Comparison of bursting strength between suture‐ and laser‐anastomosed vessels

Abstract

The bursting strength of suture‐ and laser‐assisted vascular anastomosis (LAVA) was assessed using a standard rat femoral artery model. Vessels were studied from 1 hour to 3 weeks. LAVA arteries consistently demonstrated lower bursting strengths than those of suture controls, with significant differences at 1 day, 3 days (P < 0.001), and 1 weeks (P < 0.01). Return of strength occurred in a pattern reminiscent of wound‐healing models. Relatively low bursting strengths at 1 and 3 days in the LAVA cohort may explain the high aneurysm rate reported to complicate this procedure.