Push-and-turn mechanism for docking the drive mechanism handpiece with the intraocular lens box

Abstract

A system, method, and apparatus for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye are provided. The apparatus includes an IOL case comprising a nozzle, a compartment, and a plunger barrel. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the compartment, and the plunger barrel is in fluid communication with the compartment. A plunger is disposed within the plunger barrel. The plunger barrel is configured to be removably attached to a handpiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to ophthalmic surgery, and more particularly, some embodiments may generally relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for removably attaching a drive mechanism handpiece to an intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge. Background Art

[0002] The human eye can develop numerous conditions that can lead to mild deterioration or even complete vision loss. While contact lenses and glasses can compensate for some conditions, others may require eye surgery. Generally, eye surgery can be categorized as either posterior segment surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery, or anterior segment surgery, such as cataract surgery.

[0003] For cataract surgery, the procedure may require making an incision in the eye and inserting a tool into the eye to replace the cloudy lens with an IOL. An insertion tool can be used to deliver the IOL into the eye. As an example, the insertion tool can include a plunger for pushing the IOL out of the mouth of the insertion tool. In some cases, the IOL can be pre-loaded into the insertion tool. In other cases, a separate carriage can be loaded into the insertion tool. The plunger can engage the IOL to advance the IOL from the carriage through the mouth and into the eye. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a device for delivering an IOL. The device may include an IOL box including a nozzle, a compartment, a plunger, and a plunger barrel. The compartment may be configured to receive an IOL. The compartment may be in fluid communication with the nozzle, and the plunger barrel may be in fluid communication with the compartment. The plunger barrel may be configured to be removably attached to a handpiece. The plunger may be disposed within the plunger barrel.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a device for delivering an IOL. The device may include a handpiece comprising a housing and a push rod disposed within the housing. The distal end of the push rod may be configured to be removably attached to an IOL box.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for delivering an IOL into an eye. The method may include inserting an IOL cartridge into a housing of a handpiece. The IOL cartridge may further include a nozzle, a plunger, a plunger barrel, and a compartment. The compartment may further include an IOL and an IOL folding mechanism. The nozzle may be in fluid communication with the compartment. The plunger barrel may be in fluid communication with the compartment. The plunger may be disposed within the plunger barrel. The method may further include inserting a distal end of a push rod of the handpiece into a passageway of the plunger; rotating the handpiece to lock the IOL cartridge to the handpiece; and rotating the push rod to unlock the plunger from its locking restraint and lock the push rod to the plunger.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a device for delivering an IOL. The device may include an IOL cartridge comprising a compartment for receiving the IOL, a plunger barrel having a proximal end and a distal end coupled to the compartment, and a plunger disposed within the plunger barrel. The device may further include a handpiece configured to be removably coupled to the proximal end of the plunger barrel and comprising a housing and a push rod disposed within the housing and configured to releasably couple to the plunger of the plunger barrel.

[0008] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In this regard, additional aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some embodiments of the disclosure and should not be used to limit or define the disclosure.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an insertion tool according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 shows a top elevation view of a putter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 Some embodiments according to the present disclosure are shown Figure 1 an exploded view of the plunger, plunger barrel, and locking cap of the insertion tool;

[0013] Figure 4 shows an interior elevation view of a locking cover according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 shows a cross section of a locking cap and plunger in a locked position within a plunger barrel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 6 shows a cross section of a locking cap and plunger in an unlocked position within a plunger barrel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 7A Insertion of an IOL cartridge into a handpiece is shown according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 7B shows an IOL cartridge locked to a handpiece according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of a push rod engaged with a portion of a plunger in an unlocked position according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 9 a cross-section illustrating a portion of the push rod engaging a portion of the plunger in a locked position according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0020] Figure 10 and Figure 11 IOL implantation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is demonstrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to promote the understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations shown in the accompanying drawings, and specific language will be used to describe them. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art in the technical field involved in the present disclosure are generally fully able to envision any changes and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure. Specifically, it is fully conceivable that the features, components and / or steps described with reference to one or more implementations can be combined with the features, components and / or steps described with reference to other implementations of the present disclosure. For simplicity, in some cases, the same reference numerals are used in all drawings to refer to the same or identical parts.

