Laser-activated solid protein bands for peripheral nerve repair: an in vivo study

Background and Objective: Severed tibial nerves in rats were repaired using a novel technique, utilizing a semiconductor diode- laser-activated protein solder applied longitudinally across the join. Welding was produced by selective laser denaturation of solid solder bands containing the dye indocyanine green. Study Design/Materials and Methods: An in vivo study, using 48 adult male Wistar rats, compared conventional microsuture-repaired tibial nerves with laser solder-repaired nerves. Nerve repairs were characterised immediately after surgery and after 3 months. Results: Successful regeneration with average compound muscle action potentials of 2.5 ± 0.5 mV and 2.7 ± 0.3 mV (mean and standard deviation) was demonstrated for the laser-soldered nerves and the sutured nerves, respectively. Histopathology confirmed comparable regeneration of axons in laser-and suture-operated nerves. Conclusion: The laser-based nerve repair technique was easier and faster than microsuture repair, minimising manipulation damage to the nerve.