Nonsurgical placement of a nasolacrimal polyurethane stent.

PURPOSE

To describe the placement of a nasolacrimal polyurethane stent with a new introducer set and hook.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors designed a soft polyurethane stent, an introducer that does not require balloon dilation, and a hook that can remove a ball-tipped guide wire from the inferior nasal meatus under fluoroscopic guidance. The stent was placed in 51 lacrimal systems in 44 outpatients who had complete obstruction of the lacrimal sac or nasolacrimal duct.

RESULTS

Stent placement was technically successful and well tolerated in 50 of 51 nasolacrimal systems. The procedure lasted an average of 16 minutes (range, 10-33 minutes). After stent placement, 47 of 50 eyes showed complete resolution of epiphora, and the other three showed partial resolution. During follow-up, no stents migrated, and one stent became blocked. The stent was reopened by means of forceful irrigation of saline solution through the superior punctum.

CONCLUSION

Placing a polyurethane nasolacrimal stent by use of the new introducer and hook simplifies the technique, shortens operating time, reduces cost, and makes the procedure well tolerated by patients.