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a variety of pre-loaded IOL box designs. These pre-loaded boxes can be used with handpieces that include different types of drive mechanisms. Specific embodiments of the present disclosure allow for interchangeability between different handpieces (such as disposable and reusable handpieces) and various pre-loaded IOL box designs. Disposable handpieces can include non-electric, unpowered drive mechanisms. Reusable handpieces can include non-powered drive mechanisms (e.g., simply manually pushing or twisting; manually actuated via fluid or elastic members such as springs) and electric drive mechanisms (e.g., stator windings). It should be noted that these types of handpieces are examples, and other types of handpieces or drive mechanisms can be utilized according to specific embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a standard interface mechanism that utilizes a push-and-turn function to assemble a handpiece with a preloaded IOL cartridge, deliver the IOL, and disengage the handpiece from the used cartridge when needed. The standard interface allows different types of handpieces to be easily paired and used with the preloaded IOL cartridge for IOL implantation. After IOL implantation, the preloaded IOL cartridge can be easily removed from the reusable handpiece.

[0024] The handpiece can be secured to a preloaded IOL cartridge by sliding the end of the handpiece over the plunger barrel of the IOL cartridge. In some embodiments, the end of the handpiece can have one or more slots to engage with pins or protrusions on the IOL cartridge. The handpiece can be rotated approximately 90 degrees clockwise, for example, to lock the protrusion of the IOL cartridge in place in the slot of the handpiece.

[0025] The IOL box may further include a locking cap positioned on the end of the plunger barrel. The locking cap may engage with one end of the plunger. The IOL box may be rotated 90 degrees, for example to unlock the plunger and release the plunger from its transport and storage position within the IOL box.

[0026] The push rod of the drive mechanism can then be rotated from the disengaged position to engage with the plunger of the IOL box to advance the plunger. In some embodiments, the push rod can be rotated by an amount between 60 and 120 degrees, or in some specific embodiments, by approximately 90 degrees to engage with the plunger. The push rod can be disengaged from the plunger by rotating, for example, 90 degrees in the opposite direction. Once the IOL delivery has been completed, the handpiece can be rotated and pulled away from the IOL box being used.

[0027] Figure 1 An exploded view of an insertion tool 10 for implanting an IOL 20 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the insertion tool 10 can include an IOL cartridge 12 and a handpiece 14. The IOL cartridge 12 and the handpiece 14 can be removably attached to each other.

[0028] The IOL cartridge 12 may include a compartment 18 for housing an IOL 20. In operation, the handpiece 14 may be actuated to eject the IOL 20 from the IOL cartridge 12. The IOL 20 may include a lens 22 and a haptic extension 24. The haptic extension 24 may be side struts (or other suitable extensions) extending from the lens 22 that may stabilize the IOL 20 as it is positioned within the patient's eye. It should be understood that the IOL 20 is merely exemplary and that the techniques disclosed herein may be used with any suitable IOL. For example, a modular IOL (not shown) may also be used that includes a lens portion that may be positioned within a base having haptic extensions. The IOL cartridge 12 may also include a mouthpiece 21 in fluid communication with the compartment 18. The IOL cartridge 12 may include a folding mechanism (not shown) for folding the IOL 20. For example, the IOL cartridge 12 may include calipers or arms (not shown) for folding the IOL 20 for delivery into the eye. The IOL cartridge 12 may also include a plunger barrel 25. The plunger barrel 25 can be a hollow, rigid member that is removably attached to the handpiece 14. The plunger barrel 25 of the IOL cartridge 12 can be inserted into the handpiece 14, and the handpiece 14 can be rotated to engage the plunger barrel 25. A locking cap 26 can be disposed on the end of the plunger barrel 25. A plunger 34 can be movably disposed within the plunger barrel 25. The plunger 34 can be an elongated, rigid member made of plastic and can be used to deliver the IOL 20.

[0029] The handpiece 14 can be removably attached to the IOL cartridge 12. It should be noted that various handpieces can be used with different types of IOL cartridges. The handpiece 14 can include a motorized or non-motorized drive mechanism that can include a push rod 27 extending along the length of the handpiece 14. The push rod 27 can be movably disposed within a housing 30 of the handpiece 14 and can be manually actuated via a rotatable knob 29 that can cooperate with a fluid or elastic member (such as a spring 31) or another actuation mechanism. Generally speaking, for the purpose of discussing and describing the various components and features of the handpiece 14 and IOL cartridge 12 of the IOL insertion tool 10, reference to a proximal or proximal direction can refer to a direction that is closer to the end of the handpiece 14 including the rotatable knob 29 according to the directional arrow 13. Similarly, reference to a distal or distal direction can refer to a direction that is closer to the end of the IOL cartridge 12 including the mouth 21 according to the directional arrow 17.

