IOL injector plunger with IOL compression arm

Abstract

Describes an IOL injector plunger with an IOL compression arm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for an intraocular lens (IOL) injector. Background Art

[0002] The human eye, in its simplest aspects, functions to transmit and refract light through a transparent outer portion called the cornea and further focus an image onto the retina at the back of the eye with the aid of the lens to provide vision. The quality of the focused image depends on many factors, including the size, shape, and length of the eye, as well as the shape and transparency of the cornea and lens. When trauma, aging, or disease causes the lens to become less transparent, vision deteriorates due to reduced light that can reach the retina. This defect of the eye lens is medically called a cataract. Treatment for this condition is surgical removal of the lens and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

[0003] Many cataract lenses are removed by a surgical technique called phacoemulsification. In this process, an opening is created in the anterior capsule of the eye, and the phacoemulsification cutting tip is inserted into the diseased lens and ultrasonically vibrated. The vibrating cutting tip liquefies or emulsifies the lens so that the lens can be aspirated from the eye. Once the diseased lens is removed, it is replaced with an IOL.

[0004] The IOL can be injected into the eye through a small incision, sometimes the same incision used to remove the diseased lens. An IOL injector can be used to deliver the IOL into the eye. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An intraocular lens (IOL) injector plunger is described. The plunger has a plunger tip formed at the distal end of the plunger and adapted to contact the IOL and axially move the IOL in response to an axial force applied to the plunger. The plunger also has first and second flexible IOL compression arms disposed on opposite outer sides of the distal end of the plunger, each compression arm having a proximal end coupled to the plunger and a tapered distal end forming a compression arm tip. In an initial compression arm configuration, the compression arms laterally flare such that the first compression arm tip is adapted to contact a first end of a proximal loop of an uncompressed IOL, the first end including a loop tip of the proximal loop. In the initial compression arm configuration, the second compression arm tip is adapted to contact a second end of the proximal loop of the uncompressed IOL. In response to an inward lateral force applied to the outer surface of the compression arms, the compression arms are adapted to flex toward each other to adopt a second compression arm configuration in which the compression arms are adapted to apply an inward lateral force to the IOL and thereby guide the IOL into a compressed configuration.

[0006] The plunger tip can be adapted to contact the IOL in response to the IOL adopting a compressed configuration.

[0007] The plunger can be disposed within the injector body of an IOL injector. The injector body can include a body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a nozzle having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the nozzle being coupled to the distal end of the body. The nozzle can include an IOL storage location configured to receive an uncompressed IOL, and an IOL stop location distal to the IOL storage location. The injector body can include a bore having a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end of the body to the distal end of the nozzle, wherein a distal portion of the bore within the nozzle forms a tapered delivery channel. The plunger is movably coupled within the injector body and aligned within the bore. In response to axial movement of the plunger, each compression arm can be adapted to axially move and contact an inner surface of the tapered delivery channel, and in response, the compression arms can be adapted to flex towards each other to adopt a second compression arm configuration, in which the compression arms are adapted to apply an inward force to the IOL and thereby guide the IOL into a compressed configuration.

[0008] The compression arms can be configured to separate from the plunger in response to the compression arms adopting the second configuration. In response to separation, upon further axial movement of the plunger, the compression arms can be adapted to not further axially move within the delivery channel, and the plunger tip can be adapted to axially push the compressed IOL through the delivery channel.

[0009] The proximal ends of the compression arms can each include a pin, and the plunger can include a hole adapted to receive the pin, thereby coupling the compression arms to the plunger. A portion of the distal end of the body can include a sleeve having a bore sized such that the pin is adapted to be disposed within the hole when the proximal ends of the compression arms are axially disposed within the sleeve. The compression arms can be adapted such that, in response to the compression arms moving from an initial compression arm configuration to a second compression arm configuration, the proximal ends of the compression arms are adapted to move out of the sleeve and in response are adapted to flex outwardly away from the plunger, thereby removing the pin from the hole and separating the compression arms from the plunger.

[0010] The delivery channel can include a hard stop adapted to contact the compression arm tips and prevent the separated compression arms from further axially moving through the delivery channel.

