Punctal anchor for lacrimal stent, introducer tool and method
US7846124B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F9/00772
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device and method for performing stenting and intubation of the nasolacrimal system to treat for stenosis or obstruction includes a semi-rigid tubular guide sleeve through which a flexible tubular stent, having an oversized length, is inserted from a punctal opening into the nasal cavity. The guide sleeve is removed and a resilient, radially expandable punctal anchor is placed through the punctal opening, to contact the stent and hold it in place. An introducer device having a hollow tubular core and a coaxially mounted, axially translatable outer sheath is provided to facilitate placement of the anchor. The anchor is stretched over the distal end of the core and the stent threaded into the central lumen of the core. Once the anchor is in place, the sheath is translated to push the anchor off the distal end. Excess stent at its proximal end is then trimmed off.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.