Skip to main content

Graduated bowman probe

Bowman Probes are small diagnostic tool used in ophthalmological procedure which require improved quantitative accuracy to ensure appropriate medical assessment.

Project Overview

Bowman probes are the standard instrument used in the 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 (e.g., Crawford, Lacriflow, Nunchucku, and 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 (e.g., 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. In addition, there exists the necessity for a lacrimal system phatom, which can act simultaneously as a training tool for ophthalmological residents and as a testing apparatus for identification of potential soft tissue disruption as a result of the induced graduation.

Contact Information

Team Members

Advisor and Client

Related Projects

Back to Top