Successful development of a simple compact device using semiconductor laser diode and optical fiber for vascular anastomosis

Vascular anastomosis experiments have required large devices such as Ar, Nd:YAG, or CO ₂ lasers. These are expensive, have poor maneuverability, and are difficult to maintain. The authors report the results of a cooperative effort to make a semiconductor laser module for medical use in vascular anastomosis by using recent advances in fiber optics and electronics. The power source is small and very light. The light source is a high-output InGaAsP semiconductor. A maximum of 150 mW can be obtained from the laser tip. This light is guided into a single-mode optic fiber with a 10-μm-diameter core and emitted from a pencil-type holder 8 mm in diameter, 13-cm long, and weighing 50 g. Experiments with this device at an output around 30 mW showed a high potency rate, low injury to the endothelium, and less postoperative leakage.