Laser-assisted skin closure (LASC) using a 815-nm diode laser system: determination of an optimal dose to accelerate wound healing

This study aimed to evaluate a 815 nm diode-laser system to assist wound closure. It was proposed to determine an optimal fluence being able to accelerate and improve heating process without thermal damage after laser irradiation. Male hairless rats with dorsal skin incisions were used for the study. Different fluences were screened (76 to 346 J/cm2) in a first phase with clinical examination at 3, 7, 15 and 21 days after surgery. Best results were obtained for a fluence of 145 J/cm2 and 3 sec time of exposure. A second phase was conducted to valid these parameters with histological study and determination of tensile strength at 3, 7, 15 and 21 days after surgery. LASC was 4 times faster to process than conventional suture. In the laser group with an optimal fluence of 145 J/cm2, healing was accelerated. The resulting scar was more indiscernible than in the control groups. Histological aspect was better with continuous epidermis and dermis at 3 days in most cases. Tensile strength was 30 to 58% greater than in control groups (1141 g/cm2 at 7 days in the laser group versus 856 g/cm2 and 724 g/cm2 in the control groups, p < 0.001).© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.