Four- versus two-point balloon dacryoplasty for blocked tear ducts
Official title: Comparative Outcomes of Four Versus Two Balloon Inflation Points in Dacryoplasty for Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Run by National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT07225244 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will see if using four inflation points instead of two during balloon dacryoplasty helps people with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction get better tear drainage.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 6, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07225244 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction who have not had prior lacrimal procedures and do not have the listed exclusion conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant or who have prior lacrimal surgery, upper lacrimal drainage obstruction, punctal stenosis, active dacryocystitis, dacryolithiasis, traumatic obstruction, or a lacrimal mass are unlikely to be eligible or to receive benefit from this procedure.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction will undergo balloon dacryoplasty using the LacriCATH® device and will be assigned to either a two-point or four-point inflation protocol. The procedures dilate the nasolacrimal duct at specified inflation points to restore tear drainage. Outcomes such as symptom relief, duct patency, and procedure-related complications will be tracked over follow-up visits. The comparison aims to determine which inflation approach yields better functional outcomes and fewer repeat procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred inflation approach could improve tear drainage and reduce the need for repeat or more invasive lacrimal surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Balloon dacryoplasty is an established technique for nasolacrimal duct obstruction, but head-to-head comparisons of two- versus four-point inflation are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are pregnant, with previous lacrimal procedure, upper lacrimal drainage obstruction, punctal stenosis, active dacryocystitis, dacryolithiasis, traumatic obstruction or lacrimal mass
Where it's running
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National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yi-Hsuan Wei, PhD — National Taiwan University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yi-Hsuan Wei, PhD
- Email: wn0069@yahoo.com.tw
- Phone: +886-972653324
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Adding 5‑Fluorouracil to endoscopic DCR for blocked tear ducts with a small lacrimal sac
This trial will test whether using 5‑fluorouracil during endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy helps adults with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction and a small lacrimal sac have better outcomes.
-
Using artificial tears to prevent tear duct blockage after thyroid cancer treatment
This study tests if using artificial tears can help prevent tear duct blockages in people who have had radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.