Laser System with Adaptive Thermal Stabilization for Welding of Biological Tissues

Abstract

A device for laser welding of biological tissues was developed. The main elements of the device are a laser guidance system and an adaptive thermal stabilization system. The laser solder is based on a water−albumin dispersion of single-layer carbon nanotubes (SCNTs). The properties of the SCNTs were tested using scanning electron microscopy. The surface of the weld was found to have cracks up to 10 μm in width and 150 μm in length. The cracks contained SCNT bundles <50 nm in diameter, which provided coagulation-induced sealing of the nanocomposite onto the biological tissue, thus strengthening the wound edges. Data on the welding contact temperature maintained during laser welding, the exposure time, and the corresponding weld rupture strength were obtained. The optimal weld temperature at maximal weld strength was 50-55°C. At this temperature, use of point laser welding made it possible to avoid thermal necrosis of surrounding healthy biological tissue and to obtain a welding nanocomposite with sufficient bonding strength.