Small vascular anastomosis using CO₂ laser——an experimental study in cat

In this experiment self-contrast was carried out.Fifty-four cats underwent the vascular anastomosis by using CO₂ laser in right brachial and femoral arteries,while on the left side a conventional anastomosis was performed with 9-0 nylon suture.The vessels were harvested and studied by histology,seaning electron microscopy and measuring the maximal pressure intensity of vessel （MPIV）at the following intervals 2 hours,3 day,1,2,3 weeks.In both the groups the immediate patency rate was 100%.While the cumulative patency rate for CO₂ laser group was 96%,and 93.3% for the suture group.MPIV attained 296 mmHg in the immediate postoperative period of the laser group.
The results of histological examination and scaning electron microscopy suggested that the CO₂ laser anastomosis has the following advantages over the suture:little trauma and inflammatory reaction;time-saving;smooth endothelial surface of the arteries and rapid healing.