Surgical implant delivery using a lockable plunger

Abstract

An ophthalmic surgical apparatus (100) including a housing (130) including a key track (410), a bore (215) extending through the housing (130), a plunger (135) at least partially disposed within the bore (215), and a plunger key (205). The plunger (135) may include a rail (605) and a keyway (610), and the plunger key (205) may include a key guide (705) coupled to the key track (410), an arm (710) coupled to the key guide (705), and a rail slot (715) extending through the arm (710). The arm (710) may be disposed through the keyway (610) of the plunger (135) to allow the arm (710) to move from a first position to a second position along the key track (410). The arm (710) can be configured to block the rail (605) in a first position and align the rail slot (715) with the rail (605) in a second position so that the rail (605) can move through the rail slot (715).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Claiming priority This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 263,099, entitled "SURGICAL IMPLANT DELIVERY WITH LOCKABLE PLUNGER," filed October 27, 2021, inventors of which are Harlen Hoang, Yinghui Wu, Mitchell R. Sherry, and Sudarshan B. Singh, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein as if fully and completely set forth herein.

[0002] The present invention as recited in the following claims relates generally to ophthalmic surgery. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, the claimed subject matter relates to systems, devices and methods for inserting an implant into the eye. [Background technology]

[0003] The human eye can suffer from many diseases that can cause anything from mild deterioration to complete loss of vision. Contact lenses and glasses can compensate for some diseases, but in other cases eye surgery may be necessary. In some instances, implants may be beneficial or desirable. For example, intraocular lenses can replace the cloudy natural crystalline lens in the eye and improve vision.

[0004] While the benefits of intraocular lenses and other implants are known, improvements in delivery systems, components and processes continue to improve outcomes and benefit patients. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005]

[0005] Novel and useful systems, devices, and methods for ophthalmic surgery are set forth in the appended claims. Exemplary embodiments are also provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter.

[0006] For example, some embodiments may provide a housing including a key track, a bore through the housing, a plunger at least partially disposed within the bore, and a plunger key. The plunger may include a rail and a keyway, and the plunger key may include a key guide coupled to the key track, an arm coupled to the key guide, and a rail slot through the arm. The arm may be disposed through the keyway of the plunger to allow the arm to move along the key track from a first position to a second position. The arm may be configured to block the rail in the first position and align the rail slot with the rail in the second position to allow the rail to move through the rail slot.

[0007] In a more specific example, the snap fit may be configured to be movable with the arm from a first position to a second position and coupled to the housing at the second position to prevent the arm from moving back towards the first position. The snap fit may additionally or alternatively be configured to be coupled to the housing at the first position to prevent the arm from being removed from the keyway.

[0008] In another aspect, an apparatus for locking a plunger may include a key guide configured to move along a key track of an implant delivery system, a crossbar coupled to the key guide, an arm coupled to a first end of the crossbar, a first snap fitting coupled to the arm distal to the crossbar, a second snap fitting coupled to a second end of the crossbar, and a rail slot extending through the arm. The crossbar may be coupled to the key guide to allow the arm to move from a first position to a second position relative to the key track. In the first position, the arm may be configured to prevent movement of the plunger through the rail slot. In the second position, the arm may be configured to allow movement of the plunger through the rail slot. The first snap fitting and the second snap fitting may be configured to prevent the arm from moving back to the first position from the second position.

[0009] In some embodiments, an ophthalmic surgical device may include a housing including a key track, a first catch, and a second catch, a bore through the housing, a plunger at least partially disposed within the bore, a plunger including a rail and a keyway, and a plunger key. The plunger key may include a key guide configured to slidably engage the key track, a crossbar coupled to the key guide, a first cantilever arm coupled to the crossbar and disposed through the keyway, a first snap fit coupled to the first cantilever arm distal to the crossbar, a second cantilever arm coupled to the crossbar, a second snap fit coupled to the crossbar, and a rail slot through the first cantilever arm. The first cantilever arm and the second cantilever arm may be movable with the crossbar from a first position parallel to the key track to a second position. In the first position, the first cantilever arm can be configured to prevent movement of the rail through the rail slot, the first snap fit can be configured to engage the first catch to prevent the first cantilever arm from disengaging from the keyway, and the second snap fit can be configured to engage the second catch to prevent the first cantilever arm from disengaging from the keyway. In the second position, the first cantilever arm can be configured to allow movement of the rail through the rail slot, the first snap fit can be configured to engage the first catch to prevent the first cantilever arm from returning from the second position to the first position, and the second snap fit is configured to engage the second catch to prevent the second cantilever arm from returning from the second position to the first position.

