Laparoscopic Enterocystoplasty with Laser Welding

Our objective is to develop a laser welding technique for applications in urologic anastomotic repalaparoscopic procedures in which conventional suturing techniques are difficult. The project is desistrength of welds in a bladder augmentation procedure (enterocystoplasty) under feedback controlledmode to achieve desired preset surface temperature of the tissue favorable to reproducible weld intewill be used in the studies for enhanced weld strength. Due to the relatively thick bladder tissue (two laser wavelengths (l.32 micromoles and 1.9 micromoles) representing a large penetration depth (aand a small penetration depth (approximately 0.1mm) in tissue respectively resulting in full thicknewelds which may affect the repair process. Although partial thickness welds may have lower acute strto better long term outcome due to reduced lamina propria damage. Phase I studies will concentrate ooptimal tissue temperature at which the acute weld strengths is the highest for the two lasers withabsorption and penetration properties. Phase II studies will evaluate the chronic healing characterioptimal tissue temperature for the two characteristic laser wavelengths. In addition, a laparoscopicdesigned and developed with temperature sensing and close- looped laser bower delivery compatible wisources, particularly compact diode laser, to accommodate various tissue thickness. This will broademany urological repair procedures.