[0011] The nozzle can include a channel longitudinally disposed within the nozzle and adapted to receive the compression arms. In response to axial movement of the plunger after IOL compression, a portion of the compression arms can be configured to separate from the plunger such that the plunger tip is adapted to axially move through the delivery channel, and the compression arms can be adapted to axially slide through the channel.

[0012] The IOL can be in the IOL storage location when the compression arms are in the initial compression arm configuration, and the IOL is in the stop location when the compression arms are in the second compression arm configuration.

[0013] The compression arm may have a concave inner surface that is adapted to contact the lateral outer edge and the lower outer edge of the IOL.

[0014] The IOL injector may be adapted to inject the IOL base, the IOL optics, or both separately.

[0015] The IOL injector may be adapted to inject the IOL base and the IOL optics simultaneously. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] To more fully understand the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary IOL injector;

[0018] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the exemplary IOL injector of

[0019] Figure 3A shows an exemplary one-piece IOL;

[0020] Figure 3B shows an exemplary two-piece IOL including a base and optics;

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary mouth of the IOL injector;

[0022] Figure 5A is Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the mouth of the IOL injector of

[0023] Figure 5B is Figure 4 another cross-sectional view of the mouth of the IOL injector of

[0024] Figure 6 is Figure 4 another perspective view of the mouth of the IOL injector of

[0025] Figure 7 is a view of the distal end of an exemplary IOL injector with the IOL located in the injector and positioned at the dwell position;

[0026] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary plunger with an IOL compression arm;

[0027] Figure 9 is another perspective view of an exemplary plunger with an IOL compression arm;

[0028] Figure 10A is a schematic view of an exemplary plunger having an IOL compression arm in an initial compressed arm configuration and an uncompressed IOL 70 disposed within an IOL injector;

[0029] Figure 10B is a schematic view of an exemplary plunger having an IOL compression arm in a second compressed arm configuration and a compressed IOL 70 disposed within an IOL injector;

[0030] Figure 11 is another schematic view of an exemplary plunger having an IOL compression arm disposed within an IOL injector;

[0031] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary IOL injector that includes a plunger having an IOL compression arm and a nozzle having a hard stop;

[0032] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary IOL injector that includes a plunger having an IOL compression arm and a nozzle having a channel adapted to receive the compression arm;

[0033] Figure 14 is a detailed view of an exemplary plunger having an IOL compression arm and an IOL base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations shown in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe such implementations. However, it is to be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended. Those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains will typically be fully capable of envisioning any changes and further modifications to the described apparatus, device, method, and any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure. In particular, it is fully envisioned that the features, components, and / or steps described for one implementation may be combined with the features, components, and / or steps described for other implementations of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 1 and Figure 2FIG. 0 is a schematic view of an exemplary IOL injector 10 that is actuated by a user manually applying force. The IOL injector 10 includes an injector body 20 and a plunger 30 that is adapted to reciprocate through a bore 40 formed in the injector body 20. The injector body 20 has a body 21 and a tip 25, the body having a proximal end 50 and a distal end 23, the tip having a proximal end 22 and a distal end 60. The proximal end 22 of the tip 25 is coupled to the distal end 23 of the body 21. The tip 25 has an IOL storage location 80 configured to receive an uncompressed IOL 70, and an IOL stop location 809 distal to the IOL storage location 80.

[0036] The bore 40 extends from the proximal end 50 of the body 21 to the distal end 60 of the tip 25. The distal portion of the bore 40 within the tip 25 forms a tapered delivery channel 31 through which the IOL can be axially advanced, compressed, and delivered into the eye through an opening 29 in a distal tip 27 at the distal end 60.

[0037] The plunger 30 is movably coupled within the injector body 20 and aligned within the bore 40. The plunger 30 has a plunger tip 220 adapted to contact the IOL 70.

[0038] The IOL injector 10 also includes a longitudinal axis 75. The longitudinal axis 75 can extend along the plunger 30 and define the longitudinal axis of the plunger 30.

