Chromophore enhanced laser welding of canine ureters in vitro using a human protein solder: a preliminary step for laparoscopic tissue welding.

Overview

Laser welding of the genitourinary tract has the potential advantage of forming an immediate watertight seal. It may obviate the need for sutures, eliminate the inherent lithogenic reaction to suture, and potentially improve healing. In the current study we employed a KTP-532 laser in vitro to weld canine ureters. Ureters were transected over a stent and immediately repaired using the KTP-532 laser (power density 7.14 W/cm.2, spot size = 0.5 cm.) alone or in combination with different tissue solders. Solders consisted of 40% human albumin alone or with the addition of iron oxide or fluorescein as light absorbing dyes (chromophores). Following the repairs, intraluminal bursting strength and the total energy required to complete the repairs were measured. The KTP laser alone was not able to achieve a satisfactory repair. Successful ureteral repairs were achieved in all solder groups while maintaining ureteral continuity at supraphysiologic pressures.