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AJNR: American Journal of Neuroradiology logoLink to AJNR: American Journal of Neuroradiology
. 1996 Apr;17(4):657-63.

Treatment of recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstructions with balloon-expandable metallic stents: results of early experience.

E T Ilgit 1, D Yüksel 1, M Unal 1, S Akpek 1, S Isik 1
PMCID: PMC8337275  PMID: 8730184

Abstract

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of Palmaz balloon-expandable metallic stents for the maintenance of luminal patency in the treatment of recurrent nasolacrimal duct, obstructions after failed transluminal balloon dilatation.

METHODS

Metallic stents were implanted in the nasolacrimal duct of four patients with recurrent epiphora. All the patients had already undergone transluminal balloon dilatation of the nasolacrimal duct with no or only temporary improvement. In two eyes, 9.5-mm-long Palmaz stents were used; in the other two eyes, 20-mm-long articulated-design Palmaz stents were placed under digital fluoroscopic monitoring. In each case, the upper tip protruded slightly into the lacrimal sac and the lower end was positioned inside the nasolacrimal duct.

RESULTS

The stents were placed accurately in all cases, and no complications were observed. After stent placement, all patients had complete resolution of epiphora. During the follow-up period of 10 months, although complete obstruction did not occur in any case, complete resolution of epiphora was maintained only in one of four eyes. In two eyes, improvement was remarkable. In one eye with partial improvement, intrastent balloon dilatation was performed.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstructions with balloon-expandable metallic stents is a noninvasive, efficient, and safe outpatient procedure that may be an alternative to surgery as a means for managing epiphora.

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