Lacrimal canalicular bypass surgery with autologous superficial temporal artery graft

To describe superficial temporal artery graft as a new autologous tissue to reconstruct the upper lacrimal drainage system.

We explain the history of a 30‑year‑old female with upper lacrimal drainage system obstruction, in whom conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) failed to resolve epiphora. Asuperficial 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.

Superficial temporal artery autograft successfully eliminated epiphora of the patient in whom (CDCR) with Jones tube failed to make her symptom free.

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.