Laser welding for surgeons
In Russia, a method of healing the skin and internal organs without scars has been created
The world's first surgical method of healing incisions of internal and external organs without scarring has been developed by scientists of NIU "MIET" and Sechenov University. According to them, the proposed laser technology is characterized by high efficiency, accuracy and low cost. The results are published in the journal Bioegineering (Gerasimenko et al., Reconstruction of Soft Biological Tissues Using Laser Soldering Technology with Temperature Control and Biopolymer Nanocomposites).
Complex surgical operations, according to doctors, almost always lead to the formation of rough tumor-like scars from connective tissue. If scars on the skin usually have only an aesthetic negative effect, then scars on internal organs can significantly worsen their work, experts said.
The methods of incision healing used today have a number of limitations, the scientists said. Thus, the use of traditional sutures created with a needle and thread is limited during operations on mucous membranes, vessels and other delicate tissues. Stitching with electric and ultrasonic welding can lead to damage to healthy tissues, and the strength of adhesive joints is often insufficient, experts said.
Scientists of the National Research University "MIET" and Sechenov University have developed a method that, according to them, ensures the restoration of cuts in body tissues without scarring. The new technology involves the use of a special bio-organic composition as solder, which is applied to the wound area, after which its edges are soldered with a laser.
"We have managed to prove the advantage of laser wound repair technology of soft tissues over traditional surgical methods. The technology allows you to quickly obtain a sealed seam with minimal dimensions, which in the future will not leave behind a rough noticeable scar," said Alexander Gerasimenko, head of the study, associate professor of the Institute of Biomedical Systems of NIU "MIET".
According to him, such an effect provides a unique composition of solder based on albumin, a blood transport protein, as well as an optical absorber of indocyanine green and single-walled carbon nanotubes.
The laser device itself is equipped with a smart temperature feedback system that allows you to control the intensity of laser radiation. With the help of software, laser heating of biological tissue occurs with an accuracy of 0.5 ° C.
"The solder components are selected in such a way as to absorb laser radiation as much as possible, concentrating it in the wound area. Under the influence of radiation, the liquid solder transforms into a solid porous biocomposite that firmly connects the edges of the incision. In the process of further healing, the composite promotes the germination of tissues into its structure, and then dissolves and is excreted from the body," Gerasimenko explained.
Immediately after the operation, laser seams with bio-organic solder have a width three to four times smaller than that of a sutured seam. 10 days after the operation, the tissues in the suture area of the new type are practically indistinguishable from the original skin, the scientists stressed.
Tests of the new method have shown not only effective healing of linear skin incisions, but also a concomitant reduction of inflammation, absence of microcirculatory disorders, acceleration of connective tissue growth at the wound site, the creators noted.
"Our laser tissue reconstruction technology makes it possible to reduce the duration of postoperative rehabilitation, which will make it possible to reduce the cost of medical services and materials. Due to the low cost, the operation will be available to a wide range of patients," Gerasimenko said.
At this stage, the technology is undergoing experimental studies on various tissues of the body. The research team has already tested a new method for restoring mucous membranes in maxillofacial surgery, blood vessels, as well as articular cartilage in orthopedics.
The study was conducted as part of the implementation of the federal program "Priority 2030".
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