[0010] Features, elements, and aspects described in connection with some embodiments can also be omitted, combined, or replaced with alternative features. Other features, objects, advantages, and preferred modes of making and using the claimed subject matter are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate certain objects, advantages, and preferred modes of making and using certain claimed embodiments, in which like reference numbers represent like parts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an additional view of an exemplary device for delivering an implant into the eye. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is another auxiliary view of the device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of a housing that may be associated with some embodiments of the device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the housing of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view of an example of a plunger that may be associated with some embodiments of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view of an example of a plunger key that may be associated with some embodiments of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a snap fitting that may be associated with the plunger key of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a top view of the plunger key of FIG. [Figure 10A] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 3 taken along section line 10-10. [Figure 10B] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 3 taken along section line 10-10. [Figure 11] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary method of ejecting an implant from the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 12A] 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary use of the device of FIG. 11 to deliver an implant to the eye. [Figure 12B] 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary use of the device of FIG. 11 to deliver an implant to the eye. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The following description of exemplary embodiments provides information to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter, but may omit certain details already known in the art. Thus, the following detailed description is to be taken as illustrative and not limiting.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments may also be described herein with reference to spatial relationships between or orientations of various elements depicted in the accompanying drawings. Generally, such relationships or orientations assume a coordinate system that corresponds to or is relative to a patient in a position to receive an implant. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this coordinate system is not a strict requirement and is merely for descriptive convenience.

[0015] 1 is a supplemental view of an example of a device 100 capable of delivering an implant into an eye. In some embodiments, device 100 may include two or more modules that may be configured to be coupled and separated as appropriate for storage, assembly, use, and disposal. As shown in FIG. 1, some embodiments of device 100 may include a nozzle 105, an implant section 110 coupled to nozzle 105, and an actuator 115 coupled to implant section 110.

[0016] The nozzle 105 generally includes a tip 120 adapted for insertion into the eye through an incision. The size of the tip 120 may be adapted to the surgical requirements and procedure as needed. For example, small incisions are generally preferred to reduce or minimize healing time. In some instances, an incision of less than 2 millimeters may be preferred, and in some embodiments, the tip 120 of the nozzle 105 may have a width of less than 2 millimeters.

[0017] Implant section 110 generally represents a variety of devices suitable for storing an implant prior to delivery into the eye. In some embodiments, implant section 110 may additionally or alternatively be configured to prepare the implant for delivery. For example, some embodiments of implant section 110 may be configured to be actuated by a surgeon or other operator to prepare the implant for delivery by subsequent actuation of actuator 115. In some examples, implant section 110 may be configured to actively deform, stretch, expand, or otherwise manipulate features of the implant prior to advancing the implant into nozzle 105. For example, implant section 110 may be configured to fold, push, expand, or otherwise unfold one or more features, such as haptics, of an intraocular lens.

[0018] The actuator 115 is generally configured to advance the implant from the implant section 110 to the nozzle 105 and then from the nozzle 105 through the incision and into the eye. The actuator 115 of FIG. 1 generally includes a housing 130 and a plunger 135. The plunger 135 is generally constructed from a substantially rigid material, such as a medical grade polymeric material.

[0019] In general, the components of the device 100 may be directly or indirectly coupled. For example, the nozzle 105 may be directly coupled to the implant section 110 and indirectly coupled to the actuator 115 via the implant section 110. The coupling may include fluid, mechanical, thermal, electrical or chemical coupling (such as chemical adhesion), or in some circumstances some combination of coupling. For example, the implant section 110 may be mechanically coupled to the actuator 115 and mechanically and fluidly coupled to the nozzle 105. In some embodiments, the components may also be coupled by physical proximity, integration into a single structure, or formation from the same piece of material.

