JAN 30, 2013
Temporal Artery Biopsy
By Richard Caesar, MBBS, FRCOphth
www.oculoplastics.info
Neuro-Ophthalmology/Orbit, Oculoplastics/Orbit
Dr. Richard Caesar demonstrates a safe, cosmetically sensitive approach for biopsying the temporal artery, standard in cases of suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA). After the superficial temporal artery is palpated, the course of the vessel is marked and local anesthetic is injected. The skin and fascia are dissected, ties are passed beneath the artery, and the artery is tied and cut. The incision is closed with interrupted subcuticular sutures and dressed.