Thesis (M.S.)--Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005. / Sacks, Michael, Committee Member ; Vito, Raymond, Committee Member ; Guldberg, Robert, Committee Member ; Yoganathan, Ajit, Committee Chair. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2007. / Ajit Yoganathan, Committee Chair ; Thomas Vassiliades, Committee Member ; Joseph Gorman, Committee Member ; Marc Levenston, Committee Member ; John N. Oshinski, Committee Member.

The material properties of the mitral valve chordae tendineae are important for the understanding of leaflet coaptation configuration and chordal pathology. This research combines basic histology with standard mechanical tests to determine the functioning role of the chordae tendineae during the cardiac cycle. Dual camera stereo photogrammetry was used to measure strains of the chordae in vitro under normal physiologic loading conditions. A uniaxial test simulating the same loading conditions was conducted. Histology and biochemical assays were performed on the chordae to determine chordal microstructure. Six porcine mitral valves were used for the in vitro flow loop study. The maximum strain experienced was 4.29% l 3.43% and was experienced at 249 msec after the start of valve closure. The loading rate was slightly higher than the unloading rate. The anterior lateral strut chordae had a higher maximum strain and loading rate than the posterior medial strut chordae. The posterior medial strut chordae had a higher unloading rate than the anterior lateral strut chordae. Histological examination revealed blood vessels in the chordae. The anterior strut chordae contain significantly more vessels than the other chordae. Different structural levels were observed for all chordae. The inner layer was characterized by a higher concentration of collagen; whereas, the middle layer was collagen with interwoven elastin fibers. The collagen microstructure was characterized by directional crimping. The anterior and posterior marginal chordae contained significantly more DNA than the other chordae (p<0.01). The anterior strut chord was found to contain significantly less DNA than all the other chordae (p<0.01). The collagen assay results showed that the posterior marginal chord contained significantly more collagen than the other chordae (p<0.01). The Fastin Elastin assay results showed no significant difference in the amount of elastin between the chordae. This study demonstrates the first in vitro examination of the strain experienced by the chordae tendineae of the mitral valve. This technique allows the investigation of the behavior of biological tissues under physiologic loading conditions. Contrary to earlier belief, vessels were found in the chordae. The microstructure and biochemical composition of the chordae tendineae is related to their function during coaptation.

Currently, mitral valve repair techniques have shown substandard mid-term and long term results. In order to improve the efficacy of these repair techniques, detailed knowledge of normal mitral valve function and the alterations to the valvular and subvalvular apparatus which occur under pathological conditions is required. Furthermore, current techniques may be optimized through a better understanding of the function and mechanics of the mitral valve after a particular repair. The experiments which comprise this study were designed using an in vitro approach since this technique has the clear advantage of isolating and independently controlling specific parameters that are of importance to valvular mechanics and function. The experiments were conducted in the Georgia Tech Left Heart Simulator using native porcine and human mitral valves. The first set of experiments measured the chordal force distribution and anterior leaflet strain of the mitral valve in its normal geometrical configuration. Subsequent experiments measure mitral regurgitation volume and chordal force distribution in conditions associated with ventricular dilation. The last set of experiments simulated two commonly used mitral repair techniques. For the Alfieri stitch experiments, the effects of mitral flow rate, transmitral pressure, and mitral annular area on valve stenosis, mitral regurgitation and Alfieri stitch force were evaluated. For annuloplasty, the effect of annular saddle curvature on anterior leaflet strain was quantified. In Conclusion, the normal geometry of the native mitral valve optimized its function and mechanics. Under pathological conditions associated with ventricular dilation, significant alterations to mitral valve function and mechanics were present. Although the studied repair techniques may have significantly restored valve function, severe alterations to the mechanics of the valve still persisted.

