Background and Objective: A thermal camera was used to measure surface temperatures during laser skin welding to provide feedback for optimization of the laser parameters. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Two-centimeter-long, full-thickness incisions were made in guinea pig skin in vitro and in vivo. India ink was applied to the incision edges, which were then mechanically apposed. Continuous-wave, 1.06-mu m Nd:YAG; laser radiation was scanned over the incisions, producing an effective pulse duration of similar to 100 msec, Cooling durations between scans of 1.6, 4.0, and 8.0 sec were studied in vitro. A 5-mm-diameter laser spot was used with the power kept constant at 10 W. Thermal images were obtained at 30 frames per second with a thermal camera detecting 3-5 mu m radiation. Surface temperatures were recorded at 0, 1, and 6 mm from the center line of the incision. Results/Conclusions: Cooling durations of 1.6 and 4.0 seconds in vitro resulted in temperatures at the weld site that remained above similar to 65 degrees C for prolonged periods of time. Cooling durations of 8.0 seconds were sufficient both in vitro and in vivo to prevent a significant rise in baseline temperatures at the weld site over time. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