[0030] Figure 2A push rod 27 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The push rod 27 can be an elongated rigid member including a distal end 32 opposite a proximal end 33. The push rod 27 can be made of a variety of materials, such as plastic and / or rubber, for example. The push rod 27 can include an elongated ridge 35 along a middle portion 37. The height of the middle portion 37 can be greater than the height of both the distal end 32 and the proximal end 33. The distal end 32 can include, for example, a quadrilateral shape. However, other suitable shapes can be utilized. The proximal end 33 can include a member 39 for attachment to the knob 29 ( Figure 1 shown).

[0031] Figure 3 A plunger 34 is shown along with the plunger barrel 25 and the locking cap 26 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. The plunger 34 may be movably disposed within the plunger barrel 25. The plunger 34 may be an elongated rigid member made of plastic and may be used to deliver the IOL 20 ( Figure 1 ). The plunger 34 may include a passageway 36 that extends longitudinally through an engagement portion 40 of the plunger 34. The engagement portion 40 may be located opposite the plunger tip 38. The passageway 36 may be configured to receive the distal end 32 ( Figure 2 ). A tab 41 can be positioned on the engagement portion 40. The tab 41 can extend outwardly from the engagement portion 40 and be used to lock or unlock the plunger 34 within the plunger barrel 25 via the locking cap 26. The plunger 34 can also include a longitudinally extending ridge 45 for stabilization within the plunger barrel 25.

[0032] The locking cover 26 can be configured to engage with the plunger barrel 25 and the engagement portion 40 of the plunger 34. The locking cover 26 can be cylindrical and can be configured to prevent the plunger 34 from moving axially (e.g., moving forward) when the locking cover 26 is in the locked position. In addition, the locking cover 26 can be rotated to an unlocked position to allow the plunger 34 to move axially. The locking cover 26 may include at least one slot 47 for receiving the at least one tab 41 of the plunger 34 to lock or unlock the plunger 34. The slot 47 may extend along the circumference of the locking cover 26. In the locked configuration, the locking cover 26 can be positioned in a first position so that one or more tabs 41 are placed in the at least one slot 47. In order to unlock the locking cover 26, the locking cover 26 can be rotated so that the one or more tabs 41 are moved out of the slot 47. The locking cover 26 may include a passage 42 to receive the distal end 32 ( Figure 2 ). The locking cap 26 may be press fit onto a ridge 44 that extends along the circumference of the end 46 of the plunger barrel 25.

[0033] Figure 41 shows an elevation view of the interior of the locking cap 26 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The interior of the locking cap 26 may include a contoured surface 50 to surround the plunger 34 ( Figure 3 The locking cap 26 also includes an internal groove 48 that extends along the inner circumference of the locking cap 26. The ridge 44 ( Figure 3 The ridge 44 in combination with the internal groove 48 can allow the locking cap 26 to be retained on the end 46 (shown) of the plunger barrel 25. Figure 3 shown) and allows the locking cap 26 to be rotated or actuated about the end 46 of the plunger barrel 25.

[0034] Figure 5 A side view cross-section of the plunger barrel 25 is shown with the locking cap 26 in an initial or locked position according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The locking cap 26 can be placed on the plunger barrel 25 to restrict axial movement of the plunger 34. As shown, the ridge 44 of the plunger barrel 25 extends into the internal groove 48 of the locking cap 26 to allow the locking cap 26 to rotate into position. The tab 41 of the engagement portion 40 of the plunger 34 extends into the slot 47. In this initial position, the plunger 34 is locked to prevent movement during storage or transportation.

[0035] Figure 6 A side view cross section of the plunger barrel 25 is shown with the locking cap 26 in the unlocked position according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the locking cap 26 has been rotated to remove or unlock the tab 41. Once the locking cap 26 is in the unlocked position, the plunger 34 can be moved axially in the forward direction indicated by the arrow.

