In dilation of nasolacrimal duct stenosis materials now being used ori
ginally were developed for percutaneous transluminal coronary angiopla
sty (PTCA). Suitable modifications of the angioplasty equipment could
improve therapeutic results and thus influence the area of indication
of this new technique. In addition to the standard PTCA equipment, we
used a cannula designed to fit the guide wire, leading to less traumat
ic intubation of the lacrimal duct and allowing radiographic control o
f the recanalization procedure. Five patients showing relative stenosi
s and ten patients showing complete obstruction of the nasolacrimal du
ct were treated by dacryocystoplasty. Clinical and radiographic follow
-up was done over a period of 6 months. In a total of seven patients,
dilation proved successful. Out of these, four showed stenosis (80% re
canalization rate) and three complete obstruction (30% recanalization
rate) before dilation. Recanalization by dilation using balloon cathet
ers seems to be possible even in cases of complete nasolacrimal duct o
bstruction. However, the success rate is considerably lower than in re
lative stenosis.