Temporal Artery Biopsy

Columbia Surgical Specialists - General Surgery provides temporal artery biopsy, a diagnostic procedure used to diagnose giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis), an inflammatory condition of blood vessels. This condition can cause headaches, vision problems, and other symptoms, and early diagnosis is important to prevent complications such as vision loss.

Our evaluation includes a review of your symptoms, medical history, and coordination with rheumatologists or other specialists who have requested the biopsy. The procedure involves removing a small segment of the temporal artery, which runs along the side of the head, for pathological examination. We discuss the procedure, expected recovery, and follow-up care.

We perform temporal artery biopsy using careful techniques to ensure an adequate tissue sample for diagnosis. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day. We make a small incision over the temporal artery, carefully identify and isolate the artery, and remove a segment for pathological examination. The incision is closed with attention to cosmetic outcomes. We work closely with pathologists to ensure accurate diagnosis.