[0039] The IOL storage location 80 can include a door 90 to provide access to the interior of the IOL storage location 80. The door 90 can include a hinge 100 such that the door 90 can pivot about the hinge 100 to open the IOL storage location 80 and, for example, permit the installation of the IOL 70. In other implementations, the IOL storage location 80 may not include a door for installing the IOL 70. In such a case, the IOL 70 can be introduced into the IOL storage location 80 when the IOL injector 10 is assembled. Thus, in such a case, the IOL injector 10 will be a pre-loaded IOL injector. In such a case, the IOL storage location 80 can have a cover that is not configured to open, rather than a door 90. The IOL storage location 80 can include a hole adapted to permit the addition of viscoelastic to the IOL storage location 80.

[0040] The injector body 20 can also include a plurality of tabs 110 formed at the proximal end 50 of the injector body 20. A user, such as an ophthalmologist, an ophthalmic surgical assistant or nurse, or other healthcare professional, can manipulate the tabs 110 with a finger, thumb, or hand to advance the plunger 30 through the bore 40.

[0041] The plunger 30 may include a plunger body 200, a plunger rod 210 extending distally from the plunger body 200, and a plunger tip 220 formed at the distal end 230 of the plunger rod 210 and adapted to contact an IOL disposed within an IOL storage location 80 of, for example, an IOL injector 10. As the plunger 30 is axially advanced in the direction of arrow 78 within the aperture 40 and thus displaced distally, the plunger tip 220 of the plunger 30 is adapted to engage and advance the IOL, such as the IOL 70. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the IOL 70 is shown located within the IOL storage location 80. The plunger 30 may further include a flange 240 formed at the proximal end 250, which may be manipulated by a user's finger, thumb, or hand to advance the plunger 30 through the aperture 40 by displacing the plunger 30 distally in the direction of arrow 78 through the aperture 40.

[0042] In some implementations, the IOL 70 may be a one-piece IOL. That is, in some implementations, the IOL 70 may include an optic 460 and haptics 450 as Figure 3A shown. Each haptic 450 includes a tip 452. In some implementations, the optic 460 and haptics 450 may be integrally formed from a single sheet of material. In other implementations, the optic 460 may be formed from a single sheet of material; the haptics 450 may be formed from another sheet of material, and the optic 460 and haptics 450 may be coupled together and then delivered into the eye. In some cases, the optic 460 and haptics 450 may be firmly fastened to each other and then inserted into an IOL injector and delivered into the eye.

[0043] In other implementations, the IOL 70 may be a multi-piece IOL, such as Figure 3B shown. For example, in some implementations, the IOL 70 includes two or more separate components. Figure 3B is an exemplary IOL 70 that includes two removably attached components. As Figure 3B shown, the IOL 70 includes an optic 460 and a base 461, the base including haptics 450 and having a top 498 and a bottom 499. The optic 460 and the base 461 are adapted to be coupled together to form an integral IOL and then, when needed, separated from each other into separate components. In some cases, one or more components of a multi-piece IOL (such as Figure 3B the two-piece IOL 70 shown) may be separately injected into a patient's eye. Once injected into the eye, these components may be assembled into a complete IOL. For example, in Figure 3BIn the case of the two-piece IOL 70 shown, the optic 460 and the base 461 can be separately injected into the eye. Once injected, the optic 460 is adapted to be coupled to the base 461 and positioned within a groove 14 disposed within an inner edge 8 of the base 461.

[0044] Occasionally, a patient may need to have the IOL replaced, and the process of replacing the IOL can cause damage to the eye. For example, in the case of using a two-piece IOL, the replacement process can involve only replacing the optic, thereby allowing the base to remain in place within the eye.

[0045] As described above, in some implementations, the IOL 70 can be a two-piece IOL, where the base 461 and the optic 460 are separately injected into the patient's eye. Accordingly, for a two-piece IOL, the base 461 and the optic 460 can be included in separate IOL injectors 10 for insertion into the eye. In other implementations, these two components of the two-piece IOL can be separately inserted into the eye using a single IOL injector. For a one-piece IOL, the optic 460 and the haptics 450 form an integral IOL and are simultaneously inserted into the eye using a single IOL injector.