[0020] 2 is another complementary view of device 100, showing additional details that may be relevant to some embodiments. For example, device 100 of FIG. 2 further includes plunger key 205, which may be coupled to a key mount 210 on housing 130. Housing 130 generally has a bore 215 configured to receive plunger 135 through key mount 210. Some embodiments of key mount 210 may further include a key box 220 configured to receive a portion of plunger key 205, as shown in the example of FIG. 2.

[0021] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 and shows additional details that may be relevant to some embodiments. For example, the bore 215 of FIG. 3 generally extends longitudinally through the housing 130 from the first end 305 to the second end 310, and the plunger 135 is at least partially disposed within the bore 215. In some examples, the implant section 110 includes a base 315 and a cap 320 that may be coupled to the base 315. The base 315 may extend from or be coupled to the actuator 115 in some examples. For example, in FIG. 3, the base 315 is coupled to the housing 130 proximate the first end 305.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a front view of the housing 130 of FIG. 1 showing additional details that may be relevant to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the key mount 210 may be coupled to the second end 310 of the housing 130. For example, the key mount 210 of FIG. 4 generally includes a flange 405 coupled to the second end 310 of the housing 130. The key mount 210 may additionally include a key track 410. In some embodiments, the key track 410 may include or consist essentially of a ridge or rail, as in the example of FIG. 4. In other examples, the key track 410 may include or consist essentially of a channel or groove in the key mount 210. As shown in the example of FIG. 4, some embodiments of the key box 220 may be coupled to and extend from the flange 405.

[0023] Figure 5 is a side view of the housing 130 of Figure 4 showing additional details that may be relevant to some embodiments. For example, some embodiments of the key mount 210 may have two or more key tracks 410. In the example of Figure 4, the key mount 210 includes a first key track 410 and a second key track 410 that are parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bore 215.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a top view of an example of a plunger 135 showing additional details that may be relevant to some embodiments. As shown in the example of FIG. 6, the plunger 135 may include one or more ridges, rails, or similar features, such as rails 605 and keyways 610. Generally, each of the rails extends lengthwise along a portion of the plunger 135. In the example of FIG. 6, one end of the plunger 135 further includes an implant interface 615, and the rails 605 extend lengthwise along the plunger 135 between the implant interface 615 and an opposite end of the plunger 135. In some examples, the keyway 610 may be disposed in one of the rails. For example, the keyway 610 may be a channel, groove, slot, notch, or similar feature in one of the rails. As shown in FIG. 6, some embodiments of the keyway 610 may be disposed through the rails 605. Some embodiments of plunger 135 may additionally include a plunger stopper, such as stopper 620 shown in the example of FIG.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a side view of an example of a plunger key 205 showing additional details that may be relevant to some embodiments. The plunger key 205 of FIG. 7 generally includes a key guide 705, an arm 710, and a rail slot 715 that extends through the arm 710. As shown in the example of FIG. 7, the arm 710 may be coupled to the key guide 705. In some examples, the plunger key 205 may include a crossbar 720. As shown in FIG. 7, the arm 710 may be indirectly coupled to the key guide 705 in some embodiments. More specifically, in some embodiments, the arm 710 may be coupled to one end of the crossbar 720, which may be coupled to the key guide 705.

[0026] In some embodiments, the plunger key 205 may additionally include one or more snap fittings. For example, the plunger key 205 of FIG. 7 includes a first snap fitting 725, which in some embodiments may be coupled to the crossbar 720. In a more specific example, the arm 710 may have a first end 730 coupled to the crossbar 720, and the first snap fitting 725 may be coupled to a second end 735 of the arm 710 distal to the crossbar 720. The plunger key 205 may additionally include a second snap fitting 740, in some embodiments. As shown in the example of FIG. 7, the second snap fitting 740 may in some embodiments be coupled to the crossbar 720. The first snap fitting 725 of FIG. 7 is coupled to a first end 745 of the crossbar 720, and the second snap fitting 740 of FIG. 7 is coupled to a second end 750 of the crossbar 720. In some examples, the snap fit can be curved, such as first snap fit 725 in Figure 7. In a more specific example, first snap fit 725 has a curved end distal to crossbar 720, as shown in Figure 7.

