Lacrimal duct tube

Abstract

A lacrimal duct tube 1 that comprises a tube member 2 that is to be implanted in a lacrimal duct 18 and has an opening 8 at a tip end and an insertion hole 9 for inserting an endoscope 20 on a base end side. The tube member 2 has a wire reinforcement part 5. The wire reinforcement part 5 has an inner layer 5a, an outer layer 5c, and a reinforcement layer 5b that is provided between the inner layer 5a and the outer layer 5c. When a lacrimal occlusion is to be treated, the endoscope 20 is inserted directly into the lacrimal duct tube 1, making it possible to open the occluded area 19 and to implant the lacrimal duct tube 1 into the lacrimal duct 18 without using a sheath.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lacrimal duct tube.

Background Art

[0002] As a treatment for lacrimal duct obstruction, for example, a surgery based on sheath-guided endoscopic piercing (SEP) is performed. In this surgery, an endoscope is inserted into a sheath composed of a flexible cylindrical body such as silicon, and while checking the lacrimal duct, the occlusion site is pressed with the tip of the sheath to open the lacrimal duct. Next, only the endoscope is withdrawn while leaving the sheath in the lacrimal duct, and a lacrimal duct tube is inserted using a metal rod called a bougie into the sheath left in the lacrimal duct. Then, with the lacrimal duct tube inserted through the sheath to the position where it is to be left, the bougie and the sheath are withdrawn, and only the lacrimal duct tube is left in the lacrimal duct. The lacrimal duct tube is removed after being left for about one month, and the treatment for lacrimal duct obstruction is completed.

[0003] Also, as a lacrimal duct tube used for this treatment, for example, a lacrimal duct tube is known that is excellent in insertability into a sheath and is difficult to come out of the sheath (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the sheath-guided endoscopic puncture method described above, a sheath is used to resolve lacrimal duct obstruction and to place a lacrimal duct tube. Therefore, the use of a sheath necessitates the steps of inserting the sheath into the lacrimal duct using an endoscope, withdrawing the endoscope from the sheath and inserting the lacrimal duct tube into the remaining sheath in the lacrimal duct, and withdrawing the sheath from the lacrimal duct. As a result, the procedure is complicated, the number of treatment steps increases, which may lead to operational errors, and the treatment time is prolonged.

[0006] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a lacrimal duct tube that allows for direct insertion of an endoscope, enabling the treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction without the use of a sheath, thereby opening the obstructed area and allowing for placement in the lacrimal duct. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the lacrimal duct tube of the present disclosure comprises a tube member having an opening at its tip and an insertion hole at its proximal end for inserting an endoscope, and which is placed in the lacrimal duct, wherein the tube member has a wire reinforcement portion, and the wire reinforcement portion has an inner layer, an outer layer, and a reinforcing layer provided between the inner layer and the outer layer.

[0008] This configuration allows for a large inner diameter while maintaining a small outer diameter, resulting in a lacrimal duct tube with sufficient strength and flexibility even when the tube is formed with thin walls, thanks to the wire reinforcement. Furthermore, the large inner diameter of the tube allows for direct insertion of an endoscope into the tube, enabling confirmation of the lacrimal duct and opening of the obstructed area. Moreover, its sufficient strength and flexibility allow for manipulation of the tube to open the obstructed area, and it is less prone to collapse when placed in the lacrimal duct, making it less susceptible to damage when an endoscope is inserted. This allows for the placement of the lacrimal duct tube in the lacrimal duct without the use of a sheath during treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction. As a result, fewer treatment steps are required compared to conventional methods, reducing the likelihood of operational errors. The reduction in treatment steps also shortens treatment time, reducing the burden on both doctors and patients.

[0009] In one embodiment of the lacrimal duct tube, the tube member may have a transparent tip portion located at the tip end of the wire reinforcement portion. This configuration allows for a wider field of view of the endoscope, enabling manipulation of the lacrimal duct tube while observing the lacrimal duct over a wider area, thereby improving the operability of the lacrimal duct tube.

