The Application of a Venous Catheter for the Surgical Treatment of Punctal Occlusion

PURPOSE: Presentation about advantages of a new surgical technique in 20 patients with punctal occlusion with a venous catheter during punctoplasty. METHODS: The arrangement of a 30-mm venous catheter used during puncoplasty surgery was performed in 10 patients with punctal occlusion. The venous catheter was removed after 15 to 45 days after surgery. RESULTS: The use of the venous catheter supports the recanalization of the lacrimal drainage system 15 days after surgery. The venous catheter is easy to find, not expensive, and easy to use. CONCLUSION: The technique is performed under regional anesthesia. Furthermore, after surgery, the recanalization of the lacrimal drainage system was observed with a significant reduction of the epiphora in 6 months after surgery.