Laser tissue soldering: a new technique for surgical repair of tissues
Associate Professor
Judith Dawes
Centre for Lasers and Applications
April 2001
ARC-funded Research by Macquarie University's Centre for Lasers and Applications and the Microsearch Foundation of Australia
The appeal of laser tissue welding for the surgical joining of tissues is the simplicity and ease of the technique, and the reduction in scarring as the tissues heal. Applying a protein "solder" to the tissue further strengthens the tissue join, and protects the tissue from thermal damage from the laser radiation.
Researchers at Macquarie University and the Microsearch Foundation of Australia have developed solid protein solders in a variety of forms, which are strong, flexible, sterile and easy to use. They may be moulded to suit particular tissues to be repaired. These have been demonstrated in vivo in animal models with excellent results. The protein solder maintains the tissue join while the tissue heals and the protein is gradually resorbed by the body. Exclusive rights to two international PCT patents on aspects of the protein solder development have been sold recently to a local biotechnology company for further clinical development in Australia. The laser-cured solder can be adapted to a range of surgical procedures, and many patients could benefit in the longer term from this development.