In vitro laser welding of amniotic membranes

Objective To test in vitro the feasibility of welding amniotic membranes using Nd:YAG laser energy. Study design Fresh fetal membranes from term pregnancies were washed and cut into 1 cm2 pieces. Pooled cryoprecipitate (CPT), 50% albumin (Alb), or polytetrafluoroethilene (e-PTFE) were used as solder medium. The optimal settings of the laser were determined. Results were assessed quantitatively and semi-quantitatively using Pearson Chi-square analysis. Results Laser welding of amniotic membranes was successful in 82.6% of experiments with e-PTFE and in 10.7% of experiments with CPT (P < 0.001). The strength of the welding was also significantly better with e-PTFE (P < 0.001). Optimal results were obtained using 1–7 Watts and 0.1–1 seconds. Laser welding was unsuccessful in 100% of experiments with Alb. Conclusions Laser welding of fetal membranes can be accomplished with e-PTFE and to a lesser degree with the CPT using Nd:YAG energy under low wattage-high exposure settings. Further studies are underway to test other grafting or soldering materials. Lasers Surg. Med. 24:315–318, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.