Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an intubation set is provided having an improved connector between the tube and a probe. In a preferred embodiment, the connector includes a deformable sleeve which at one end receives an end of the tube and at the other end is tapered to converge on the probe where it is permanently attached. The tube contains a solid insert which can be set in a compound such as silicone rubber and the sleeve is deformed radially inwardly to trap part of the tube containing the insert thereby locking the tube to the sleeve and hence to the probe. A method of making the intubation set is also provided. The invention also provides an improved intubation set for use in intubating the canaliculi without probing a healthy nasolacrimal duct.

Abstract: The invention provides a probe set having at least one probe of a light wire which can be resiliently deflected to pass from the nasolacrimal duct to the nasal inferior meatus. The probe has an enlarged and rounded distal end portion to limit the possibility of damage to tissue when the probe is inserted. A very flexible tube of minimal rigidity is engaged over a proximal end of the probe and a heat shrunk sleeve is attached to join the tube to the probe. Preferably the sleeve has a main portion containing a first end portion containing part of the probe adjacent the tube, a second end portion containing a part of the tube adjacent said end of the probe, and a main portion containing the ends of the probe and the tube. The sleeve applies a compressive radial pressure to attach the tube to the probe and defines a transition portion between the first end portion and the main portion of the sleeve to minimise the possibility of snagging as the probe set is advanced into the lacrimal duct.