Punctal cannulation is a medical procedure used to access the lacrimal drainage system through the puncta, which are small openings in the eyelids. It is commonly performed to treat conditions like epiphora or to facilitate procedures such as lacrimal irrigation or intubation.

Punctal Cannulation

Medical Procedure

The lacrimal drainage system is responsible for the drainage of tears from the ocular surface into the nasal cavity, ensuring proper eye lubrication and protection. It consists of the lacrimal puncta, canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct, and dysfunction can lead to conditions such as epiphora or dacryocystitis.

Lacrimal Drainage System

Puncta are small, distinct regions or points that can be observed in biological tissues, often under a microscope, and are crucial for understanding cellular structures and functions. They are commonly associated with synaptic sites in neuroscience, protein aggregates in cell biology, and tear drainage in ophthalmology.

Puncta

Small openings in the eyelids

Epiphora, also known as epistrophe, is a rhetorical device where a word or phrase is repeated at the end of successive clauses or sentences, creating emphasis and reinforcing a particular idea or theme. This technique is often used in speeches and literature to create a memorable rhythm and to evoke emotional responses from the audience.

Epiphora

Lacrimal irrigation is a medical procedure used to unblock or flush the tear ducts, often performed to relieve symptoms of epiphora or to diagnose obstructions. It involves the insertion of a small cannula into the punctum to introduce a saline solution into the lacrimal drainage system, helping to identify and clear blockages.

Lacrimal Irrigation

Intubation is a medical procedure involving the insertion of a tube into the trachea to maintain an open airway, typically performed in emergency situations or during surgery. It is a critical skill for healthcare providers to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation in patients who are unable to breathe on their own.

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