title: Investigating the role of metal fatigue in a case of ritleng probe fracture:  its causes and prevention.
abstract: Complications with the Ritleng probe have not been reported previously. Herein, we report a case in which the Ritleng probe tip fractured during use on a patient undergoing nasolacrimal duct intubation requiring subsequent retrieval. A root-cause analysis was conducted which help to elicit possible ways to prevent such a complication in the future. Most notably the use of the stylet, documented as a cleaning device, seems to offer additional support to prevent metal fatigue and tip fracture.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
authors: Bradley A
authors: BA
authors: Thuro
authors: Aaron J
authors: AJ
authors: Kelkhoff
authors: John D
authors: JD
authors: Pemberton
mesh_terms: D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy; D020878:Device Removal; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals; D008875:Middle Aged; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D008670:Metals