Technique for Temporal Artery Biopsy

Temporal artery biopsy is generally considered an easy or routine operation. However, documented low-benefit yield of the procedure may be influenced by shoddy surgical sampling. A method of temporal artery biopsy is presented that allows efficient harvesting and handling of adequate vessel length to aid in assessment of possible temporal arteritis. When the procedure is properly selected, predictable clinical benefit is obtainable with little difficulty for surgeons and low risk for patients.