[0046] Accordingly, in some implementations, a user can place a one-piece IOL into the IOL injector, for example, by loading the IOL into an IOL storage compartment of the IOL injector (such as the IOL storage location 80 of the IOL injector described above). Also as described, access to the IOL storage location 80 can be via a door (such as door 90).

[0047] In the case of a two-piece IOL, in some implementations, a user can load the base (such as base 461) into the IOL storage compartment of the IOL injector, for example, via a door. The optic (such as optic 460) can be introduced into a separate IOL storage compartment of the IOL injector, for example, via a door. In some instances, access to the IOL storage compartment can be via a door (such as door 90).

[0048] In some implementations, for example, during manufacturing or before being dispensed to the end user, the IOL can be pre-loaded into the storage compartment of an IOL injector. Accordingly, for a one-piece IOL, the one-piece IOL can be pre-loaded into the storage compartment of an IOL injector before the end user receives it. For a two-piece IOL, the base can be pre-loaded into the storage compartment of one IOL injector while the optic can be pre-loaded into the IOL storage compartment of another IOL injector. As used herein, the term "pre-loaded" means that the IOL in a one-piece or multi-piece configuration (e.g., including a two-piece configuration) is not loaded into the IOL injector by the user, but rather the IOL is previously installed in the IOL injector and is already contained within the IOL injector when the user receives the IOL injector. One or more IOL injectors can be packaged in a sterile wrapper when received by the user.

[0049] As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, pre-loading the IOL into the IOL injector has advantages over manually installing and folding the IOL into the IOL injector by the user. For example, there may be more opportunities for error in manually installing and folding the IOL, and these errors can lead to unnecessary secondary manipulations or corrections during an already complex process. For example, manually installing and folding the IOL can also introduce the possibility of the IOL being contaminated, such as by human error or poor aseptic technique. Contamination of the IOL can compromise the sterile environment of the patient and cause infection or other harm to the patient.

[0050] Figures 4 to 7 Details of an exemplary tip 25 are illustrated. In some instances, the tip 25 has a tapered outer surface. Further, the tip 25 can include a portion of a tapered delivery channel 31 in which the formation of the aperture 40 tapers towards the opening 29. The distal tip 27 is adapted to be inserted into the eye such that the IOL 70 can be implanted. The IOL 70 is expelled from the opening 29 formed in the distal tip 27 into the eye. As Figure 5B shown, the tapered delivery channel 31 and the distal tip 27 can have an elliptical cross-section 120 with a width of W1. Additionally, the distal tip 27 can include a beveled tip 130. The IOL storage location 80, the delivery channel 31, and the opening 29 can define a delivery pathway. The dimensions of the delivery pathway can vary along its length. For example, in some instances, the width W1, the height H1, or both of the delivery pathway can change along the length of the delivery pathway. The variation in the dimensions of the delivery pathway can assist in compressing the IOL as it is advanced along the delivery pathway.

[0051] In some instances, the injector body 20 may include an insertion depth guard 140. The insertion depth guard 140 may form a flange surface 150 that is adapted to abut the outer surface of the eye. The insertion depth guard 140 abuts the eye surface and thereby limits the amount that the distal tip 27 is permitted to extend into the eye, as described in U.S. Application 15 / 049,315, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a detailed view of a portion of an exemplary tip 25. The tip 25 may include a tapered portion 62 and an insertion depth guard 140. The distal tip 27 may include a demarcation 1900 that provides a visual indication of a stop position 809 for a compressed or partially compressed IOL 70. As used herein, the term "stop position" refers to a position adjacent the distal end 60 of the tip 25. For example, the stop position 809 may be a position that is 2-10 mm from the distal end 60. For example, in Figure 6 the example shown, the demarcation 1900 is a narrow ridge or line that encircles all or a portion of the tip 25. In some instances, the demarcation 1900 may be disposed between the tapered portion 62 and the insertion depth guard 140. At least a portion of the injector body 20 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material that permits the user to see the IOL within the injector body 20. Specifically, the tip 25 of the injector body 20 may be formed of a transparent material to permit observation of the IOL as it is moved through the tip by the plunger 30.