Este estudo foi desenvolvido com a intenção de propor uma classificação anatômica atualizada para o aparelho subvalvar da valva atrioventricular esquerda de corações humanos. A classificação de Pomerantzeff foi desenvolvida utilizando nomes lógicos e correlatos, baseada na posição anatômica do coração, e tem uma inovação: a identificação de uma nova estrutura anatômica, o músculo papilar basal. Cinqüenta valvas atrioventriculares esquerdas de corações humanos normais foram examinadas através de incisões realizadas na parede do ventrículo esquerdo. Foram analisados o tipo, a quantidade e a extensão das cordas, seus locais de origem e de inserção. Foi identificada a presença de três conjuntos de cordas: aposicional, basal e central. As cordas aposicionais são divididas em três subgrupos: mural, aórtico e comissural. Esses subgrupos se originam respectivamente nas cabeças mural, aórtica e comissural dos músculos papilares clássicos, aqui denominados superior-esquerdo e inferior-direito, e se inserem na região aposicional dos folhetos mural e aórtico da valva mitral e das suas comissuras superior-esquerda e inferiordireita. O conjunto de cordas basal pode ter três locais de origem: nas cabeças murais dos músculos papilares superior-esquerdo e inferior-direito ou em um músculo papilar acessório, nomeado músculo papilar basal. As cordas basais inserem-se próximas da base de implantação do folheto mural no anel valvar mitral. O terceiro conjunto é constituído pelas cordas centrais, que se originam nas cabeças aórticas dos músculos papilares superioresquerdo e inferior-direito e se implantam na porção central do folheto aórtico da valva mitral. Em cada conjunto podem ser encontrados até quatro tipos de cordas: primárias, secundárias, terciárias e quaternárias. As primárias são aquelas que têm sua origem nas pontas dos músculos papilares. As secundárias são ramificações das primárias, as terciárias são ramificações das secundárias e as quaternárias são ramificações das terciárias. Essa classificação, clara e objetiva, permite fácil reconhecimento das estruturas e pode ser utilizada igualmente por anatomistas, cirurgiões cardiovasculares e médicos que realizam exames diagnósticos por imagem / The aim of this study was proposing an anatomic and present classification of the subvalvar apparatus of the left atrioventricular valve in normal human hearts. Pomerantzeffs classification uses logic and correlated names, the anatomic position of the heart, and has an innovation: the identification of a new anatomic structure, the basal papillary muscle. Fifty left atrioventricular valves of normal human hearts were examined via incisions in the left ventricle wall, visualizing the valve from below. The type, quantity and length of the chordae tendineae and their places of origin and insertion were analyzed. Was identified the presence of three groups of chordae tendineae: appositional, basal and central. The appositional group is divided in three subgroups: mural, aortic and comissural, that arise from the respective heads mural, aortic and comissural of the classic papillary muscles here named leftsuperior and right- inferior and has his insertion in the appositional portion of the mural and aortic leaflets of the mitral valve and in the commissures leftsuperior and right-inferior. The basal group of cords can have three places of origin: from the mural heads of the left-superior and right-inferior papillary muscles or from an accessory papillary muscle, named basal papillary muscle, and as his insertion near of the base of implantation of the mural leaflet in the valvar ring. The central group of cords arises from the aortic heads of the classic papillary muscles and has his insertion in the central portion of the aortic leaflet of the mitral valve. In each group described above there are four types of cordae tendineae: primary (arise from the papillary muscles), secondary (ramification of primary), tertiary (ramification of secondary) and quaternary (ramification of tertiary). This classification, clear and objective, allows easy recognition of the subvalvar structures and can be used equally by anatomists, cardiovascular surgeons and physicians who carry out exams with image diagnostic methods

