SHEAR-STRENGTH OF TISSUE BONDS AS A FUNCTION OF BONDING TEMPERATURE - A PROPOSED MECHANISM FOR LASER-ASSISTED TISSUE WELDING

The mechanism of laser bonding is not yet understood, but it is considered to be a thermal rather than a photochemical effect. The conditions required for successful anastomosis remain a controversial topic. In an alternative approach, in vitro tissue bonds were created over the temperature range 20-90°C without the use of a laser by approximating the tissue in a temperature controlled clamp. Bond integrity was assessed by measurement of breaking strength, and the effect of temperature and hydration on bond strength was examined. Bonds created under conditions of dehydration were significantly stronger than their hydrated counterparts. Temperature dependence was also observed, and bond strength significantly increased when temperatures exceeded the tissue denaturation temperature. As a result of these findings, a possible bonding mechanism is proposed. © 1992 Baillière Tindall.