[0053] Figure 7 Shows a view of the distal end 60 of the IOL injector 10, with the IOL 70 therein at the stop position 809 in the tip 25. As Figure 7 shown, the stop position 809 of the IOL 70 may be defined as the position at which the distal edge of the optics of the IOL 70 is substantially aligned with the demarcation 1900. The haptics 450 or a portion thereof may extend beyond the demarcation 1900.

[0054] In various implementations described herein, the IOL injector 10 includes a plunger 30 that is adapted to have an increased surface area in contact with the IOL 70. In particular, in some implementations, the plunger 30 described herein has a wide distal end that is adapted to contact the uncompressed IOL 70 and stack the IOL 70 under control such that the IOL 70 can be compressed into a narrow configuration for delivery through the tip 25 of the IOL injector 10. In certain implementations, the plunger 30 described herein is configured to distribute an axial load such that the IOL 70 is prevented from "pinching" during plunger advancement.

[0055] As used herein, the term "pinching" refers to an adverse axial folding or compression along the longitudinal axis of the IOL 70, which can sometimes occur when a conventional plunger is used to advance the IOL 70 through the delivery channel of an IOL injector. Conventional plungers typically have a single point of contact with the IOL, such that the contact surface area with the IOL is relatively small or the plunger tip contacts a relatively small portion of the IOL circumference. A typical plunger has a plunger tip that contacts only about 5% of the IOL circumference. In particular, when using a conventional plunger to advance the IOL 70 through the nozzle 25, such as within a tapered delivery channel 31, for example from a storage position 80 to a dwell position 809, and / or when advancing the IOL 70 from a portion of the aperture 40 having a relatively large height H1 and / or width W1 to a narrower portion, such as within the tapered delivery channel 31, pinching can sometimes occur.

[0056] Compared to the typical hard-tip plungers described above, some other existing plungers (such as collapsible elastomeric plungers) have soft tips, such as silicone soft-tip plungers. A typical soft-tip plunger has a plunger tip that contacts about 10 - 15% of the IOL circumference. However, soft-tip plungers have drawbacks such as high resistance of the elastomeric material to the inner surface of the delivery channel 31 and the tendency of silicone to deform unpredictably.

[0057] Thus, in some implementations, the plunger 30 described herein utilizes an operating principle different from that of conventional plungers or other existing plungers, which typically have only a single point of contact with the IOL, such that the contact surface area with the IOL or the IOL circumference is relatively small, and are typically configured to axially push only the IOL through the aperture 40 of the injector body 20.

[0058] Figures 8 to 9 is a schematic view of an exemplary plunger 30 of the present disclosure, which has compression arms 1 that are adapted to provide a laterally inward squeezing force onto the IOL 70 while applying an axial force to advance the IOL 70 through the nozzle 25.

[0059] In the implementations described herein, the plunger 30 has a plunger tip 220 and one or more additional compression arms 1. The plunger tip is formed at the distal end 230 of the plunger, such as at the distal end 230 of the plunger rod 210, and is adapted to contact the IOL 70 and axially move the IOL 70 in response to an axial force applied to the plunger 30. Typically, the plunger 30 described herein has first and second flexible IOL compression arms 1 disposed on opposite lateral sides of the distal end 230 of the plunger 30. Each compression arm has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is coupled to the plunger 30, such as to the distal end 230 of the plunger rod 210, and the distal end is, for example, a tapered distal end that forms a compression arm tip 2. The compression arms described herein are adapted to increase the contact surface area with the IOL. The compression arms 1 provide various advantages, including, for example, the ability to laterally superimpose or compress an uncompressed IOL 70 under control such that it can be compressed into a narrow configuration for delivery through the orifice 25. The plunger tip 220 and the compression arms 1 can together form a wide IOL contact surface area. For example, in some implementations, the plunger with compression arms can be adapted to contact the IOL circumference or about 25% thereof.

[0060] In an initial compression arm 1 configuration, the compression arms 1 can be laterally splayed such that the first compression arm tip 2 is adapted to contact a first end of the proximal loop 450 of the uncompressed IOL, the first end including the loop tip 452 of the proximal loop 450, and the second compression arm tip 2 is adapted to contact a second end of the proximal loop 450 of the uncompressed IOL 70.

