Lacrimal Canalicular Bypass Surgery with Autologous Superficial Temporal Artery Graft

PURPOSE: To describe superficial temporal artery graft as a new autologous tissue to reconstruct the upper lacrimal drainage system. METHODS: We explain the history of a 30-year-old female with upper lacrimal drainage system obstruction, in whom conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) failed to resolve epiphora. A superficial temporal artery graft was harvested, intubated with Masterka tube, and implanted between the conjunctiva and nasal cavity. Masterka was replaced with a thicker dummy tube 12 weeks postoperatively. The adequacy of the graft was checked with irrigation tests in follow-up visits from 1 to 26 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Superficial temporal artery autograft successfully eliminated epiphora of the patient in whom (CDCR) with Jones tube failed to make her symptom free. CONCLUSION: Superficial temporal artery autograft as an autogenous tissue with adequate characteristics can be considered in selective patients of upper lacrimal obstruction to reconstruct the lacrimal drainage system.