Nasolacrimal duct probing, intubating and irrigating device

摘要

A device and method for performing probing and intubation of the nasolacrimal system includes a tubular probe through which a tracer fluid is injected and collected in the nasal cavity to verify that the tip of the probe has passed through an obstruction and reached the nasal cavity. A sleeve fitted over the probe has distal segment that is inflated in order to retain the sleeve in the nasolacrimal system once the tubular probe has been withdrawn. Removal of blood and other obstructions encountered during the probing or intubation process is accomplished by connecting the proximal end of the probe to a suction device.

主权项

1. A device for the treatment of a patient's canaliculus and nasolacrimal duct stenosis which comprises:
a tube shaped and dimensioned to penetrate said canaliculus and duct; said tube being made of a substantially hard semi-rigid material, and having a proximal end, a blunted distal end, an axial lumen, a total length between approximately 4 and 50 centimeters and an outer diameter between 0.125 and 4.00 millimeters; a connector at said proximal end; said lumen having at least one orifice at said distal end; and, a flexible sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, an axial interior channel closed at said distal end and being dimensioned to allow said channel to be loosely engaged by said tube leaving a radial gap between said tube and said sleeve, allowing fluid to pass through said gap; said sleeve having a length shorter than said total length of said tube; wherein said sleeve further comprises:
a first seal against said tube near said distal end; and,an inflatable segment between said proximal end and said distal end.