Laser soldering of rat skin, using fiberoptic temperature controlled system

Background and Objective: Laser soldering of tissues is based on the application of a biological solder on the approximated edges of a cut. Our goal was to use laser soldering for sealing cuts in skin under temperature feedback control and compare the results with ones obtained using standard sutures. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Albumin solder was applied onto the approximated edges of cuts created in rat skin. A fiberoptic system was used to deliver the radiation of a CO2 laser, to heat a spot near the cut edges, and to control the temperature. Laser soldering was carried out, spot by spot, where the temperature at each spot was kept at 65-70 degreesC for 10 sec. Results: The tensile strength of laser-soldered cuts was measured after 3-28 days postoperatively and was found comparable to that of sutured cuts. Histopathological studies showed no thermal damage and less inflammatory reaction than that caused by standard sutures (P = 0.04). Conclusions: Temperature controlled laser soldering of cuts in rat skin gave strong bonding. The cosmetic and histological results were very good, in comparison to those of standard sutures. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.