Enhanced electronic nasolacrimal intubation
OwnerPeter Michalos, Arie Michalosinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus facilitates location of an electrically conductive probe extending through a body passage, using a tool. The apparatus includes a circuit which is normally open and which includes a signaling mechanism and power source for powering the signaling mechanism to generate a signal that can be perceived by a practitioner when the circuit is closed. Clips or other connectors attach the circuit to conductive portions of the probe and the tool. The circuit is closed when the tool touches the probe to generate the signal and inform the practitioner that the probe end has been found.
Claims11
An apparatus for facilitating location of an electrically conductive probe extending through a body passage, using a tool, the apparatus comprising:
- a circuit which is normally open and which includes a signaling mechanism and power source for powering the signaling mechanism to generate a signal that can be perceived by a practitioner when the circuit is closed;
- and
- means for attaching the circuit to conductive portions of the probe and the tool, the circuit being closed when the tool touches the probe to generate the signal.
In a probe set and tool for use in canaliculus intubation of a lacrimal duct, the probe set having a probe for passing from a nasolacrimal duct to a nasal inferior meatus, the probe having an enlarged end portion, and a tool to draw the probe from the lacrimal duct, the improvement comprising:
- a circuit which is normally open and which includes a signaling mechanism and power source for powering the signaling mechanism to generate a signal that can be perceived by a practitioner when the circuit is closed;
- and
- means for attaching the circuit to conductive portions of the probe and the tool, the circuit being closed when the tool touches the probe to generate the signal.
A method for facilitating location of an electrically conductive probe extending through a body passage, using a tool, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a circuit which is normally open and which includes a signaling mechanism and power source for powering the signaling mechanism to generate a signal that can be perceived by a practitioner when the circuit is closed;
- and
- attaching the circuit to conductive portions of the probe and the tool, the circuit being closed when the tool touches the probe to generate the signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.