Graduated measurement probe that will allow for the precise clearance of a nasolacrimal duct obstruction during ophthalmological surgery.

Design Award

• Design Excellence Award Honorable Mention

News About this Project

• Presentation: American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Annual Conference

Project Overview

Bowman probes are the standard instrument used in interrogation of the nasolacrimal (tear duct) system in Ophthalmology. They are available in various sizes and provide tactile feedback to the surgeon when probing the canalicular/nasolacrimal system, allowing them to assess for strictures, discontinuities, obstruction, or other abnormality within its lumen. Probing is typically performed prior to the passage of implants such as nasolacrimal stents (eg. Crawford, Lacriflow, Nunchucku, Monoka), to confirm patency of the nasolacrimal system. Available probes on the market do not have any markings on them which may allow the surgeon to make measurements to points within the canalicular/nasolacrimal lumen (eg. a stricture at 30 mm distal to the punctum), which can be helpful in correlating with imaging findings, or for accurate clinical documentation and therefore inform management of nasolacrimal pathologies. We propose the development of such a stent with inscribed bands corresponding to millimeter markings which may be referenced during canalicular or nasolacrimal probing.

Team Picture

Files

• Final Report (May 1, 2026)
• Final Notebook (May 1, 2026)
• Final Poster Presentation (April 23, 2026)
• Executive Summary (April 17, 2026)
• Preliminary Report (February 25, 2026)
• Preliminary Presentation (February 20, 2026)
• Design Matrix (February 19, 2026)
• PDS (February 5, 2026)

Contact Information

Team Members

• Neel Srinivasan - Team Leader & BPAG
• Cole Miller - Communicator
• Caden Robinson - BSAC
• Caleb White - BWIG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. Monica Ohnsorg - Advisor
• Dr. James Law - Client
• Dr. Suzanne van Landingham - Alternate Contact