A pre-swedged silicone tube to simplify pigtail canaliculoplasty

Silicone intubation of the canalicular system is indicated for stenting following canalicular trauma or surgery, or to dilate chronic stenosis of the punctum or canaliculus. Monocanalicular systems are available, but bicanalicular intubation is generally more stable and is particularly suitable for disease involving both the upper and the lower punctae or canaliculae. Bicanalicular intubation can be accomplished by intubating the entire lacrimal outflow system into the nose, or more simply by intubating the canalicular system alone using a pigtail probe. To use the pigtail probe to pass and fixate a segment of silicone tubing, the silicone tube is passed using a monofilament suture. A pre-swedged silicone tube segment on a monofilament suture has been designed to simplify the process of pigtail probe intubation of the canalicular system.