Abstract
This study was performed to compare argon laser welded arteriovenous anastomosis to conventional manual anastomosis between femoral vessels of dogs. In 4 animals, anastomosis was done with running 6-0 polypropylene sutures. In 12 animals, anastomosis was carried out with argon laser. All anastomotic sites were patent without aneurysmal change or luminal narrowing at biopsy. Histologic examintion revealed granulomatous tissue reaction in conventional group, but minimal inflammatory response in laser group. Argon laser welding of vascular anastomoses may be indicated for reconstruction of medium and small caliber vessels in view of improved wound healing wjthout foreign body response.