[0027] Generally, the snap fittings include a hook, which may include or consist of a stud, bead, protrusion, overhand, catch, undercut, or similar feature, or a combination of similar features, that is coupled to a base and can be deformed or deflected to engage an interlocking feature on another component before returning to an unstressed state. In the example of FIG. 7, the first snap fitting 725 includes a first hook 755 and a second hook 760, and the second snap fitting 740 includes a third hook 765. The first hook 755 in FIG. 7 is located distally of the crossbar 720 compared to the second hook 760. The snap fittings may also be twisted, annular, or cantilevered in various embodiments. In FIG. 7, both the first snap fitting 725 and the second snap fitting 740 are examples of cantilever snap fittings, where a cantilever couples the hook to the base. More specifically, the first snap fit 725 in Figure 7 includes a cantilever 775 that couples the first hook 755 and the second hook 760 to the arm 710, which in this example represents a base for the first snap fit 725. The cantilever 775 in Figure 7 is a curved cantilever. The second snap fit 740 includes a cantilever 780 that couples the third hook 765 to the crossbar 720, which in this example represents a base for the second snap fit 740.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the first snap-fit ​​portion 725 of FIG. 7. In general, the snap-fit ​​portion can include a front surface that can be configured to deform or flex in response to movement in a first direction relative to the interlocking feature. The rear surface can likewise be configured to deform or flex in response to movement in a second direction relative to the interlocking feature. The second direction is generally opposite to the first direction. In a more specific example, the rear surface can be a locking surface that can be configured to be relatively difficult to deform or flex, thereby hindering or preventing separation after the snap-fit ​​portion is interlocked with another component. In the example of FIG. 8, the first hook 755 includes a first locking surface 805. The second hook 760 of FIG. 8 includes a front surface 810 and a second locking surface 815.

[0029] 9 is a top view of the plunger key 205 of FIG. 7 showing additional details that may be relevant to some embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, some embodiments of the key guide 705 may include or consist essentially of a channel that passes through the crossbar 720. In other examples, the key guide 705 may include or consist essentially of one or more ridges, rails, bars, or similar features coupled to the crossbar 720. In some embodiments, the plunger key 205 may further include a finger flange 905 that may be coupled to the crossbar 720, as shown in the example of FIG.

[0030] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of the device 100 of FIG. 3 taken along section line 10-10. FIG. 10A illustrates additional details that may be relevant to some embodiments of the device 100 in a first state, and FIG. 10B illustrates additional details that may be relevant to some embodiments of the device 100 in a second state. For example, both FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B illustrate an embodiment of a key track 410, a bore 215 extending through the housing 130, a plunger 135 disposed at least partially within the bore 215, a plunger key 205, and an arm 710 coupled to a key guide 705. In the example of FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, the key track 410 includes a pair of parallel track rails oriented generally perpendicular to the bore 215. The key guide 705 may be coupled to the key track 410 as shown in the example of FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B. 10A and 10B also show an embodiment of a housing 130 having a first catch 1005 and a second catch 1010. As shown in FIG.

[0031] In the example of Figure 10A, the key guide 705 is configured to slidably engage the key track 410, which may substantially prevent lateral movement of the plunger key 205 relative to the key track 410 while allowing the plunger key 205 to move in a first direction toward the bore 215. The arm 710 of Figure 10A is disposed through a keyway 610 of the plunger 135, and movement of the key guide 705 relative to the key track 410 may also move the arm 710 through the keyway 610 from a first position, shown in the example of Figure 10A, to a second position, shown in the example of Figure 10B.

[0032] In the first position, the arm 710 is configured to block the rail 605. More specifically, the arm 710 can pass through the keyway 610 such that the rail slot 715 is offset from the rail 605, thereby preventing the rail 605 (and thus the plunger 135) from moving through the rail slot 715 relative to the bore 215. With reference to the example of Figures 10A and 10B, the first position is a locked position.

[0033] In the second position of FIG. 10B, the rail slot 715 is aligned with the rail 605 such that the rail 605 can move through the rail slot 715, thereby allowing the rail 605 and plunger 135 to move relative to the bore 215. With reference to the example of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the second position is an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the arm 710 can be configured to block the stopper 620, in some embodiments, as shown in the example of FIG. 10B. In the unlocked position, the arm 710 can allow bidirectional movement of the plunger 135 within the bore 215, while the stopper 620 can limit such movement in one direction, thereby preventing the plunger 135 from being completely removed from the bore 215.

