Repair of pig dura in vivo using temperature controlled CO(2) laser soldering.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that laser soldering might be successfully used for closing holes or cuts in the dura layer, which encapsulates the brain.


METHODS
A temperature controlled fiberoptic CO(2) laser system and albumin solder were used for spot soldering of fascia patches to holes in the dura of farm pigs, in vitro and in vivo.


RESULTS
The mean burst pressure of the soldered patches in the in vitro experiments was 190 +/- 88 mm Hg-significantly higher than typical maximum CSF pressure of 15 mm Hg. In the in vivo experiments the pigs showed no postoperative complications. Histopathological studies exhibited an accepted level of inflammatory reaction and showed no thermal damage to the underlying brain tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
It has been clearly demonstrated that temperature controlled laser soldering is a very useful technique for the repair of the dura. It provides significant advantages over standard closure techniques: it is easy to apply, the bond is strong and watertight and the procedure is likely to be much faster than suturing. This research work will lead to clinical trials.
Forer
Boaz
B
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Vasilyev
Tamar
T
Brosh
Tamar
T
Kariv
Noam
N
Gil
Ziv
Z
Fliss
Dan M
DM
Katzir
Abraham
A
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005205:Fascia / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D013552:Swine; D014945:Wound Healing