[0010] In one embodiment of the lacrimal duct tube, the outer layer may be treated with a hydrophilic coating. This configuration reduces friction between the lacrimal duct and the lacrimal duct tube, improving the maneuverability of the tube within the lacrimal duct, and making insertion and removal of the lacrimal duct tube easier, thereby reducing the burden on the patient.

[0011] In one embodiment of the lacrimal duct tube, the tube member may have a base end with an insertion hole located on the base end side of the wire reinforcement portion. This configuration allows for easy formation of the insertion hole in the tube member.

[0012] In one embodiment of the lacrimal duct tube, the reinforcing layer may be formed from a metal braid material. This configuration makes it easy to ensure the strength of the tube member.

[0013] In one embodiment of the lacrimal duct tube, the thickness of the wire reinforcement portion may be 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. This configuration allows for a wider lumen of the tube member, facilitating endoscope insertion and facilitating the flow of bodily fluids such as tears through the lumen.

[0014] In one embodiment of the lacrimal duct tube, the tube member consists of two tube members, and may further include a connecting portion that connects the proximal ends of the two tube members. With this configuration, one of the two tube members can be inserted into the superior lacrimal canaliculus and the other into the inferior lacrimal canaliculus, and because the two tube members are connected, the lacrimal duct tube placed in the lacrimal duct is less likely to come loose. In addition, the removal of the placed lacrimal duct tube becomes easier. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a lacrimal duct tube that allows for direct insertion of an endoscope, enabling the treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction without the use of a sheath, thereby opening the obstructed area and allowing for placement in the lacrimal duct. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lacrimal duct tube according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram showing the treatment process for lacrimal duct obstruction using a lacrimal duct tube according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing the treatment process for lacrimal duct obstruction using a lacrimal duct tube according to one embodiment. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram showing the treatment process for lacrimal duct obstruction using a lacrimal duct tube according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lacrimal duct tube 1 of this disclosure has two tube members 2, 2, and the base ends of the tube members 2, 2 are connected by a connecting portion 3. The tube member 2 has a wire reinforcement portion 5, and a tip portion 4 is provided on the tip side of the wire reinforcement portion 5, and a base end portion 6 is provided on the base end side. As shown in Figure 3, the wire reinforcement portion 5 is formed by laminating an inner layer 5a, an outer layer 5c, and a reinforcing layer 5b provided between the inner layer 5a and the outer layer 5c.

[0018] The inner layer 5a is located inside the wire reinforcing portion 5 and forms the inner cavity 7 of the tube member 2. The constituent material of the inner layer 5a is, for example, a fluorine-based thermoplastic resin, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), perfluoroalkoxy fluororesin (PFA), etc., and preferably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Since fluorine-based thermoplastic resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene have low friction, by forming the inner layer 5a with a fluorine-based thermoplastic resin, the sliding of the endoscope 20 (see Fig. 4A, etc.) in the wire reinforcing portion 5 becomes better, and the operability can be improved. In addition, dirt hardly adheres to the inner layer 5a, and body fluids such as tears flow easily, so that clogging of the inner cavity 7 can be prevented. Furthermore, since fluorine-based thermoplastic resins are excellent in heat resistance, molding of the wire reinforcing portion 5 having a laminated structure is easy.

[0019] The reinforcing layer 5b is provided so as to cover the outer periphery of the inner layer 5a and reinforces the wire reinforcing portion 5. The reinforcing layer 5b is formed of a blade material formed by knitting a plurality of wires or the like (not shown). The constituent material of the wire is, for example, metal or resin, and examples of the metal include stainless steel. The constituent material of the wire is preferably stainless steel. Since stainless steel has high strength and excellent heat resistance, molding of the reinforcing layer 5b is easy. The reinforcing layer 5b does not have to be knitted as long as it is composed of wires, and may also be formed by winding the wires in a coil shape.