[0036] Figure 7A The insertion of the IOL cartridge 12 into the handpiece 14 is shown according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The plunger barrel 25 of the IOL cartridge 12 includes a protrusion 52 that can be aligned with a slot 54 of the handpiece 14. The plunger barrel 25 is inserted into the interior of the handpiece 14 so that the slot 54 receives the protrusion 52. The handpiece 14 can be rotated to secure the IOL cartridge 12 to the handpiece 14. In some embodiments, the handpiece 14 and the IOL cartridge 12 can be configured so that the handpiece 14 is rotated an amount between 60 degrees and 120 degrees to secure the handpiece 14 to the IOL cartridge 12. For example, in certain embodiments, the handpiece 14 and the IOL cartridge 12 can be configured to be rotated an amount of 90 degrees to secure the handpiece 14 to the IOL cartridge 12.

[0037] Figure 7BThe IOL cartridge 12 is shown locked to the handpiece 14 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The handpiece 14 has been rotated to secure the protrusion 52 within the slot 54, so that the handpiece 14 and the IOL cartridge 12 are coupled. To unlock, the handpiece 14 can be rotated in the opposite direction.

[0038] Figure 8 3 is a cross-section of the distal end 32 of the push rod 27 inserted into the plunger 34 in the unrotated position or unlocked position according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. The passage 36 of the plunger 34 can receive the distal end 32 of the push rod 27. The distal end 32 can include a height h1 when in the unrotated position. The distal end 32 can have, for example, a rectangular shape, which can have different widths (w) and different heights. That is, in the unrotated position, the distal end 32 has a height h1 and a width w, and when the distal end 32 is rotated, the width w becomes a height h2, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 In some embodiments, h2 may be greater than h1. The passageway 36 of the plunger 34 may include a narrow portion 61 having an inner diameter greater than the height h1 but less than the width w or the height h2, thereby allowing the distal end 32 to move through the narrow portion 61 when in the unrotated position (unlocked) but preventing the distal end 32 from returning through the narrow portion 61 when in the rotated position (locked), as shown. Figure 9 The plunger 34 may include a port 62 in fluid communication with the passage 36. The passage 36 of the plunger 34 may be configured to receive the distal end 32 of the push rod 27, and the port 62 may receive a portion of the distal end 32 when the push rod 27 is rotated to the locked position.

[0039] Figure 9 34. FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end 32 of the push rod 27 rotated and locked to the plunger 34 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. The distal end 32 is locked into the engagement portion 40 of the passage 36 of the plunger 34. The distal end 32 has been rotated so that the first locking portion 64 and the second locking portion 66 of the distal end 32 abut the first internal shoulder 68 and the second internal shoulder 70 of the passage 36, thereby locking the push rod 27 to the plunger 34 and preventing the push rod 27 from moving axially relative to the plunger 34. Additionally, when rotated, the first locking portion 64 can extend into the port 62. The height h2 of the distal end 32 can be greater than the inner diameter of the portion 72 of the passage 36 between the first internal shoulder 68 and the second internal shoulder 70 to lock the distal end 32 of the push rod 27 in place and prevent the push rod 27 from being pulled out of the plunger 34.

[0040] refer to Figures 1 to 9 , an exemplary technique for assembling the insertion tool 10 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure is described below. In some embodiments, the locking cover 26 of the IOL cartridge 12 may first be rotated from a locked position to an unlocked position, as in Figure 5 and Figure 6Second, the plunger barrel 25 of the IOL cartridge 12 can be inserted into the handpiece 14 so that the distal end 32 of the push rod 27 passes through the unlocked locking cap 26 and is received within the passage 36 of the plunger 34, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 Next, the handpiece 14 can be rotated so that the IOL cartridge 12 is locked to the handpiece 14, as shown. Figure 7B The push rod 27 can be rotated so that the push rod 27 is locked to the plunger 34, as shown. Figure 9 As best shown, the handpiece 14 is rotated to complete engagement with the IOL cartridge 12 and configure the insertion tool 10 for delivery of the IOL 20. In some embodiments, the push rod 27 can be locked into the plunger 34 before the handpiece 14 is locked to the IOL cartridge 12, or while the handpiece 14 is rotated to engage and lock the IOL cartridge 12. Upon actuation of the push rod 27, the plunger 34 is driven axially forward to move the IOL from the IOL cartridge 12.

