Microvascular anastomosis using the milliwatt CO2 laser.

The milliwatt CO2 laser was used to anastomose small vessels in a rat femoral artery model. The technique requires multiple brief applications of 60-70 mW after placement of three equidistant 10-0 nylon stay sutures. The vessel histology is described immediately and 1, 3, 7, and 21 days after the procedure. The laser effects tissue bonding through changes in the collagen of the adventitia and media. Subsequent healing consists of new collagen deposition in the adventitia and reendothelialization of the intima associated with neointimal proliferation at 3 weeks.