[0020] The outer layer 5c is provided so as to cover the outer periphery of the reinforcing layer 5b, and forms the outer peripheral surface of the wire reinforcing portion 5. The constituent material of the outer layer 5c is, for example, a thermoplastic synthetic resin, such as polyurethane (PU), polyether block amide (PEBA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc., and preferably polyurethane (PU). When the outer layer 5c is formed of polyurethane, even if the tube member 2 is inserted into the lacrimal duct 18 (see FIG. 4A, etc.), it is difficult to damage the lacrimal duct 18, and hydrophilic treatment can be easily performed. When hydrophilic treatment is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the outer layer 5c, it can be performed with hyaluronic acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), etc. Thereby, since the friction between the lacrimal duct 18 and the lacrimal duct tube 1 is reduced, the lacrimal duct tube 1 slides easily in the lacrimal duct 18, and the operability is improved. Also, the insertion and removal of the lacrimal duct tube 1 become easy, and the burden on the patient can be reduced. Note that the outer layer 5c can be a single layer, but can also be two or more layers. When the outer layer 5c is a plurality of layers, each layer may be composed of the same material with different hardness. For example, it can be configured using polyurethanes with different hardness for the inside (the side of the reinforcing layer 5b) of the outer layer 5c and the outside (the outer peripheral side of the wire reinforcing portion 5) of the outer layer 5c.

[0021] The inner diameter of the wire reinforcing portion 5 is preferably 0.9 mm or more and 1.1 mm or less, and more preferably 1.0 mm. The outer diameter of the wire reinforcing portion 5 is preferably 1.2 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less, and more preferably 1.2 mm. The thickness of the wire reinforcing portion 5 is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and more preferably 0.2 mm.

[0022] In this way, by making the wire reinforcement section 5 a three-layer structure with a reinforcing layer 5b, the tube member 2 can be formed thinly while maintaining its strength, and a lumen 7 into which the endoscope 20 can be inserted can be secured. Furthermore, it is less likely to be damaged when the endoscope 20 is inserted, and it is less likely to collapse when the lacrimal duct tube 1 is placed in the lacrimal duct 18. Moreover, since the reinforcing layer 5b is formed by weaving wires, it does not impair the operability of the tube member 2, and strength and flexibility can be ensured.

[0023] An opening 8 is provided at the tip of the tip portion 4 of the tube member 2, communicating with the lumen 7 of the tube member 2. The tip portion 4 is made of, for example, polyurethane (PU) and is transparent. By making the tip portion 4 transparent so that visible light can pass through it, when the endoscope 20 is inserted near the tip portion 4, the lacrimal duct 18 can be seen not only from the opening 8 but also from the side of the tip portion 4, thus ensuring a wide field of view for the endoscope 20. Furthermore, since the lacrimal duct 18 can be observed and manipulated over a wider area with the endoscope 20, the operability of the lacrimal duct tube 1 can be improved. The tip portion 4 can be formed in a tapered shape, with the inner diameter gradually decreasing from the base end side connected to the wire reinforcement portion 5 to the tip end side where the opening 8 is provided. By making the inner diameter of the tip of the tip portion 4 smaller than the outer diameter of the endoscope 20, it is possible to prevent the tip of the endoscope 20 from protruding from the opening 8. The outer surface of the tip portion 4 can be treated with a hydrophilic coating such as hyaluronic acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone, or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). In this disclosure, the lacrimal duct tube 1 has a tip portion 4 at the end of the tube member 2, but the tip portion 4 can be of any configuration, and even if the tip portion 4 is not provided, it is possible to secure the field of view of the endoscope 20 through the opening 8 and confirm the lacrimal duct 18. Also, although the tip portion 4 is shown as a single layer in this example, it may be a multilayer structure made of the same or different materials.

