Low-level laser therapy prevents prodromal signal complications on saphenectomy post myocardial revascularization.
OBJECTIVE
One of the most frequent treatments for ischemic heart disease is myocardial revascularization, often applying the saphenous vein as a coronary graft. However, postoperative complications may occur, such as saphenous dehiscence. According to the literature, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used in the treatment of several inflammatory processes in patients. Recently, its uses have expanded to include LLLT preventive therapy and postoperative treatment. Despite our department's successful application of LLLT in the treatment of saphenectomy incisions, many colleagues are still uncertain as to laser therapy's benefits. Therefore, the study's purpose was to evaluate tissue repair of prodromal surgical incisions after the administration of LLLT.


METHODS
The pilot study included 14 patients, divided into two groups. Both groups of patients received the traditional treatment; additionally, the Laser Group (n = 7) received diode laser treatment (λ = 780 nm, fluence = 19 J/cm(2), pulse = 25 mW, time = 30 sec, energy = 0.75 J, irradiance = 625 mW/cm(2), beam spot size 0.04 cm(2)), which was applied on the edges of the saphenectomy incision. The Control Group (n = 7) received conventional treatment exclusively.


RESULTS
In the Laser Group: all seven patients showed significant improvement, whereas the Control Group had twice as many complications, including critical rates of incisional dehiscence.


CONCLUSIONS
LLLT was valuable in preventing prodromal complications in saphenectomy post myocardial revascularization.
1 Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Department of The Heart Institute, General Hospital, Medical School, University of São Paulo , São Paulo, SP, Brazil .
Nathali Cordeiro
NC
Pinto
Mara Helena Corso
MH
Pereira
Suely
S
Tomimura
Ana Carolina
AC
de Magalhães
Pablo M
PM
Pomerantzeff
Maria Cristina
MC
Chavantes
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009204:Myocardial Revascularization; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000528:radiation effects