LASER-ASSISTED MICROVASCULAR ANASTOMOSIS OF HUMAN ADULT AND PLACENTALARTERIES WITH EXPANDED POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE MICROCONDUIT

Laser-assisted microvascular anastomoses can be performed more quickly than sutured anastomoses, yet manifest similar patency rates and tens ile strength. This study was undertaken to determine if in vitro laser -assisted microvascular anastomoses could be created between human adu lt arteries (anterior tibial arteries), human placental arteries, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene microconduits. A CO2 laser was applie d in single or continuous bursts with a matrix of variables encompassi ng power P = 80 to 160 mW, spot size SS = 150 to 500 mum, and exposure time EXP = 1.0-second continuous exposure (n = 2 each composite setti ng). The endpoints measured to assess the ability to laser-weld vessel s were morphologic appearance by scanning electron microscopy and burs ting strength. Scanning electron microscopy revealed apparent fusion o f human placental arteries and human adult arteries to expanded polyte trafluoroethylene microconduits at settings of P = 130 mW, SS = 300 mu m, and EXP = 1.0 second, though bursting pressure at all settings was less than 10 mmHg. Laser-assisted microvascular anastomoses of human p lacental artery to human placental artery and human adult artery to hu man adult artery were successful at this setting, though bursting pres sures of anastomoses incorporating placental vessels were significantl y weaker than those created with adult tissue. The relative weakness o f laser-assisted microvascular anastomoses incorporating placental art eries might be explained by qualitative or quantitative differences in vessel wall collagen, as seen in fetal tissue, and deserves further c haracterization.