Determination of efficient parameters for argon laser-assisted anastomoses in rats: Macroscopic, thermal, and histological evaluation

The aim of this study was to determine efficient parameters for an argon laser (spot diameter = 200 μm) to obtain and reproduce vessel anastomoses. It was performed in two groups of Wistar rats. In the first group (89 Laser impacts on 10 carotids), the fluence was continuously adjusted from 30 to 3,000 J/cm2 in order to determine efficient sets of parameters (power from 90–200 mW, pulse duration from 0.1 to 5 seconds, pulsed or continuous mode). In the second group, 30 end‐to‐end carotid anastomoses were performed. The results were evaluated by macroscopic thermal, and histological studies. The second group proved the efficiency of the selected parameters. Vessel welding was obtained with 100 mW, 3 seconds, continuous mode (fluence = 950 J/cm2, irradiance = 320 W/cm2) for a mean temperature of 77°C corresponding to collagen denaturation. In the second group the patency rate was 93% (28/30) with three pseudo‐aneurisms and two thromboses. Histological studies noted slight modifications of the media. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.