Laser soldering of rat skin, using fiberoptic temperature controlled system.

Background and Objective Laser soldering of tissues is based on the application of a biological solder on the approximated edges of a cut. Our goal was to use laser soldering for sealing cuts in skin under temperature feedback control and compare the results with ones obtained using standard sutures. Study Design/Materials and Methods Albumin solder was applied onto the approximated edges of cuts created in rat skin. A fiberoptic system was used to deliver the radiation of a CO2 laser, to heat a spot near the cut edges, and to control the temperature. Laser soldering was carried out, spot by spot, where the temperature at each spot was kept at 65–70°C for 10 sec. Results The tensile strength of laser-soldered cuts was measured after 3–28 days postoperatively and was found comparable to that of sutured cuts. Histopathological studies showed no thermal damage and less inflammatory reaction than that caused by standard sutures (P = 0.04). Conclusions Temperature controlled laser soldering of cuts in rat skin gave strong bonding. The cosmetic and histological results were very good, in comparison to those of standard sutures. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:265–273, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.