BACKGROUND: In this study, we assessed the feasibility of laser-assisted tissue welding as a means of fixing mesh prostheses to the peritoneum. We then tested the initial tensile strength of the bonds. METHODS: Fresh porcine peritoneal coupons were lap-joint bonded with laser-activated solder. Anesthetized New Zealand white rabbits and Yorkshire pigs also underwent laparotomy. Vicryl mesh (2.0 x 1.0 cm) was attached to the peritoneum using a laser system (1.43 mu, 2.5 W, 60 degrees C), solder formulations and configurations, and a 1 cm2 bond area. Control segments were affixed with 4.8-mm staples. After the animals were killed, the segments were excised en bloc. Tensile strength assessment was conducted by measuring peak force breaking strength. RESULTS: The strength of the solder bonds were similar in all groups (range, 261.5 +/- 170.3-465.3 +/- 288.2 g/cm2) and were not statistically different from the controls (215.8 +/- 117.8 g/cm2). CONCLUSIONS: These values are similar to the 200-500 g/cm2 acute strengths reported for sutured or stapled peritoneal closure. Mesh fixation by solder is feasible, and further development of this technology is warranted.
BACKGROUND: In this study, we assessed the feasibility of laser-assisted tissue welding as a means of fixing mesh prostheses to the peritoneum. We then tested the initial tensile strength of the bonds. METHODS: Fresh porcine peritoneal coupons were lap-joint bonded with laser-activated solder. Anesthetized New Zealand white rabbits and Yorkshire pigs also underwent laparotomy. Vicryl mesh (2.0 x 1.0 cm) was attached to the peritoneum using a laser system (1.43 mu, 2.5 W, 60 degrees C), solder formulations and configurations, and a 1 cm2 bond area. Control segments were affixed with 4.8-mm staples. After the animals were killed, the segments were excised en bloc. Tensile strength assessment was conducted by measuring peak force breaking strength. RESULTS: The strength of the solder bonds were similar in all groups (range, 261.5 +/- 170.3-465.3 +/- 288.2 g/cm2) and were not statistically different from the controls (215.8 +/- 117.8 g/cm2). CONCLUSIONS: These values are similar to the 200-500 g/cm2 acute strengths reported for sutured or stapled peritoneal closure. Mesh fixation by solder is feasible, and further development of this technology is warranted.
Authors: Paul E Wise; L James Wudel; Andrey E Belous; Tara M Allos; Samuel J Kuhn; Irene D Feurer; M Kay Washington; C Wright Pinson; William C Chapman Journal: Am Surg Date: 2002-06 Impact factor: 0.688
Authors: Raymond J Lanzafame; Istvan Stadler; Ryan Cunningham; Aaron Muhlbauer; Jacob Griggs; Robert Soltz; Barbara A Soltz Journal: Photomed Laser Surg Date: 2013-10-19 Impact factor: 2.796