[0034] 10A and 10B, the first snap fitting 725 is movable with the arm 710 from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments, the first snap fitting 725 may be configured to couple to the housing 130 in the second position to prevent the arm 710 from moving back toward the first position from the second position, thereby maintaining alignment of the rail slot 715 with the rail 605 and substantially reducing or eliminating the risk of the plunger 135 being accidentally locked after it has been unlocked. In a more specific embodiment, the first snap fitting 725 may be configured to engage the first catch 1005 to prevent the arm 710 from moving back. Additionally or alternatively, the first snap fit 725 may be configured to couple to the housing 130 in a first position to prevent movement of the arm 710 in a second direction, such as away from the bore 215 in the example of 10A, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the risk of the arm 710 being inadvertently disengaged from the keyway 610. More generally, the first snap fit 725 may be configured to couple to the housing 130 in a first position, a second position, or both, which may substantially reduce or eliminate the risk of the plunger key 205 being inadvertently disengaged from the housing 130.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the second snap fitting 740 may be configured to prevent the arm 710 from moving back to the first position from the second position. For example, the second snap fitting 740 of FIG. 10B is configured to engage the second catch 1010 to prevent movement of the arm 710 away from the second position. Some embodiments of the second snap fitting 740 may also be configured to couple to the housing 130 at the first position to prevent movement of the arm 710 in a second direction, such as away from the bore 215 in the example of FIG. 10A. For example, the second catch 1010 may include one or more undercuts or stops, and the second snap fitting 740 may be configured to engage the first stopper at the first position and engage the second stopper at the second position.

[0036] Movement of the plunger key 205 in the example of FIGS. 10A and 10B can be constrained by various features of the device 100. More specifically, various features can constrain movement of the arm 710 and rail slot 715 relative to the key track 410. For example, the key track 410 and key guide 705 of FIGS. 10A and 10B can allow the arm 710 and rail slot 715 to move parallel to the key track 410 while substantially preventing orthogonal movement. In some embodiments, such as the example of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the key box 220 can further support and constrain movement of the arm 710 and rail slot 715 parallel to the key track 410. In the example of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the key track 410 generally extends orthogonal to the plunger 135, and more specifically, perpendicular to the rail 605. Such constrained movement can provide a reliable interaction between the plunger 135 and the plunger key 205.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, the first snap fitting 725, the second snap fitting 740, or both may provide stability, tactile feedback, and / or audible feedback. For example, either or both of the first snap fitting 725 and the second snap fitting 740 may increase the stability of the plunger key 205 by preventing or inhibiting the plunger key 205 from being removed from the key mount 210. Either or both may also provide tactile feedback by resisting movement of the plunger key 205 from the locked position of FIG. 10A to the unlocked position of FIG. 10B, thereby reducing the risk of the plunger 135 being accidentally unlocked. Either or both may additionally provide audible feedback when clicking into the second position.

[0038] 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary method of ejecting an implant 1100 from the device 100. Initially, the various components of the system may be assembled as needed or desired. In the example of FIG. 11, the nozzle 105, implant section 110, and actuator 115 are secured together to form a unitary structure. In other embodiments, the device 100 may include two or more modules that may be configured to be coupled and separated as needed for storage, assembly, use, and disposal.

[0039] In the example of FIG. 11, the plunger key 205 is positioned in a second unlocked position, substantially as described with reference to FIG. 10B, which allows the plunger 135 to be advanced through the bore 215 toward the implant section 110, as shown.

[0040] The implant 1100 may be initially stored within the implant section 110. In some embodiments, the implant section 110 may additionally or alternatively be configured to prepare the implant 1100 for delivery. For example, some embodiments of the implant section 110 may be configured to be actuated by a surgeon or other operator to prepare the implant 1100 for delivery by subsequent actuation of the actuator 115. In some examples, the implant section 110 may be configured to actively deform, stretch, expand, or otherwise manipulate features of the implant 1100 prior to advancing the implant 1100 into the nozzle 105. For example, some embodiments of the implant section 110 may be configured to orient or fold the implant. Some embodiments of the implant 1100 may include one or more supports that may be oriented or folded for delivery.