[0024] An insertion hole 9 for inserting an endoscope 20 is provided at the base end 6 of the tube member 2. The base end 6, which does not have a reinforcing layer 5b, is provided on the base end side of the wire reinforcement part 5, and the insertion hole 9 is provided at the base end 6, making it easy to form the insertion hole 9. The insertion hole 9 can be provided on the side of the base end 6 or on the end face on the base end side of the base end 6. When the base ends of two tube members 2, 2 are connected by a tubular connecting part 3, it is preferable to form the insertion hole 9 on the side of the tip end of the base end 6, and more preferably at a position 35 mm from the opening 8, from the viewpoint of inserting the endoscope 20 through the insertion hole 9 and operating the tube member 2. In addition, although the shape of the insertion hole 9 is an elliptical shape extending in the circumferential direction of the tube member 2, the shape is not limited as long as the endoscope 20 can be inserted, and for example it may be circular or rectangular. By making the insertion hole 9 elliptical, it becomes less likely to be damaged even if the area around the insertion hole 9 is pulled due to the operation of the endoscope 20, etc. The size of the insertion hole 9 is not particularly limited, as long as it is large enough to insert the endoscope 20, but it can be, for example, 0.9 mm or larger. In addition, coloring the outer circumference of the insertion hole 9 makes it easier to recognize the position of the insertion hole 9, and facilitates operations such as the insertion of the endoscope 20.

[0025] The proximal end portion 6 is formed to gradually taper from a position closer to the proximal end than the insertion hole 9 to the proximal end where it connects to the connecting portion 3. Since the endoscope 20 is inserted from the insertion hole 9 toward the tip of the tube member 2, it is not inserted from the insertion hole 9 toward the proximal end, making it possible to form the proximal end portion 6 to be tapered from the insertion hole 9 toward the proximal end. The proximal end portion 6 is made of, for example, polyurethane (PU), and its outer surface can be treated with a hydrophilic coating such as hyaluronic acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone, or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Although the example given is a single layer for the proximal end portion 6, it may also be a multilayer structure made of the same or different materials.

[0026] In the tube member 2, the tip portion 4 and the wire reinforcement portion 5 are connected by welding the base end side of the tip portion 4 to the outer layer 5c of the tip side of the wire reinforcement portion 5. Also in the tube member 2, the wire reinforcement portion 5 and the base end portion 6 are connected by welding the outer layer 5c of the base end side of the wire reinforcement portion 5 to the tip side of the base end portion 6. In this way, the tip portion 4, the wire reinforcement portion 5, and the base end portion 6 that constitute the tube member 2 are integrally connected by welding, and from the viewpoint of facilitating welding, it is preferable to form the tip portion 4, the outer layer 5c of the wire reinforcement portion 5, and the base end portion 6 from the same material.

[0027] The connecting portion 3 that connects the two tube members 2,2 connects the proximal ends 6,6 of the tube members. Having two tube members 2,2 allows one to be inserted into the superior lacrimal canaliculus 13 (see Figure 4A, etc.) and the other into the inferior lacrimal canaliculus 14 (see Figure 4A, etc.). Furthermore, by connecting the two tube members 2,2 to form a single lacrimal duct tube 1, the lacrimal duct tube 1 is less likely to come loose when it is placed in the lacrimal duct 18. Also, when removing the lacrimal duct tube 1 from the lacrimal duct 18, it can be easily removed by pulling it out while holding the connecting portion 3.

[0028] The ends of the connecting portion 3 and the base end of the base end 6 are connected by welding. The connecting portion 3 only needs to be able to connect the base ends of the two tube members 2,2, and the connecting portion 3 may be formed integrally with the two tube members 2,2. The shape of the connecting portion 3 may be a hollow tube or a solid string. The lumen of the connecting portion 3 is formed to be, for example, 0.7 mm or less. When the lacrimal duct tube 1 is placed in the lacrimal duct 18, the connecting portion 3 is positioned at the inner corner of the eye, so by forming it thinner than the tube member 2, the discomfort felt by the patient when the lacrimal duct tube 1 is placed can be reduced, and it can also be made less noticeable from the outside. Furthermore, bodily fluids such as tears travel through the connecting portion 3, through the lumen 7 of the tube member 2 and the gap between the tube member 2 and the lacrimal duct 18, and are discharged from the nose. For this reason, by forming the connecting portion 3 thinner, this effect is enhanced, and tears and other fluids are discharged more easily.

[0029] A mark 10 is placed in the longitudinal center of the connection portion 3, which can be used as a guide when inserting the lacrimal duct tube 1. In this disclosure, the lacrimal duct tube 1 has a mark 10 in the center of the connection portion 3, but it may be placed at any other position, or it may not be placed at all.

