Lacrimal Probe Insertion Assembly with Rigid Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monocanaliculonasal and monocanalicular intubation assemblies face issues such as stretching and piercing of the silicone probe due to friction and the risk of germ contamination, which can lead to complications during lachrymonasal procedures, particularly in infants.
Innovation Solution
A monocanaliculonasal and/or monocanalicular intubation assembly featuring a flexible silicone probe protected within a rigid metal insertion tube, where a pushing mechanism, such as a metal mandrel or compressed air, expels the probe through a distal opening, preventing wall piercing and stretching, and incorporating a blocking plug and non-circular cross-sections to ensure correct positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a metal mandrel is inserted into a silicone probe tube to push it through the side of the eye, then the probe can be inserted into the tear duct, but the silicone tube wall may be stretched or pierced due to friction and elastic return
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid insertion tube serves as an intermediary protective barrier between the metal mandrel and the flexible silicone probe. The mandrel pushes the insertion tube, which in turn pushes the probe, preventing direct contact between the mandrel and probe wall that would cause stretching or piercing. This intermediary structure allows force transmission while protecting the probe tube integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is divided into separate functional components: the metal mandrel for pushing, the rigid insertion tube for protection and force transmission, and the flexible silicone probe for lacrimal canalicular intubation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the others, particularly preventing the mandrel from directly damaging the probe tube.
2Ease of operation
If the mandrel is withdrawn from the interior of the hollow tube after insertion, then the probe can be positioned, but germs from the lacrimal passages may contaminate the tube
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is extracted from the insertion tube after the probe is positioned and advanced into the tear duct. This extraction prevents the mandrel from remaining in contact with lacrimal passage contents, thereby eliminating the risk of germ contamination that would occur if the mandrel stayed inside the tube during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tube is designed as a single-use disposable component that is discarded after the procedure. This eliminates the need for cleaning and sterilization, preventing germ contamination from lingering in the tube. The disposable nature ensures that no germs can remain within the tube structure after use.
3Ease of operation
If the probe is made of flexible silicone material, then it can be inserted by pushing from the side of the eye, but friction with the channel wall causes elastic return and kinetic energy that may make the tube escape
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid insertion tube acts as an intermediary that transmits pushing force from the mandrel to the flexible silicone probe without allowing direct friction between the mandrel and probe wall. This protects the probe from elastic deformation and kinetic energy generation that would cause it to escape the tear duct, while still enabling side-entry insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The silicone probe utilizes its flexible nature to navigate the tear duct through side-entry insertion, while the rigid insertion tube provides a protective sheath during the pushing process. The flexible probe can conform to the channel geometry once inserted, maintaining stable positioning without the elastic return problems of direct mandrel contact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates safer and more precise insertion of the probe by avoiding wall piercing and stretching, reducing the risk of complications and allowing for anesthesia without assisted mechanical ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
the fact that it is protected inside a rigid tube prevents it from being stretched by the internal walls of the channel, thus avoiding both tearing and displacement
Implementation Method 2
pushing means for pushing the probe out of the insertion tube through the distal end opening
Implementation Method 3
the thrust means consist of a fluid device, for example compressed air, intended to send fluid into the insertion tube to expel the probe
Implementation Method 4
a blocking plug comes from the probe, in particular substantially at the level of the proximal part of its longitudinal lateral surface, is intended to block the probe in the tear duct
Implementation Method 5
the probe and the insertion tube have non-circular cross-sections, so that the probe cannot undergo of torsion relative to the insertion tube when it is there, rotation being prevented
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a monocanaliculonasal and/or monocanalicular intubation assembly particularly intended for lacrimonasal imperforation, comprising: a probe (1) made of a first material, in particular a flexible material such as silicone, the probe having a substantially cylindrical shape along a longitudinal axis; and insertion means for inserting the probe into a lacrimal canal or canaliculus; characterised in that the insertion means comprise: an insertion tube (10) made of a rigid material, such as a metal, having a distal end opening and a proximal end opening, the tube having a shape and a size enabling it to receive the probe therein; and pushing means (20) for pushing the probe and expelling the same from the insertion tube by the distal end opening.