[0041] In some embodiments, the implant interface 615 can be configured to contact or otherwise engage the implant 1100 to advance the implant 1100 from the implant section 110 and through the nozzle 105 as the plunger 135 is advanced. As shown in the example of FIG. 11 , at least a portion of the implant interface 615 can extend into or through the implant section 110 and / or nozzle 105. When the plunger 135 is fully advanced, the implant interface 615 can eject the implant 1100 from the nozzle 105.

[0042] 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary use of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 11 to deliver an implant 1100 to an eye 1200. As shown, for example, an incision 1205 may be made in the eye 1200 by a surgeon. In some examples, the incision 1205 may be made through the sclera 1210 of the eye 1200. In other examples, the incision may be formed in the cornea 1215 of the eye 1200. The incision 1205 may be sized to allow for insertion of a portion of the nozzle 105 to deliver the implant 1100 to the capsular bag 1220. For example, in some cases, the size of the incision 1205 may have a length of less than about 3000 microns (3 millimeters). In other examples, the incision 1205 can have a length of about 1000 microns to about 1500 microns, about 1500 microns to about 2000 microns, about 2000 microns to about 2500 microns, or about 2500 microns to about 3000 microns.

[0043] After making the incision 1205, the nozzle 105 can be inserted through the incision 1205 into the interior portion 1225 of the eye 1200. The apparatus 100 can then expel the implant 1105 through the nozzle 105 and into the capsular bag 1220 of the eye 1200, substantially as described with reference to FIG.

[0044] In some embodiments, the implant 1100 may include an intraocular lens having a shape similar to that of the natural lens of the eye and may be made from a number of materials. Examples of suitable materials may include silicone, acrylic, and combinations of such suitable materials. In some examples, the implant 1100 may include a fluid-filled intraocular lens, such as a fluid-filled accommodative intraocular lens. The implant 1100 may also include an intraocular lens that includes one or more features for positioning the intraocular lens within the eye, such as haptics. In the example of FIGS. 12A and 12B, the implant 1100 illustrates an intraocular lens having an optic 1230, an anterior haptic 1235, and a posterior haptic 1240.

[0045] The implant 1100 may be delivered in a folded configuration and may return to a resting state within the capsule 1220 with the anterior haptics 1235 and posterior haptics 1240 at least partially curved around the optic 1230, as shown in FIG. 12B. The capsule 1220 may hold the implant 1100 within the capsule 1220 in a relationship to the eye 1200 such that the optic 1230 refracts light directed toward the retina (not shown). The anterior haptics 1235 and posterior haptics 1240 may engage the capsule 1220 to secure the implant 1100 within the capsule 1220. After delivering the implant 1100 within the capsule 1220, the nozzle 105 may be removed from the eye 1200 through the incision 1205, and the eye 1200 may be allowed to heal over time.

[0046] The systems, devices, and methods described herein may provide significant advantages. Some embodiments may be particularly advantageous for delivering intraocular lenses, providing increased reliability and consistency for implant delivery. For example, the plunger key 205 may be placed in a stable locked position prior to implant delivery and then moved to a stable unlocked position to allow the plunger 135 to deliver the implant. In the locked position, the device 100 may substantially reduce or eliminate the risk of accidental movement of the plunger, which may cause premature ejection of the implant or other undesirable outcomes. In the unlocked position, the device 100 may substantially reduce or eliminate the risk of accidental disengagement of the plunger 135 and accidental return to the locked position during implant delivery.

[0047] Although shown in several exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems, devices, and methods described herein are capable of various changes and modifications that are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the description of various alternatives using terms such as "or" does not require mutual exclusivity unless the context clearly requires, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not limit the subject matter to a single example unless the context clearly requires. Components may be combined or excluded in various configurations for purposes of sale, manufacture, assembly, or use. For example, in some configurations, the housing 130, plunger 135, and plunger key 205 may be separated from one another or combined in various ways for purposes of manufacture or sale, respectively.