Este estudo foi desenvolvido com a intenção de propor uma classificação anatômica atualizada para o aparelho subvalvar da valva atrioventricular esquerda de corações humanos. A classificação de Pomerantzeff foi desenvolvida utilizando nomes lógicos e correlatos, baseada na posição anatômica do coração, e tem uma inovação: a identificação de uma nova estrutura anatômica, o músculo papilar basal. Cinqüenta valvas atrioventriculares esquerdas de corações humanos normais foram examinadas através de incisões realizadas na parede do ventrículo esquerdo. Foram analisados o tipo, a quantidade e a extensão das cordas, seus locais de origem e de inserção. Foi identificada a presença de três conjuntos de cordas: aposicional, basal e central. As cordas aposicionais são divididas em três subgrupos: mural, aórtico e comissural. Esses subgrupos se originam respectivamente nas cabeças mural, aórtica e comissural dos músculos papilares clássicos, aqui denominados superior-esquerdo e inferior-direito, e se inserem na região aposicional dos folhetos mural e aórtico da valva mitral e das suas comissuras superior-esquerda e inferiordireita. O conjunto de cordas basal pode ter três locais de origem: nas cabeças murais dos músculos papilares superior-esquerdo e inferior-direito ou em um músculo papilar acessório, nomeado músculo papilar basal. As cordas basais inserem-se próximas da base de implantação do folheto mural no anel valvar mitral. O terceiro conjunto é constituído pelas cordas centrais, que se originam nas cabeças aórticas dos músculos papilares superioresquerdo e inferior-direito e se implantam na porção central do folheto aórtico da valva mitral. Em cada conjunto podem ser encontrados até quatro tipos de cordas: primárias, secundárias, terciárias e quaternárias. As primárias são aquelas que têm sua origem nas pontas dos músculos papilares. As secundárias são ramificações das primárias, as terciárias são ramificações das secundárias e as quaternárias são ramificações das terciárias. Essa classificação, clara e objetiva, permite fácil reconhecimento das estruturas e pode ser utilizada igualmente por anatomistas, cirurgiões cardiovasculares e médicos que realizam exames diagnósticos por imagem / The aim of this study was proposing an anatomic and present classification of the subvalvar apparatus of the left atrioventricular valve in normal human hearts. Pomerantzeffs classification uses logic and correlated names, the anatomic position of the heart, and has an innovation: the identification of a new anatomic structure, the basal papillary muscle. Fifty left atrioventricular valves of normal human hearts were examined via incisions in the left ventricle wall, visualizing the valve from below. The type, quantity and length of the chordae tendineae and their places of origin and insertion were analyzed. Was identified the presence of three groups of chordae tendineae: appositional, basal and central. The appositional group is divided in three subgroups: mural, aortic and comissural, that arise from the respective heads mural, aortic and comissural of the classic papillary muscles here named leftsuperior and right- inferior and has his insertion in the appositional portion of the mural and aortic leaflets of the mitral valve and in the commissures leftsuperior and right-inferior. The basal group of cords can have three places of origin: from the mural heads of the left-superior and right-inferior papillary muscles or from an accessory papillary muscle, named basal papillary muscle, and as his insertion near of the base of implantation of the mural leaflet in the valvar ring. The central group of cords arises from the aortic heads of the classic papillary muscles and has his insertion in the central portion of the aortic leaflet of the mitral valve. In each group described above there are four types of cordae tendineae: primary (arise from the papillary muscles), secondary (ramification of primary), tertiary (ramification of secondary) and quaternary (ramification of tertiary). This classification, clear and objective, allows easy recognition of the subvalvar structures and can be used equally by anatomists, cardiovascular surgeons and physicians who carry out exams with image diagnostic methods

The clinical features in six patients with mitral insufficiency due to chordae tendineae have been. The patients in whom the etiology was not known did not become symptomatic till they were past 40, although a murmur had been present for several years. Pulmonary edema or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea were the initial symptoms in a number of these patients, preceding the more usual shortness of breath with exertion. The auscultatory and phonocardiographic features are specific. On fluoroscopy readily recognizable paradoxical pulsation of the left atrium was present in some of them. At cardiac catheterization a tall left atrial “v” wave with peak pressure as high as or higher than the peak pressure in the pulmonary artery was constantly found. In a patient with mitral insufficiency where the murmur is harsh and accompanied by a thrill in the fourth intercostal space near the left sternal border and in whom an ejection type systolic murmur is heard unaccompanied by the slow rising pulse of aortic stenosis, the possibility of mitral insufficiency due to ruptured chordae tendineae should be considered.

