Ritleng intubation set: a new system for lacrimal pathway intubation

Abstract

Silicone tubing of the lacrimal pathway is used after lacrimal pathway injuries or canalicular stenosis. This procedure is often complicated by the so-called accordeon phenomenon. Far the last 3 years we have used a new system for lacrimal intubation: the Ritleng intubation set. It consists of a silcone tube which is connected to a polypropylene tube and a specially designed stainless probe for lacrimal insertion. Due to the smooth connection of the polypropylene tube and the silicone tube intubation can be performed easily and without the so-called accordeon phenomenon. In case of congenital or acquired lacrimal stenosis probing and silicone intubation can be performed in one step. We used this set in 19 lacrimal lacerations of the lacrimal pathway and in 7 cases of congenital and 12 cases of acquired lacrimal stenosis. With this specially designed lacrimal intubation set lacerated canaliculi can be quickly reapproximated. It allows probing of the lacrimal system and intubation in one procedure. In this report the technique and indications will be described and discussed.