Abstract

A consistent occurrence in laser-assisted vascular anastomosis appears to be the formation of aneurysms. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of a precisely quantitated amount of laser energy on the arterial wall. Femoral and carotid arteries of ten New Zealand rabbits were exposed and measured. Through a 6-mm anterior longitudinal incision, low power CO₂ laser energy (power density 270 W/cm²) was delivered in 0.5-s pulses to a 0.9-mm² area (four rows of ten spots). The arteriotomies were closed with sutures. The contralateral vessels served as sham controls and were opened and stretched in a similar manner to the method used for laser injury. At 12 weeks, the vessels were re-measured and the incidence of fusiform aneurysm formation (>1.5 times original diameter at re-operation) was 20% for carotid arteries and 80% for femoral vessels. There was also a 10% aneurysm rate in the sham operated femoral arteries. All aneurysms remained patent and microscopic study revealed extensive medial necrosis in each aneurysm.

© 1986 Optical Society of America