitoring and feedback control results in improved consistency for vascular tissue welding. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.