Early Experience with the StopLoss Jones Tube

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oculoplastics
• Lacrimal Surgery

Background:

• Extrusion is a frequent cause of failure following standard Jones tube placement.
• The StopLoss Jones tube (SLJT) features an internal silicone flange designed to mitigate extrusion risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the early clinical experience and outcomes of the novel StopLoss Jones tube (SLJT) and its introducer system.
• To assess the efficacy of the SLJT in preventing tube extrusion and its overall success rate.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing SLJT placement by a single surgeon between November 2011 and November 2013.
• Data collected included patient demographics, indications for surgery, intra-operative findings, post-operative complications, and patient satisfaction.

Main Results:

• 29 SLJTs were implanted in 25 eyes across 19 patients, with a mean follow-up of 10 months (range 1-25 months).
• Indications included prior complications with standard Jones tubes (52%), failed DCR surgery (31%), and primary canalicular obstruction (14%).
• The SLJT demonstrated a 0% extrusion rate, with overall surgical success at 92% and 86% of patients fully satisfied.

Conclusions:

• The StopLoss Jones tube (SLJT) is user-friendly and achieves high success rates and patient satisfaction.
• The integrated internal silicone flange effectively addresses and prevents the common issue of tube extrusion.