[0061] As used herein, the term "splayed" refers to a configuration in which the compression arm tips 2 point away from each other such that the compression arms 1 are disposed at an angle of, for example, at least 10°, at least 20°, at least 30°, at least 40°, or at least 50° relative to each other.

[0062] In response to a medial lateral force applied to the outer surface 901 of the compression arms 1, such as in the direction of arrow 900 in Figure 9 and Figure 10B the compression arms 1 are adapted to flex towards each other to assume a second compression arm 1 configuration, in which the compression arms 1 are adapted to apply a medial lateral force to the IOL 70 and thereby guide the IOL 70 into a compressed configuration.

[0063] Furthermore, in some implementations, for example, as Figure 10B shown, after the IOL 70 is at least partially compressed by the compression arms 1, the plunger tip 220 is adapted to contact the IOL 70. In some implementations, the plunger tip 220 is adapted to contact the IOL 70 in response to the IOL 70 assuming a compressed configuration.

[0064] In various implementations, the plunger 30 can be disposed within the IOL injector 10. For example,Figures 10A to 10B Schematic illustration of an exemplary plunger 30 having an IOL compression arm 1 and an IOL 70 (such as an IOL base 461) disposed within an IOL injector 10. Figures 10A to 10B The exemplary IOL injector 10 has an injector body 20 that includes a body 21 having a proximal end 50 and a distal end 23. The exemplary IOL injector 10 also has a nozzle 25 having a proximal end 22 and a distal end 60, with the proximal end 22 of the nozzle 25 coupled to the distal end 23 of the body 21. The nozzle 25 further has an IOL storage location 80 configured to receive an uncompressed IOL 70 and an IOL dwell location 809 distal to the IOL storage location 80. The exemplary IOL injector 10 also has a bore 40 having a longitudinal axis 75 extending from the proximal end 50 of the body 21 to the distal end 60 of the nozzle 25, wherein a distal portion of the bore 40 within the nozzle 25 forms a tapered delivery channel 31. The plunger is movably coupled within the injector body 20 and aligned within the bore 40.

[0065] Figure 10A Schematic illustration of an exemplary plunger having an IOL compression arm in an initial compression arm configuration and an uncompressed IOL 70. Figure 10B Schematic illustration of an exemplary plunger having an IOL compression arm in a second compression arm configuration and a compressed IOL 70.

[0066] For example, as Figures 10A to 10B shown, in some implementations, in response to axial movement of the plunger 30, each compression arm 1 is adapted to axially move and contact the inner surface 64 of the tapered delivery channel 31. In response, the compression arms 1 are adapted to flex toward each other to assume a second compression arm 1 configuration, in which the compression arms 1 are adapted to apply an inwardly directed force to the IOL 70 and thereby direct the IOL 70 to assume a compressed configuration.

[0067] Thus, after compressing the IOL 70 under the control of the IOL compression arms, the plunger 30 can then be further axially advanced such that the plunger tip 220 longitudinally displaces the compressed IOL 70 and axially advances the compressed IOL 70 through the delivery passage and through an opening 29 at the distal end 60 of the nozzle 25.

[0068] Figure 11Another schematic view of an exemplary plunger with an IOL compression arm, where the compression arm 1 is configured to separate from the plunger 30, such as from the plunger rod 210. Typically, in some implementations, the delivery channel 31 is sized such that it may not allow the uncompressed IOL to axially move through the delivery channel 31 to the distal end 60 of the nozzle 25 together with the compression arm. Further, it will be understood that after the IOL 70 has adopted a compressed configuration within the tapered delivery channel 31, the compressed IOL 70 typically does not need to remain in continuous contact with the compression arm, but can be maintained in the compressed configuration by contacting the inner surface 64 of the tapered delivery channel 31 while being axially advanced through the delivery channel to the distal end 60 of the nozzle 25 in contact with the plunger tip 220.

[0069] Thus, in some implementations, the compression arm 1 is configured to separate from the plunger 30 in response to the compression arm 1 adopting a second configuration. In response to the separation, as the plunger 30 further axially moves, the compression arm 1 is adapted not to further axially move within the delivery channel 31, and the plunger tip 220 is adapted to axially push the compressed IOL through the delivery channel 31.