[0030] The constituent material of the connecting portion 3 is, for example, polyurethane (PU). It is preferable that the connecting portion 3 and the base portion 6 be formed from the same material, which facilitates welding.

[0031] In a lacrimal duct tube 1 in which two tube members 2,2 are connected, the length from the opening 8 of one tube member 2 to the opening 8 of the other tube member 2 is preferably 90 mm or more and 120 mm or less, and more preferably 105 mm. The length of the tube member 2 is generally about 40 mm from the punctum to the nasolacrimal duct, and from the viewpoint of placement in the lacrimal duct 18, it is preferably 30 mm or more and 40 mm or less, and more preferably 40 mm. From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the tube member 2, the length of the wire reinforcement part 5 is preferably 20 mm or more and 38 mm or less, and more preferably 28 mm. The length of the wire reinforcement part 5 can also be preferably 50% or more and more preferably 70% of the length of the tube member 2. From the viewpoint of ensuring the field of view of the endoscope 20, the length of the tip part 4 is preferably 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm. From the viewpoint of the operability of the lacrimal duct tube 1, the length of the connecting part 3 is preferably 20 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and more preferably 25 mm.

[0032] In this embodiment, the lacrimal duct tube 1 consists of two tube members 2, 2 connected by a connecting part 3. However, it is also possible to use a lacrimal duct tube 1 consisting of a single tube member 2 that is not connected by a connecting part 3 for the treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction.

[0033] The following describes a method for treating lacrimal duct obstruction using the lacrimal duct tube 1 of this disclosure. Figure 4A shows the state in which the lacrimal duct tube 1, into which the endoscope 20 has been inserted, has been inserted into the lacrimal duct 18. Figure 4B shows the state in which the lacrimal duct tube 1 is pressing on the obstruction site 19. Figure 4C shows the state in which the lacrimal duct tube 1 has been placed in the lacrimal duct 18. As shown in Figure 4A and other figures, the lacrimal duct 18 consists of the superior punctum 11, the inferior punctum 12, the superior lacrimal canaliculi 13, the inferior lacrimal canaliculi 14, the common lacrimal canaliculi 15, the lacrimal sac 16, and the nasolacrimal duct 17.

[0034] First, the endoscope 20 is inserted into the tube member 2 through the insertion hole 9 of one of the tube members 2, and the tip of the endoscope 20 is moved to the transparent tip 4 to secure the field of view of the endoscope 20. As shown in Figure 4A, with the endoscope 20 inserted into the tube member 2, it is inserted from the superior lacrimal punctum 11, and while confirming the lacrimal duct 18 with the endoscope 20, the tube member 2 and the endoscope 20 are inserted from the superior lacrimal canaliculus 13 to the common lacrimal canaliculus 15, lacrimal sac 16, and nasolacrimal duct 17. As shown in Figure 4B, if an obstruction 19 is found in the lacrimal duct 18, the tip of the tip 4 of the tube member 2 is used to press and open the obstruction 19, while the tube member 2 is inserted further into the lacrimal duct 18. Thereafter, each time an obstruction 19 is found, the above operation is repeated to open the obstruction 19 and resolve the obstruction of the lacrimal duct 18. Once the tube member 2 has been inserted into the lacrimal duct 18 to the point where the insertion hole 9 is located near the superior lacrimal punctum 11, the endoscope 20 can be withdrawn from the insertion hole 9 while leaving the tube member 2 in the lacrimal duct 18, thereby allowing one of the tube members 2 to be left in the lacrimal duct 18, as shown in Figure 4C.

