Parotid duct repair by use of an embolectomy catheter with a microvascular clamp

Abstract

Parotid duct injuries represent a small percentage of overall facial trauma. It is reported that they are not thoroughly inspected, so that a high number of parotid duct injuries are undiagnosed.1 Awareness of such an injury can help avoid serious complications, some of which are difficult to treat. Also, trauma to the parotid duct usually involves adjacent structures, especially the facial nerve. Surgical exploration is necessary but not adequate for clarifying the existence of parotid duct injury alone. Balloon angioplasty catheters, polyethylene, and intravenous catheters are used to identify and cannulate the parotid duct after injury.2–4 An embolectomy catheter is described for use as a guide for parotid duct examination and repair. It can also be used as a temporary intraduct stent during the postoperative period.