[0048] The claims may include additional subject matter not specifically described. For example, certain features, elements, or aspects may be omitted from the claims if they are not necessary to distinguish the novel and non-obvious features from those already known to those skilled in the art. Features, elements, and aspects described in connection with some embodiments may be omitted, combined, or replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for ophthalmic surgery, comprising: a housing including a key track; a bore extending through the housing; a plunger at least partially disposed within the bore, the plunger including a rail and a keyway; A plunger key, a key guide coupled to the key track; an arm coupled to the key guide, the arm positioned through the keyway of the plunger to allow the arm to move from a first position to a second position along the key track; a rail slot extending through the arm; the plunger key, Including, the arm is configured to block the rail in the first position and to align the rail slot with the rail in the second position so that the rail can move through the rail slot. Ophthalmic surgery equipment.

2. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a snap fitting movable with the arm from the first position to the second position and configured to couple to the housing at the second position to prevent the arm from moving back toward the first position.

3. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a snap fitting movable with the arm from the first position to the second position, configured to couple to the housing at the first position to prevent the arm from being removed from the keyway, and configured to couple to the housing at the second position to prevent the arm from moving back toward the first position.

4. 4. The device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the snap fit is a cantilever snap fit.

5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the snap-fit ​​portion is curved.

6. 4. The device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the snap fit is coupled to the arm.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the keyway is disposed through the rail.

8. The plunger further includes a stopper; The device of claim 1 , wherein the arm is configured to engage the stopper to prevent the plunger from disengaging from the bore.

9. 1. A device for locking a plunger of an implant delivery system, comprising: a key guide configured to move along a key track of the implant delivery system; a crossbar coupled to the key guide, the crossbar having a first end and a second end; an arm coupled to the first end of the crossbar; a first snap fit coupled to the arm distal to the crossbar; a second snap-fit ​​portion coupled to the second end of the crossbar; a rail slot extending through the arm; Including, the crossbar is coupled to the key guide to allow the arm to move from a first position to a second position relative to the key track, the first position configured to prevent movement of the plunger through the rail slot and the second position configured to allow movement of the plunger through the rail slot, and the first snap-fit ​​portion and the second snap-fit ​​portion configured to prevent the arm from returning from the second position to the first position. Device.

10. The device of claim 9 , wherein the first snap fitting is a cantilever snap.

11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the cantilever snap has a curved end distal to the crossbar.

12. 12. The device of claim 9, wherein the first snap-fit ​​portion further comprises a first hook distal to the crossbar and a second hook proximal to the crossbar, the first hook and the second hook configured to be coupled to the implant delivery system.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the first hook includes a locking surface configured to be coupled to the implant delivery system at the first position.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the second hook includes a locking surface configured to couple to the implant delivery system at the second location.

15. The second hook comprises: a leading surface configured to contact the implant delivery system at the first position; a locking surface configured to be coupled to the implant delivery system at the second position; and 13. The apparatus of claim 12, comprising:

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the rail slot comprises a channel that passes through the arm.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the key guide includes a channel that passes through the crossbar.

18. 1. An apparatus for ophthalmic surgery, comprising: a housing including a key track, a first catch, and a second catch; a bore extending through the housing; a plunger at least partially disposed within the bore, the plunger including a rail and a keyway; A plunger key, a key guide configured to slidably engage the key track; a crossbar coupled to the key guide; a first cantilever arm coupled to the crossbar and disposed through the keyway; a first snap fit coupled to the first cantilever arm distal to the crossbar; a second cantilever arm coupled to the crossbar; a second snap-fit ​​portion coupled to the crossbar; a rail slot extending through the first cantilever arm; the plunger key, Including, the first cantilever arm and the second cantilever arm are movable with the crossbar from a first position to a second position parallel to the key track; In the first position, the first cantilever arm is configured to prevent movement of the rail through the rail slot, the first snap fit is configured to engage the first catch to prevent the first cantilever arm from disengaging from the keyway, and the second snap fit is configured to engage the second catch to prevent the first cantilever arm from disengaging from the keyway; In the second position, the first cantilever arm is configured to allow movement of the rail through the rail slot, the first snap-fit ​​portion is configured to engage the first catch to prevent the cross bar from returning to the first position from the second position, and the second snap-fit ​​portion is configured to engage the second catch to prevent the cross bar from returning to the first position from the second position. Ophthalmic surgery equipment.

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