[0041] To remove the insertion tool 10, the push rod 27 can be rotated in the opposite direction, thereby unlocking the push rod 27 from the plunger 34. In some embodiments, this may require changing the configuration of the push rod 27 and the plunger 34 from Figure 9 The locking configuration changes to Figure 8 The handpiece 14 can then be rotated in the opposite direction to unlock the IOL cartridge 12 from the handpiece 14. For example, the handpiece 14 can be rotated from the Figure 7B Rotate counterclockwise to the position shown Figure 7A The handpiece 14 is rotated counterclockwise to the position shown. In some cases, the counterclockwise rotation can be between 60 and 120 degrees, or in some specific embodiments, 90 degrees counterclockwise. In some embodiments, the handpiece 14 can be unlocked from the IOL cartridge 12 before or simultaneously with unlocking the push rod 27 from the plunger 34. The plunger 34 can then be fully pulled away from the push rod 27 to separate the push rod 27 from the plunger 34, thereby separating the handpiece 14 from the IOL cartridge 12.

[0042] Now refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 An exemplary technique for implanting an IOL 20 into a patient's eye 80 is described. Figure 10 As shown, the surgeon can make an incision 82 in the eye 80. For example, the incision 82 can be made through the sclera of the eye 80. The incision 82 can be of a suitable width or length. After the incision 82 is made, the nozzle 21 of the insertion tool 10 can be inserted through the incision 82 into the interior portion 86 of the eye 80. The insertion tool 10 can be actuated to dispense the IOL 20 into the capsular bag 88 of the eye 80.

[0043] In some embodiments, the IOL 20 can be delivered in a folded manner (or rolled configuration) and allowed to unfold after being ejected from the insertion tool 10. After dispensing, the IOL 20 should unfold and be seated within the capsular bag 88 of the eye 80, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 For example, haptic extension 24 can be manipulated to engage the equatorial portion of capsular bag 88. Haptic extension 24 can engage capsular bag 88 to secure IOL 20 within capsular bag 88.

[0044] Using the methods and systems described herein can provide numerous benefits and advantages compared to other IOL delivery systems. For example, as previously described, by employing a universal or standardized interface between the IOL cartridge and the handpiece containing the drive mechanism, different drive mechanisms can be interchangeably paired and utilized with various preloaded IOL cartridge designs. Thus, various handpieces containing different types of drive mechanisms can be used with each of a variety of different IOL cartridges, and therefore with different types of IOLs. For example, depending on the type of IOL and / or the type of IOL cartridge, a user can easily select between multiple types of drive mechanisms they wish to use. Furthermore, while one user may prefer to use a first type of drive mechanism handpiece with a given IOL cartridge, a different user may choose to use a second type of drive mechanism handpiece with the same given IOL cartridge. Importantly, by allowing the handpiece to be secured to the IOL cartridge using a universal or standardized interface, the user experience of securing the handpiece to the IOL cartridge can be substantially the same, regardless of the type of drive mechanism or IOL cartridge, and therefore the type of IOL, used. This can also improve operator usability and simplify the IOL delivery procedure.

[0045] It is believed that the operation and construction of the present disclosure will be clear from the foregoing description. Although the apparatus and methods shown or described above have been characterized as being preferred, various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for delivering an intraocular lens, comprising: An intraocular lens case comprising: Mouth; a compartment configured to receive the intraocular lens, the compartment being in fluid communication with the mouth; and a plunger barrel in fluid communication with the compartment, wherein the plunger barrel is adapted to be removably attached to a handpiece; and a plunger disposed within the plunger barrel, the plunger including a passageway; a housing, the handpiece comprising the housing; and a push rod disposed within the housing and comprising a distal end configured to be removably attached to the passageway of the plunger; wherein: The push rod is rotatable from an unlocked position to a locked position to engage and lock the push rod with the plunger of the intraocular lens cartridge, thereby enabling the plunger to be advanced to deliver the intraocular lens; The distal end of the push rod has a first height in the unlocked position and a second height in the locked position, the second height being greater than the first height, The push rod is rotatable from a locked position to an unlocked position to disengage the push rod from the plunger upon completion of delivery of the intraocular lens; A portion of the passageway has an inner diameter greater than the first height.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein An intraocular lens is disposed within the compartment.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The plunger barrel includes a protrusion, and the housing includes a slot for receiving the protrusion.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The push rod rotates an amount between 60 degrees and 120 degrees to rotate from the unlocked position to the locked position.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The inner diameter is smaller than the second height.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: A rotatable locking cap is disposed on the end of the plunger barrel.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: The rotatable locking cover includes a slot for receiving a tab extending from a portion of the plunger.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The plunger barrel has a proximal end and a distal end coupled to the compartment; the push rod is adapted to be releasably coupled to the plunger of the plunger barrel.

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