Frosted Jones Pyrex Tubes

Abstract

To describe the use of a new, frosted Jones Pyrex tube in the treatment of obstructed canaliculi of the upper lacrimal system. The frosted Jones tube retains the advantages of the traditional smooth Pyrex tube yet appears to improve the positional stability in the surgically created fistula. Ten patients of a single surgeon who had previously undergone external conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy and placement of a Jones Pyrex tube, with subsequent Pyrex tube extrusion, were included in the study. All had previous success with Pyrex tubes, with follow-up ranging from 1 month to 14 years. In each case, when the patient presented with an extruded tube, it was replaced with a frosted Jones tube (Weiss Scientific Glass Blowing Company, Portland, OR, U.S.A.). In this preliminary study, none of the 10 patients fitted with a frosted Jones Pyrex tube had a recurrence of extrusion. All patients reported proper functioning of the tubes, with no complaints of epiphora or discomfort. Compared with a standard Jones Pyrex tube, a frosted tube functions equally well and reduces the possibility of extrusion, which is the main complication of traditional conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy. We have exchanged smooth tubes for frosted tubes in patients who have had extrusion of the original tube, and we are currently investigating primary placement of the frosted Jones Pyrex tube.