- Email: [email protected]
A probe-pointed tubing introducer
A PROBE-POINTED TUBING INTRODUCER
By A. J. J. EMMETT,F.R.C.S. Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex
DURING the reconstruction of a lacrimal canaliculus or in the operation of dacrocystrhinostomy, the surgeon may wish to pass a fine polyethylene tube (I mm. external diameter) through the canaliculus. Whereas a rigid metal probe will usually pass with ease, the introduction of a soft polyethylene tube may be very difficult or even impossible. By threading the tube on to a probe-pointed introducer it can be passed more easily.
1 The introducer consists of a malleable stainless-steel wire 0-5 mm. diameter which fills the tube lumen, and a tip which is rounded in front and with a rear shoulder to fit flush with the tubing. The tube on the introducer acts as a malleable probe, and is generally 6 to 8 in. long. When it has been passed through the duct into the nose, the wire probe can be pulled out leaving the tube in situ. The introducer can be simply made by soldering a tip on to the wire and shaping the tip. The wire must fit firmly in the tubing. It can be made to fit any size of tubing and is useful for bringing tubing out through any difficult duct or track. I would like to thank Mr L F. K. Muir, M.B.E., M.S., F.R.C.S., for his help with the use of this instrument. 32I
By A. J. J. EMMETT,F.R.C.S. Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex
DURING the reconstruction of a lacrimal canaliculus or in the operation of dacrocystrhinostomy, the surgeon may wish to pass a fine polyethylene tube (I mm. external diameter) through the canaliculus. Whereas a rigid metal probe will usually pass with ease, the introduction of a soft polyethylene tube may be very difficult or even impossible. By threading the tube on to a probe-pointed introducer it can be passed more easily.
1 The introducer consists of a malleable stainless-steel wire 0-5 mm. diameter which fills the tube lumen, and a tip which is rounded in front and with a rear shoulder to fit flush with the tubing. The tube on the introducer acts as a malleable probe, and is generally 6 to 8 in. long. When it has been passed through the duct into the nose, the wire probe can be pulled out leaving the tube in situ. The introducer can be simply made by soldering a tip on to the wire and shaping the tip. The wire must fit firmly in the tubing. It can be made to fit any size of tubing and is useful for bringing tubing out through any difficult duct or track. I would like to thank Mr L F. K. Muir, M.B.E., M.S., F.R.C.S., for his help with the use of this instrument. 32I