[0070] In some implementations, such as Figure 11 shown, the proximal ends of the compression arms 1 may each include a pin 3, and the plunger 30 may have a hole 4 adapted to receive the pin, thereby coupling the compression arm 1 to the plunger 30. In some implementations, in order to maintain the coupling between the plunger 30 and the compression arm 1 until the compression arm 1 adopts a second compression arm configuration, the size of a portion of the hole 40 within the injector body 20 may be set to maintain contact between the plunger 30 and the compression arm 1. For example, as Figure 11 shown, a portion of the distal end of the body 21 may include a sleeve 5 having a hole 40 with a diameter sized such that the pin is disposed within the hole 4 when the proximal end of the compression arm 1 is axially disposed within the sleeve 5. As the plunger 30 further axially moves, in response to the compression arm 1 moving from an initial compression arm 1 configuration to a second compression arm 1 configuration, the proximal end of the compression arm 1 may be configured to move out of the sleeve 5 and be adapted to flex outwardly away from the plunger 30 in response, thereby removing the pin 3 from the hole 4 and separating the compression arm 1 from the plunger 30. Thus, the plunger 30 (such as the plunger rod), including the plunger tip 220 but not including the compression arm 1, can then further axially move within the nozzle, thereby advancing the IOL 70 to the distal end 60 of the nozzle 25.

[0071] In some implementations, for example, as Figure 12As shown, the delivery channel 31 can include a hard stop 6 adapted to contact the end of the compression arm 2, such as when the compression arm 1 is in the second compression arm configuration, and prevent the separated compression arm 1 from further axially moving through the delivery channel 31, while allowing the separated plunger 30, such as the plunger rod 210 including the plunger tip 220, to further axially move in response to a further axial force applied to the plunger 30.

[0072] In some implementations, for example, as Figure 13 shown, the nozzle 25 can include a notch or release feature, or for example a channel 7 that is longitudinally disposed within the nozzle 25 and is adapted to receive the compression arm 1. For example, in response to further axial movement of the plunger 30 after compression of the IOL 70, such as when the compression arm 1 is in the second compression arm configuration, at least a portion of the compression arm 1 is configured to separate from the plunger 30, such as from the plunger rod 210, such that the plunger rod 210 including the plunger tip 220 is adapted to axially move through the delivery channel 31, and the compression arm 1 is adapted to enter and axially slide through the channel 7.

[0073] In some implementations, the plunger 30 of the present disclosure can be configured such that the IOL 70 can be in the IOL storage position 80 when the compression arm 1 is in the initial compression arm configuration, and the IOL 70 can be in the dwell position 809 when the compression arm 1 is in the second compression arm configuration.

[0074] The compression arm 1 of the plunger 30 can be shaped to provide an optimal contact surface area with the IOL 70. In some implementations, for example, as Figure 14 shown, the compression arm 1 can have a concave inner surface 8 that is adapted to contact the lateral outer edge 9a of the IOL 70 and the lower outer edge 9b of the IOL 70.

[0075] In some implementations, the IOL injector 10 of the present disclosure can include a plunger 30 having a compression arm 1 that is adapted to separately inject the IOL base 461, the IOL optics 460, or both. In some implementations, the IOL injector 10 of the present disclosure can include a plunger 30 having a compression arm 1 that is adapted to simultaneously inject the IOL base 461 and the IOL optics 460.