Mechanical heart valve (MHV) flows are characterized by high shear stress, regions of recirculation, and high levels of turbulent fluctuations. It is well known that these flow conditions are hostile to blood constituents, which could lead to thromboembolism. In the ongoing effort to reduce long-term complications and morbidity, it is imperative that we better understand the flow characteristics of the natural valve as well as that of the mechanical valve. In this study, we overcome many of the limitations imposed by other measurement techniques by employing a powerful, high-speed Time-Resolved Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (TRDPIV) system to map the flow field. We compare the flows downstream from a St. Jude Medical bileaflet MHV, a porcine mitral valve (MV), and a combination of both valves to simulate the technique of chordal preservation. Instantaneous velocity fields and vorticity maps are presented, which provide detailed information about the development of the flow. Time-averaged velocity, vorticity, and turbulent kinetic energy measurements are also discussed. Asynchronous leaflet behavior was observed in all cases involving the mechanical valve. Extensive vortex formation and propagation are present distal to the MHV, which leads to high levels of jet dispersion. The porcine mitral jet exhibits lateral oscillatory behavior, but it does not disperse like the MHV. In the MHV/porcine combination system, the native tissue limits vortex propagation and jet dispersion. The results presented provide insight on the hemodynamic characteristics of natural and MHVs, reveal the detrimental character of asynchronous leaflet opening, document the mechanism of vortex formation and interaction distal to the valve, and illustrate the importance of chordal preservation. These results may improve MHV replacement clinical practice and/or motivate and aid the design of MHVs that better mimic natural mitral flow patterns. / Master of Science

Introdução e Objetivo: No Brasil, procedimentos valvares representam no mínimo 30% das cirurgias cardíacas realizadas no país. Em nosso meio ainda predominam as lesões valvares decorrentes da febre reumática e doenças degenerativas. Nos pacientes reumáticos, a valva mitral é a mais acometida, predominando a estenose devido à fusão comissural e lesões no plano subvalvar; porém espessamento e retração de cúspides também são comuns, determinando dupla lesão ou insuficiência desta valva. Em processos degenerativos, as cordas tendíneas podem se apresentar alongadas. Na tentativa de utilização futura do laser como método auxiliar na correção cirúrgica dessas valvopatias, iniciamos estudo experimental com o objetivo de comparar histologicamente o tecido valvar mitral de suínos (cordas tendíneas e cúspides) submetido com e sem o laser de alta potência (LAP). Métodos: Foram estudadas cordas tendíneas e cúspides mitrais de suínos jovens e saudáveis, divididos em 6 grupos: G1-Aplicação do laser em cordas tendíneas com o tempo de 15 s; G2- Aplicação do laser em cordas tendíneas com o tempo de 20 s; G3- Aplicação do laser em cordas tendíneas com o tempo de 30 s; G4- Grupo controle relacionado a G1, G2 e G3; G5- Grupo cúspide submetido a corte com lâmina de bisturi; G6- Grupo cúspide submetido a corte com laser. As cordas tendíneas dos grupos G1, G2 e G3 receberam tratamento com laser de diodo (=980 nm, P=3,0 W) e o grupo G6 com laser de diodo em outros parâmetros (=980 nm, P=9,0 W, T=12s). Termografia e tomografia por coerência óptica foram utilizadas durante o experimento. Parte da amostra foi preservada em formaldeído e glutaraldeído para análise microscópica e a outra parte foi preservada em solução fisiológica 0,9% para análise mecânica. Resultados: Houve um decréscimo significante no comprimento das cordas tendíneas após aplicação do laser quando comparado ao comprimento inicial (p=0,005 em G1 e G2 e p=0,004 em G3). À microscopia óptica, G1, G2 e G3 apresentaram áreas hialinas ocupando quase a totalidade da espessura da corda, quando coradas pela Hematoxilina-Eosina (HE), áreas vermelho-escura na região central da corda quando coradas pelo Tricrômico de Masson e áreas com birrefringência diminuída quando coradas pelo Picrosírius vermelho. Na avaliação mecânica, os grupos lasers apresentaram diminuição da rigidez do material, assim como na força máxima durante a ruptura, entretanto o deslocamento foi maior em relação ao grupo controle (p=0,005). No G5, evidenciamos ausência de qualquer alteração histológica. No G6 foram identificadas áreas de menor birrefringência do colágeno quando corado pelo Picrosírius vermelho, áreas estas que apresentavam aspecto basofilico hialino no HE e coloração vermelho-escura ao Tricrômico de Masson. Conclusão: As cordas tendíneas de valvas mitrais de suínos submetidas ao laser de alta potência apresentaram redução do seu comprimento final, diminuição na birrefringência