title: Corneal cut closure using temperature-controlled CO2 laser soldering system.
abstract: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of temperature-controlled laser soldering for repair of large perforated corneas in a porcine model. Eight Yorkshire pigs aged 6 months underwent 6-mm-deep 180° crescent-shaped trephination of the central corneas. Right corneal injuries were repaired by placement of 47 % bovine albumin along the cut followed by CO2 laser soldering (power density 16 W/cm(2)) to a target temperature of 65(°). Left corneal injuries were repaired with 10/0 nylon sutures. The groups were compared for operative time, leakage, and histopathological findings. Mean tissue temperature was 63 ± 4 °C. Mean operative time was 31.57 ± 2.8 min in laser-soldered eyes and 41.38 ± 2.3 min in controls (p < 0.0001, unpaired Student's t test). Compared to controls, the soldered corneas had less neovascularization, complete re-epithelization, and mild stromal inflammation. There was no leakage in either group. Combined CO2 laser and radiometer is effective for the in vivo repair of corneal cuts. These results have important implications for modern corneal surgery. Further studies are needed in the clinical setting.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, 49100, Israel, kfirtal@gmail.com.
authors: Kfir
authors: K
authors: Tal
authors: Eyal
authors: E
authors: Strassmann
authors: Nino
authors: N
authors: Loya
authors: Avi
authors: A
authors: Ravid
authors: Noam
authors: N
authors: Kariv
authors: Dov
authors: D
authors: Weinberger
authors: Abraham
authors: A
authors: Katzir
authors: Dan D
authors: DD
authors: Gaton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery; D048988:Corneal Surgery, Laser / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D034421:Sus scrofa; D013552:Swine; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques