VASCULAR ANASTOMOSIS BY ARGON-LASER BEAM

Abstract

Mongrel dogs (24), weighing 13-24 kg, were used to study the effectiveness of anastomosis by argon laser beam. After anesthesia, intubation and controlled ventilation, they were submitted to 3 types of vascular anastomoses: saphenous vein intercarotid artery bypass; left mammary artery/left anterior descending coronary artery bypass; and veno-venous anastomosis. In all groups, 0.8 to 1.5 W of argon laser power were applied for a total time of 90-300 s. The lower power was for veno-venous anastomoses and the greater was applied for arterial anastomoses. The mean values of resistance of the laser anastomosis to pressure-induced rupture were 730 mm Hg in the immediate postoperative study, but increased to 2500 mm Hg 30 days after surgery. No signs of occlusion were demonstrated at the anastomotic sites by the angiographic and anatomopathological studies performed.