e alteração na distribuição dos feixes de colágeno. Além disso, apresentaram queda da rigidez, maior fragilidade de rotura e maior deslocamento ao teste de tração mecânica quando comparada ao grupo controle. Com relação às cúspides, os danos térmicos encontrados no grupo corte com laser de alta potência foram maiores do que em relação ao bisturi de lâmina, quando evidenciados pela microscopia óptica / Introduction and Objective: In Brazil, valvar procedures represent at least 30% of cardiac surgeries performed in the country. It still predominate valvar lesions resulting from rheumatic fever and degenerative diseases. In rheumatic patients, the mitral valve is the most affected, predominantly stenosis due to commissural fusion and lesions in the subvalvar plane, however, thickening and retraction of the leaflets are also common, causing double lesion or mitral insufficiency. In degenerative process, the chordae tendineae may present elongated. In an attempt to further use of the laser as an auxiliary method in the surgical correction of valvar heart disease, we started experimental study with the purpose of comparing the histological swine tissue mitral valve (chordae tendineae and cusps) with and without high-power laser (HPL) application. Methods: Normal porcine mitral valve chordae and cups were studied and divided randomly into the following 6 groups: G1- Laser in the chordae tendineae with time of 15s; G2- Laser in the chordae tendineae with time of 20s; G3- Laser in the chordae tendineae with time of 30s; G4- Control Group; G5- Cusp group cut with a scalpel blade; G6- Cusp group cut with laser. Chordae tendineae from G1, G2 e G3 received diode laser (=980 nm, P=3,0 W) and G6 diode laser with other parameters (=980 nm, P=9,0 W, T=12s). Termography and optical coherence tomography were included during the procedure. Part of the sample was preserved in formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde for microscopic analysis and another part was stored in 0.9% saline for mechanical analysis. Results: There was a significant decrease in chordae length after laser application when compared to the initial length (p=0,005 to G1 and G2; p=0,004 to G3). In laser groups, histological analysis revealed a typical hyaline areas occupying almost the entire thickness of the chordae, when stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE); dark red central areas when stained with Masson Trichrome and a birefringence decrease when stained with Picrocirius red. In mechanical analysis, we found lower stiffness, maximum rupture force decrease and larger displacement compared with the Control Group (p=0,005). In G5, was evidenced absence of any histological abnormality and a homogeneous blue appearance, typical of the cusp. However in G6, a basophilic hyaline aspect was found focally when stained with HE, dark red areas when stained with Masson Trichrome and a birefringence decrease when stained with Picrocirius Red. Conclusion: Chordae tendineae of normal porcine submitted to a high-power laser presented with reduced length, birefringence decrease and the collagen bundles organized into different orientations. Besides, presented lower stiffness, maximum rupture force decrease and larger displacement compared with the control group. Regarding cups, thermal changes were bigger in the cusp group cut with laser compared cusp group cut with scalpel blade, observed by optical microscopy

Introdução e Objetivo: No Brasil, procedimentos valvares representam no mínimo 30% das cirurgias cardíacas realizadas no país. Em nosso meio ainda predominam as lesões valvares decorrentes da febre reumática e doenças degenerativas. Nos pacientes reumáticos, a valva mitral é a mais acometida, predominando a estenose devido à fusão comissural e lesões no plano subvalvar; porém espessamento e retração de cúspides também são comuns, determinando dupla lesão ou insuficiência desta valva. Em processos degenerativos, as cordas tendíneas podem se apresentar alongadas. Na tentativa de utilização futura do laser como método auxiliar na correção cirúrgica dessas valvopatias, iniciamos estudo experimental com o objetivo de comparar histologicamente o tecido valvar mitral de suínos (cordas tendíneas e cúspides) submetido com e sem o laser de alta potência (LAP). Métodos: Foram estudadas cordas tendíneas e cúspides mitrais de suínos jovens e saudáveis, divididos em 6 grupos: G1-Aplicação do laser em cordas tendíneas com o tempo de 15 s; G2- Aplicação do laser em cordas tendíneas com o tempo de 20 s; G3- Aplicação do laser em cordas tendíneas com o tempo de 30 s; G4- Grupo controle relacionado a G1, G2 e G3; G5- Grupo cúspide submetido a corte com lâmina de bisturi; G6- Grupo cúspide submetido a corte com laser. As cordas tendíneas dos grupos G1, G2 e G3 receberam tratamento com laser de diodo (=980 nm, P=3,0 W) e o grupo G6 com laser de diodo em outros