NONSURGICAL PLACEMENT OF A NASOLACRIMAL POLYURETHANE STENT

PURPOSE: To describe the placement of a nasolacrimal polyurethane sten t with a new introducer set and hook. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The autho rs designed a soft polyurethane stent, an introducer that does not req uire balloon dilation, and a hook that can remove a ball-tipped guide wire from the inferior nasal meatus under fluoroscopic guidance. The s tent was placed in 51 lacrimal systems in 44 outpatients who had compl ete obstruction of the lacrimal sac or nasolacrimal duct. RESULTS: Ste nt 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 comp lete resolution of epiphora, and the other three showed partial resolu tion. During follow-up, no stents migrated, and one stent became block ed. The stent was reopened by means of forceful irrigation of saline s olution through the superior punctum. CONCLUSION: Placing a polyuretha ne nasolacrimal stent by use of the new introducer and hook simplifies the technique, shortens operating lime,reduces cost, and makes the pr ocedure well tolerated by patients.