Temporal artery biopsy technique

The incision is made overlying the temporal artery. The dissection is carried through the subcutaneous fat parallel to the vessel with care not to injure the vessel, and a self-retaining retractor placed. Dividing the overlying temporoparietal fascia exposes the superficial temporal artery. The vessel is ligated proximally and distally, and the intervening segment removed. Hemostasis is achieved using electrocautery or additional sutures.