[0035] Using a similar procedure, the endoscope 20 is inserted into the other tube member 2 through the insertion hole 9, and the tip of the endoscope 20 is moved to the transparent tip 4. With the endoscope 20 inserted into the tube member 2, the tube member 2 and the endoscope 20 are inserted from the inferior lacrimal punctum 12, where the tube member 2 is not placed, into the inferior lacrimal canaliculus 14, common lacrimal canaliculus 15, lacrimal sac 16, and nasolacrimal duct 17. If an obstruction site 19 is then found, the tip of the tip 4 is used to press and open the obstruction site 19, while the tube member 2 is inserted deeper into the lacrimal duct 18. Once the tube member 2 has been inserted into the lacrimal duct 18 to the point where the insertion hole 9 is located near the inferior lacrimal punctum 12, the endoscope 20 is withdrawn from the insertion hole 9, leaving the tube member 2 in the lacrimal duct 18, thereby leaving the other tube member 2 in the lacrimal duct 18. At this time, the position of the mark 10 in the center of the connection part 3 can be used as a reference to adjust the connection part 3 so that it is located at the inner corner of the eye. After leaving the lacrimal duct tube 1 in place for about a month, it is removed from the lacrimal duct 18, thereby resolving the obstruction of the lacrimal duct 18 and completing the treatment of the lacrimal duct obstruction. In the method described above, one tube component 2 was inserted from the superior lacrimal punctum 11, but it is also possible to first insert one end of the tube component 2 from the inferior lacrimal punctum 12, and then insert the other end from the superior lacrimal punctum 11 to leave the lacrimal duct tube 1 in the lacrimal duct 18.

[0036] As described above, in the lacrimal duct tube 1 of this disclosure, by maintaining a small outer diameter of the tube member 2 while forming the tube member 2 with a thin wall to secure a large inner diameter, the endoscope 20 can be directly inserted into the tube member 2, and the obstructed portion 19 can be opened while confirming the lacrimal duct 18. Furthermore, since the tube member 2 is reinforced by the wire reinforcement portion 5, the tube member 2 can maintain flexibility and operability while ensuring strength. Therefore, the obstructed portion 19 can be opened by manipulating the tube member 2, and the lacrimal duct tube 1 is less likely to collapse even when placed in the lacrimal duct 18.

[0037] In the treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction, a sheath was conventionally used. However, with the lacrimal duct tube 1 of this disclosure, the obstruction site 19 can be opened and the lacrimal duct tube 1 can be placed in the lacrimal duct 18 without using a sheath. As a result, the treatment process involving a sheath is unnecessary, and the number of treatment steps is reduced compared to conventional methods, thus reducing the likelihood of operational errors. Furthermore, the reduction in treatment steps shortens treatment time, reducing the burden on doctors and patients. [Industrial applicability]

[0038] The lacrimal duct tube described herein allows for direct insertion of an endoscope into the lacrimal duct tube, making it useful as a lacrimal duct tube that can open the obstructed area and be placed in the lacrimal duct without using a sheath during the treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1. Lacrimal duct tube 2 Tube members 3. Connection part 4 Tip 5. Wire reinforcement section 5a Inner layer 5b Reinforcement layer 5c outer layer 6 Proximal end 7 lumen 8 aperture 9 Insertion hole 10 marks 11 Superior lacrimal punctum 12. Lower lacrimal punctum 13 Superior lacrimal canaliculus 14 Inferior lacrimal canaliculus 15 Common lacrimal canaliculi 16 Lacrimal sac 17 Nasolacrimal duct 18. The Path of Tears 19 Occlusion site 20 Endoscopes

Claims

1. It comprises a tube member having an opening at the tip and an insertion hole at the base for inserting an endoscope, and which is placed in the lacrimal duct. The tube member has a wire reinforcement portion, The wire reinforcement section comprises an inner layer, an outer layer, and a reinforcing layer provided between the inner layer and the outer layer. The lacrimal duct tube wherein the reinforcing layer consists of a braided material formed by weaving together multiple wires to cover the outer circumference of the inner layer, or wires wound in a coil shape around the outer circumference of the inner layer.

2. The lacrimal duct tube according to claim 1, wherein the tube member has a transparent tip portion located on the tip side of the wire reinforcement portion.

3. The lacrimal duct tube according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer layer is treated with a hydrophilic coating.

4. The lacrimal duct tube according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tube member has a base end having the insertion hole on the base end side of the wire reinforcement portion.

5. The lacrimal duct tube according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reinforcing layer is formed of a metal braid material.

6. The lacrimal duct tube according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thickness of the wire reinforcement portion is 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

7. The aforementioned tube members consist of two, The lacrimal duct tube according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a connecting portion for connecting the base ends of two of the tube members.

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