[0076] Non-limiting examples of IOL injectors that can be adapted according to the present disclosure include those described in U.S. Patent No. 7,156,854 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0256316, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0077] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other implementations that fall within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the scope of this disclosure will be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents and should not be limited or restricted to the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. An intraocular lens injector plunger, comprising: a plunger tip formed at the distal end of the plunger and adapted to contact the intraocular lens and axially move the intraocular lens in response to an axial force applied to the plunger; and a first flexible intraocular lens compression arm and a second flexible intraocular lens compression arm disposed on opposite lateral sides of the distal end of the plunger, each of the first flexible intraocular lens compression arm and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arm having a proximal end coupled to the plunger and a tapered distal end forming a compression arm tip, wherein: the plunger is movably coupled within an injector body of the intraocular lens injector and aligned within a bore of the injector body, the injector body including a tapered delivery channel; in an initial compression arm configuration, the first flexible intraocular lens compression arm and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arm are laterally spread apart such that the compression arm tip of the first flexible intraocular lens compression arm is adapted to contact a first end of a proximal loop of the uncompressed intraocular lens, the first end including a loop tip of the proximal loop, and the compression arm tip of the second flexible intraocular lens compression arm is adapted to contact a second end of the proximal loop of the uncompressed intraocular lens; in response to an inward lateral force applied to outer surfaces of the first flexible intraocular lens compression arm and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arm, the first flexible intraocular lens compression arm and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arm are adapted to flex toward each other to adopt a second compression arm configuration, in which the first flexible intraocular lens compression arm and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arm are adapted to apply the inward lateral force to the intraocular lens and thereby direct the intraocular lens to adopt a compressed configuration; and the first flexible intraocular lens compression arm and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arm are adapted to separate from the plunger in response to the first flexible intraocular lens compression arm and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arm adopting the second compression arm configuration, such that, in response to the separation, as the plunger moves axially: the first flexible intraocular lens compression arm and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arm are adapted not to move axially within the tapered delivery channel; and the plunger tip is adapted to axially push the compressed intraocular lens through the tapered delivery channel.

2. The plunger according to claim 1, wherein: the plunger tip is adapted to contact the intraocular lens in response to the intraocular lens adopting the compressed configuration.

3. The plunger according to claim 1, wherein, the injector body includes: a body having a proximal end and a distal end; a mouth having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the mouth being coupled to the distal end of the body, the mouth further having an intraocular lens storage position for receiving the uncompressed intraocular lens and an intraocular lens stop position distal to the intraocular lens storage position; the bore having a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end of the body to the distal end of the mouth, wherein a distal portion of the bore within the mouth forms the tapered delivery channel; wherein: In response to the axial movement of the plunger, each of the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms is adapted to move axially and contact the inner surface of the tapered delivery channel, and in response, the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms are adapted to flex towards each other to adopt the second compression arm configuration.

4. The plunger according to claim 3, wherein: the proximal ends of the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms each include a pin; the plunger includes a hole adapted to receive the pin, thereby coupling the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms to the plunger; and a portion of the distal end of the body includes a sleeve having a hole, the size of the hole in the sleeve being set such that the pin is adapted to be disposed in the hole when the proximal ends of the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms are axially disposed within the sleeve; wherein the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms are adapted to: in response to the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms moving from the initial compression arm configuration to the second compression arm configuration: the proximal ends of the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms are adapted to move out of the sleeve and in response are adapted to flex outwardly away from the plunger, thereby removing the pin from the hole and separating the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms from the plunger.

5. The plunger according to claim 1, wherein: the delivery channel includes a hard stop adapted to contact the compression arm ends and prevent the separated first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and second flexible intraocular lens compression arms from further moving axially through the delivery channel.

6. The plunger according to claim 3, wherein: the mouth further includes a channel longitudinally disposed within the mouth and adapted to receive the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms; wherein, in response to further axial movement of the plunger after the intraocular lens compression: a portion of the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms is configured to separate from the plunger, such that the plunger tip is adapted to further move axially through the delivery channel; and the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms are adapted to slide axially through the channel of the mouth.

7. The plunger according to claim 3, wherein, the plunger is configured such that: the intraocular lens is in the intraocular lens storage position when the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms are in the initial compression arm configuration; and the intraocular lens is in the dwell position when the first flexible intraocular lens compression arms and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arms are in the second compression arm configuration.

8. The plunger according to claim 1, wherein: the first flexible intraocular lens compression arm and the second flexible intraocular lens compression arm have concave inner surfaces adapted to contact the lateral outer edges and the lower outer edges of the intraocular lens.

9. The plunger according to claim 1, wherein: the intraocular lens injector is adapted to separately inject the intraocular lens base, the intraocular lens optics, or both.

10. The plunger according to claim 1, wherein: the intraocular lens injector is adapted to simultaneously inject the intraocular lens base and the intraocular lens optics.

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