SIDE-BY-SIDE LACRIMAL INTUBATION THREADER AND METHOD
A device to facilitate insertion or threading of a flexible silicone intubation stent (20) into the lacrimal drainage system of a patient. The device has an oblong hollow semi-rigid probe (30) having the flexible stent (20) releasably secured to its blunted distal end (32). The probe and stent are oriented in a side-by-side configuration and inserted endwise through the punctal opening, down through the nasolacrimal duct and into the nasal cavity. The flexible stent is detached from the distal end of the probe, and the probe withdrawn, leaving the stent in place. The flexible stent can be temporarily secured to the distal end of the probe through a number of means. One preferred way is to friction fit a resilient distal aperture (26) of the stent (20) upon the distal end (32) of the probe (30) and occlude the probe's distal opening (38). The stent is detached by injecting a pressurized fluid through the channel (34) of the probe (30) thereby forcing the distal extremity (22) of the stent (20) to pop off. The proximal extremity (23) of the stent (20) is secured in the patient by an integrated or separate punctal anchor (28).