Laser nerve repair by solid protein band technique. I: Identification of optimal laser dose, power, and solder surface area

Abstract

Thirty-four tibial nerves in 17 adult male wistar rats were repaired by applying protein bands longitudinally across the nerve join. The bands were then irradiated with a fibre-coupled diode laser (lambda = 810 nm). The relations among the laser weld breaking force, the power, and the solder surface area were investigated, while maintaining a consistent ratio between the total mass of protein solder in a band and total laser energy delivered (the laser energy dose). When this laser energy dose was held constant, the average breaking force of the laser welds irradiated by 72 mW laser output power was weaker than that reached after 90 mW laser radiation. There is a linear relation between the solder breaking force and the solder surface area when band thickness, laser power, and laser dose are unvaried.

Preliminary biocompatibility experiment of polymer films for laser‐assisted tissue welding

“…Lauto et al noted that the breaking strength of a liquid albumin solder could be improved by increasing the albumin concentration such that the solder turned into a solid [13,14], a finding that was confirmed in our own research [15]. However, the solid solder has technical difficulties associated with its use, including the fact that it becomes dry and brittle during storage [16,17], severely limiting its shelf life compared to liquid albumin solders.…”

Nerve repair: toward a sutureless approach

“…Laser-activated solders for nerve repair are conventionally supported by protein derivatives, most commonly: albumin, fibrinogen and collagen [41]. Albumin solders are the most researched and successfully applied, relying on laser energy heating water molecules and subsequently denaturing its proteinaceous structure [34], intertwining and linking sterically with the collagen fibres in the epineurium [38]. Albumin solders have shown more reliable results than LTW alone, with improved weld strengths, while decreasing thermal damage locally [35].…”

Tissue welding with biodegradable polymer films–demonstration of acute strength reinforcement in vivo

“…Lauto et al noted that the breaking strength of a liquid albumin solder could be improved by increasing the albumin concentration such that the solder turned into a solid [1,2], a finding that was confirmed in our own research [3]. However, the solid solder has technical difficulties associated with its use, including the fact that it becomes dry and brittle during storage [4,5], severely limiting its shelf life compared to liquid albumin solders.…”