parâmetros (=980 nm, P=9,0 W, T=12s). Termografia e tomografia por coerência óptica foram utilizadas durante o experimento. Parte da amostra foi preservada em formaldeído e glutaraldeído para análise microscópica e a outra parte foi preservada em solução fisiológica 0,9% para análise mecânica. Resultados: Houve um decréscimo significante no comprimento das cordas tendíneas após aplicação do laser quando comparado ao comprimento inicial (p=0,005 em G1 e G2 e p=0,004 em G3). À microscopia óptica, G1, G2 e G3 apresentaram áreas hialinas ocupando quase a totalidade da espessura da corda, quando coradas pela Hematoxilina-Eosina (HE), áreas vermelho-escura na região central da corda quando coradas pelo Tricrômico de Masson e áreas com birrefringência diminuída quando coradas pelo Picrosírius vermelho. Na avaliação mecânica, os grupos lasers apresentaram diminuição da rigidez do material, assim como na força máxima durante a ruptura, entretanto o deslocamento foi maior em relação ao grupo controle (p=0,005). No G5, evidenciamos ausência de qualquer alteração histológica. No G6 foram identificadas áreas de menor birrefringência do colágeno quando corado pelo Picrosírius vermelho, áreas estas que apresentavam aspecto basofilico hialino no HE e coloração vermelho-escura ao Tricrômico de Masson. Conclusão: As cordas tendíneas de valvas mitrais de suínos submetidas ao laser de alta potência apresentaram redução do seu comprimento final, diminuição na birrefringência e alteração na distribuição dos feixes de colágeno. Além disso, apresentaram queda da rigidez, maior fragilidade de rotura e maior deslocamento ao teste de tração mecânica quando comparada ao grupo controle. Com relação às cúspides, os danos térmicos encontrados no grupo corte com laser de alta potência foram maiores do que em relação ao bisturi de lâmina, quando evidenciados pela microscopia óptica / Introduction and Objective: In Brazil, valvar procedures represent at least 30% of cardiac surgeries performed in the country. It still predominate valvar lesions resulting from rheumatic fever and degenerative diseases. In rheumatic patients, the mitral valve is the most affected, predominantly stenosis due to commissural fusion and lesions in the subvalvar plane, however, thickening and retraction of the leaflets are also common, causing double lesion or mitral insufficiency. In degenerative process, the chordae tendineae may present elongated. In an attempt to further use of the laser as an auxiliary method in the surgical correction of valvar heart disease, we started experimental study with the purpose of comparing the histological swine tissue mitral valve (chordae tendineae and cusps) with and without high-power laser (HPL) application. Methods: Normal porcine mitral valve chordae and cups were studied and divided randomly into the following 6 groups: G1- Laser in the chordae tendineae with time of 15s; G2- Laser in the chordae tendineae with time of 20s; G3- Laser in the chordae tendineae with time of 30s; G4- Control Group; G5- Cusp group cut with a scalpel blade; G6- Cusp group cut with laser. Chordae tendineae from G1, G2 e G3 received diode laser (=980 nm, P=3,0 W) and G6 diode laser with other parameters (=980 nm, P=9,0 W, T=12s). Termography and optical coherence tomography were included during the procedure. Part of the sample was preserved in formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde for microscopic analysis and another part was stored in 0.9% saline for mechanical analysis. Results: There was a significant decrease in chordae length after laser application when compared to the initial length (p=0,005 to G1 and G2; p=0,004 to G3). In laser groups, histological analysis revealed a typical hyaline areas occupying almost the entire thickness of the chordae, when stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE); dark red central areas when stained with Masson Trichrome and a birefringence decrease when stained with Picrocirius red. In mechanical analysis, we found lower stiffness, maximum rupture force decrease and larger displacement compared with the Control Group (p=0,005). In G5, was evidenced absence of any histological abnormality and a homogeneous blue appearance, typical of the cusp. However in G6, a basophilic hyaline aspect was found focally when stained with HE, dark red areas when stained with Masson Trichrome and a birefringence decrease when stained with Picrocirius Red. Conclusion: Chordae tendineae of normal porcine submitted to a high-power laser presented with reduced length, birefringence decrease and the collagen bundles organized into different orientations. Besides, presented lower stiffness, maximum rupture force decrease and larger displacement compared with the control group. Regarding cups, thermal changes were bigger in the cusp group cut with laser compared cusp group cut with scalpel blade, observed by optical microscopy