@article{pearson96a,
  author = {S. Pearson and S. A. Prahl},
  title = {Thermal Characterization of Porcine Intestine for Laser Tissue Welding},
  journal = {Proceedings of the Oregon Academy of Science},
  volume = {32},
  pages = {},
  year = {1996 abstract only},
  abstract = {Laser welding of tissues has been performed with varying degrees of success for several years. However, the welding mechanism has yet to be completely isolated. One possible link to the mechanism is the thermal denaturation and coagulation of collagen fibrils in the tissue, occurring above 60$^\circ$C. Thermal characterization experiments were performed in an attempt to isolate this mechanism for porcine intestine. One apparent thermal characteristic of biological tissues is a contraction of the collagen fibrils induced by excessive heating, which is thought to follow an Arrhenius model of thermal damage. Experiments were conducted with a universal tester and waterbath to find the parameters that would define the process model. Intestine samples were pulled to a constant force, placed in a heated waterbath, and their contraction in length versus time recorded for various temperatures. Analysis of the rate of contraction and change in length as functions of temperature do not follow an Arrhenius model, but rather is a threshold process above 75$^\circ$C. Preliminary waterbath welding experiments demonstrate optimal welds at temperatures right below the threshold for contraction, leading to a small temperature range of 60--75$^\circ$C for consistently strong welds.},
}