Sutureless laser-welded anastomosis of the femoral artery and vein in rats using CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers

: In a comparative study, it was demonstrated that sutureless, laser-welded, end-to-end anastomoses in the rat femoral artery and vein are feasible, using either CO2 or Nd:YAG laser. Conventional microsurgical suture anastomoses served as the controls. Patency rates in experimental animals and controls were equal (96 to 100 percent). No aneurysms were observed. For successful laser welding, the anastomosis must be completely tension-free. In arteries, this was accomplished only by interposition of a graft from the contralateral artery. The absence of any foreign-body reaction and the saving in operative time support the use of sutureless laser welding.