About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

'Laser Welding' Seals and Heals Wounds Faster Than Suturing!

by Hannah Punitha on November 12, 2008 at 6:12 PM
'Laser Welding' Seals and Heals Wounds Faster Than Suturing!

Tel Aviv University researchers in Israel claim to have perfected a technique called "laser welding", in which carbon dioxide lasers are used to seal and heal wounds.

The breakthrough work can reduce may reduce the likelihood of infection and permanent scarring, which are associated with suturing and microsurgery techniques.

Advertisement

Prof. Abraham Katzir, a member of the university's Applied Physics Group, says that their work may change the way surgeons bond cuts on the surface of skin and inside the body during surgery.

Some doctors tried using a carbon dioxide laser to seal wounds earlier also, but they lacked the ability to control the heat of the laser, and thus their technique posed even greater risks.
Advertisement

Katzir says that his team has created a device that can heat body tissue in a precisely controlled manner.

He says that with the new device, if the laser begins to overheat and risks burning the tissue, laser power is reduced.

He adds that laser power increases when the temperature is too low to complete a closure.

With this work, Prof. Katzir has become the first researcher to apply the carbon dioxide laser, coupled to optical fibres, for wound closure under a tight temperature control.

He has revealed that the unique optical fibres deliver the laser's energy to heat the bonded cut and are used for controlling the temperature.

According to him, the fibres also make it possible to bond tissues inside the body.

"Sutures or stitches are not water tight, and blood or urine can pass through cuts, causing severe infection. Also, in many cases, a surgeon needs great skill to perform internal stitching, or in bonding tiny blood vessels, or in mending cuts on the skin so there will be no trace left on the body," he says.

Prof. Katzir says that his team have carried out successful clinical trials on people undergoing gall bladder removal surgery, which suggest that laser-bonded tissues heal faster and have less scarring than sutured cuts.

He says that preliminary findings of the team's work suggest that the novel approach may be used to bond cuts on the cornea, bladder, intestines, blood vessels or trachea.

He also envisions its use for bonding tissues inside the body on organs such as the kidney, and even in brain surgery.

The team say that they will soon be treating longer cuts, such as in the case of hernia operations, with the permission of the Ministry of Health.

They say that their work may lead to a commercial product within a few years if it turns out to be successful in larger tests.

"We think plastic surgeons will especially love this invention. Bonding tissues that heal well without scarring is a true art that few people possess," says Prof. Katzir.

"It could also become a device for the battlefield, allowing soldiers to heal each other on contact with a laser wand," he adds.

Source: ANI
SPH
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Research News

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: Link to Traumatic Brain Injury and Dementia?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are detected in approximately 1-3% of adults who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
Astrocyte Activation Through Optogenetics: A New Hope in the Fight Against Alzheimer's
The optogenetic activation of hippocampal astrocytes can be viewed as a novel therapeutic avenue for addressing Alzheimer's disease.
Link Between Cholesterol and Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease Identified
In Alzheimer's disease condition, the control and adjustment of ABCA7 levels in response to inflammation and the decrease in the availability of cholesterol.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Atopic Dermatitis Share Common Links
Atopic dermatitis (AD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to alterations in the microbiome, and disruptions in the skin and gut barrier.
Vitiligo-Associated Autoimmunity Linked to Lower Health Risks
Gaining insights into mortality risks among vitiligo patients will enhance patient counseling, healthcare monitoring, and overall patient management strategies.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

'Laser Welding' Seals and Heals Wounds Faster Than Suturing! Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests