FCI OPHTHALMICS
October, 2012, Marshfield Hills, MA – FCI Ophthalmics introduces the first ever “pushed” monocanalicular nasolacrimal intubation stent called the MASTERKA. Designed by oculoplastic surgeon Bruno Fayet, M.D., Paris, France, the MASTERKA offers a safer and faster intubation of tear ducts as it does not require the frequently difficult step of recovery inside the nasal cavity.
The MASTERKA is indicated for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions that are resistant to probing. Unlike the traditional “pulled” technique in which the stent is advanced through the nasolacrimal system and retrieved through the nose by pulling on the guide probe or thread, the MASTERKA has no metallic probe or suture attached to it and, therefore, it is not pulled out of the nose. Instead, the MASTERKA is pushed into the nasolacrimal duct and anchored in place at the punctum by a plug-like fixation head similar to FCI’s signature Monoka stents.
A pushed intubation is more similar to a simple probing than a pulled intubation and can safely permit the use of a face mask with less risk of airway compromise, thus resulting in significantly reduced time for the intubation procedure.
The MASTERKA device consists of a silicone tube molded to a fixation head and pre-mounted on an introducer to facilitate insertion. The introducer is easily and completely removed once the intubation of the lacrimal passages has been completed. The MASTERKA comes in three different lengths (30, 35 or 40 mm) and must be selected according to each patient’s needs. Special sizing devices are sold separately.
The insertion of the MASTERKA device using the push technique is performed in the same manner as a nasolacrimal duct probing and the insertion of the traditional stents into the nasolacrimal duct system. A major difference is that the introducer for the MASTERKA is retrieved by withdrawing it upwards and back out through the canaliculus and punctum, thus avoiding the sometimes traumatic nasal recovery step of pulled intubations. After insertion, the seating of the MASTERKA anchoring fixation head is performed in exactly the same manner as all of the other devices in FCI’s Monoka family of intubation devices.
Drs. James and William Katowitz, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, have both collaborated with Dr. Bruno Fayet and compared results using the MASTERKA vs the Self-Threading Monoka. Look for William Katowitz’ article titled Pushed Monocanalicular intubation: an alternative stenting system for management of congenital nasolacrimal obstructions due out in print in this month’s issue of JAAPOS.
For more information on the MASTERKA, please contact FCI Ophthalmics by calling 1-800-932-4202, by email at [email protected] or by FAX at 1-781-826-9062.
FCI OPHTHALMICS
P.O. BOX 465
Marshfield Hills, MA 02051
Tel: 800-932-4202 or 781-826-9060
Fax: 781-826-9062
[email protected]
www.fci-ophthalmics.com
Contact: Anne Bohsack