Monocanalicular stent

A monocanalicular stent for insertion into a canaliculus of a nasolacrimal duct of a human, comprising:

• a) a plug portion having a proximal portion defining an axis and a distal portion;
• b) a tubular portion having a proximal end integral with said distal portion of said plug portion and a distal end, said tubular portion defining a longitudinal axis which is angled relative to said axis defined by said proximal portion of said plug portion, said tubular portion being sized to fit within the canaliculus,
• wherein a pathway is defined coaxial with said axis of plug portion and said longitudinal axis of said tubular portion, and
• wherein said tubular portion has a length which is at least approximately ten times a length of said plug portion;
• and
• c) a delivery element having a stent delivery portion extending through said pathway in said plug portion and said tubular portion, and a handle portion external said pathway which is manipulable by a physician, said delivery element being removable from within said pathway.

A monocanalicular stent system for use by a physician in a canaliculus of a nasolacrimal duct of a human, comprising:

• a) an L-shaped monocanalicular stent having a plug portion and a tubular portion angled relative to said plug portion, said tubular portion being sized to fit within the canaliculus,
• wherein a pathway is defined through said tubular portion and a portion of said plug portion, said pathway having a first portion within said tubular portion and a second portion within said plug portion;
• and
• b) a delivery element having a stent delivery portion extending into both of said first and second portions of said pathway, and a handle portion external said pathway which is manipulable by the physician, said delivery element being removable from within said longitudinal pathway.

A method for inserting a stent into a canaliculus of a nasolacrimal duct which is injured or in need of repair, the nasolacrimal duct defining a pathway from the punctum adjacent the eye to the nose, comprising:

• a) providing a delivery device having a stent thereon, the stent having a plug portion and a tube portion angled relative to said plug portion, the tube portion having a proximal end coupled to the plug portion and a leading end which is closed, the stent having a pathway extending through the plug portion and the tube portion, and the delivery device extending through the pathway through the plug portion and into the tube portion;
• b) maneuvering the delivery device to insert the leading end of the tube portion into the punctum;
• c) manipulating the delivery device to push the tube portion into the canaliculus such that the tube portion extends across the locus of injury or repair and the plug portion is seated in the punctum;
• and
• d) withdrawing the delivery device from stent.