A Novel Snake-chain Metal Probed Silicon Intubation Set for Nasolacrimal Duct Intubation: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study

Abstract

PURPOSE: A fresh-frozen human cadaveric feasibility study to investigate the feasibility of probing and stenting the nasolacrimal ducts (NLDs) of human cadavers with a novel flexible bicanalicular nasolacrimal stent. METHODS: A custom-designed bicanalicular nasolacrimal stent was made by connecting a 250 mm long, 0.9 mm diameter silicone tube to a 200 mm long stainless-steel, snake-chain probe at each end. The punctum was dilated, and the snake-chain stent fed into the nasolacrimal drainage system. The emergence of the stents from the terminal end of the NLD and retrieval with a ball probe was conducted under endoscopic guidance. RESULTS: Bicanalicular nasolacrimal stenting with intranasal retrieval under endoscopic guidance was successfully achieved in six NLDs of three adult cadaveric nasolacrimal drainage systems. CONCLUSION: Despite being soft and flexible, the snake-chain silicon stent passes smoothly and freely through cadaveric human NLD and is easily retrieved from the nasal cavity. This novel NLD stent design may make stenting of the NLD easier and less traumatic.