- Email: [email protected]
Improved Punctum Plug Inserter
IMPROVED PUNCTUM PLUG INSERTER THOMAS C. GETIELFINGER, MD JERRE MINOR FREEMAN, MD MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
SINCE its introduction at this meeting in 1974 by Dr Jerre Minor Freeman, the punctum plug has undergone continued evolution. One of the difficulties has been the insertion of the plug into the punctal opening. In its current form, the plug is manufactured of silicone by McGhan Corporation of Santa Barbara, Calif. A thin· metal wire is used to skewer the plug. Under topical anesthesia, the punctum is dilated and the lid is grasped with a smooth curved forceps. The plug is then inserted directly, and once it is beyond the punctal ring, the lid is released and the plug removed from the metal wire with the forceps. This new technique allows for rapid and easy insertion.
Fig 2.-Punctum plug inserted on wire skewer.
Fig 3.-Close·up of plug on skewer and smooth curved forceps.
Fig I.-Smooth curved forceps and punctum plug.
Submitted for publication March 6, 1977. From the Department of Ophthalmology, Univer· sity of Tennessee, Methodist Hospital, Memphis. Presented as a New Instrument at the Eightysecond Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, Dallas, Oct 2-6, 1977.
Fig 4.-Drawing of punctum plug on wire skewer.
882
SINCE its introduction at this meeting in 1974 by Dr Jerre Minor Freeman, the punctum plug has undergone continued evolution. One of the difficulties has been the insertion of the plug into the punctal opening. In its current form, the plug is manufactured of silicone by McGhan Corporation of Santa Barbara, Calif. A thin· metal wire is used to skewer the plug. Under topical anesthesia, the punctum is dilated and the lid is grasped with a smooth curved forceps. The plug is then inserted directly, and once it is beyond the punctal ring, the lid is released and the plug removed from the metal wire with the forceps. This new technique allows for rapid and easy insertion.
Fig 2.-Punctum plug inserted on wire skewer.
Fig 3.-Close·up of plug on skewer and smooth curved forceps.
Fig I.-Smooth curved forceps and punctum plug.
Submitted for publication March 6, 1977. From the Department of Ophthalmology, Univer· sity of Tennessee, Methodist Hospital, Memphis. Presented as a New Instrument at the Eightysecond Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, Dallas, Oct 2-6, 1977.
Fig 4.-Drawing of punctum plug on wire skewer.
882