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Nasolacrimal polyurethane stent placement for epiphora: technical long-term results
I P Pabón1, L P Díaz, C Grande
1Servicio de Radiología Vascular e Intervencionista, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Madrid, Spain. isabelpinto@retemail.es
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Proper polyurethane stent placement is key for treating obstructive epiphora. Malpositioned stents lead to early blockage and require irrigation, impacting long-term nasolacrimal system patency.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Obstructive epiphora significantly impacts quality of life.
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction necessitates effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate technical challenges in polyurethane stent implantation for obstructive epiphora.
- To determine the long-term patency of the nasolacrimal system after stent placement.
Main Methods:
- Fluoroscopically guided polyurethane nasolacrimal stent placement in 70 obstructed systems (62 patients).
- Follow-up ranged from 1-20 months (average 11.3 months).
- Analysis of stent patency, malpositioning, and irrigation needs.
Main Results:
- Successful stent placement in 87% of cases.
- Long-term patency achieved in 58.6% of stents.
- Properly positioned stents showed significantly higher patency (73% at 1 year) and required less irrigation compared to malpositioned stents.
Conclusions:
- Recurrence of epiphora due to stent obstruction was 28% after 1 year.
- Early stent blockage and need for irrigation may indicate malpositioning.
- Optimal stent placement is crucial for successful nasolacrimal system treatment.
