Receptacle comprising an ophthalmic injector having an intraocular lens

Abstract

The present invention relates to a containing device (1), which comprises: an ophthalmic injector (2), which has an artificial lens (3), a first container (4), which is at least partially filled with a fluid (5), wherein the artificial lens (3) is surrounded by the fluid (5), and the first container (4) is provided with a cover (6), which closes the first container (4) in a fluid-tight manner and is releasably connected to the first container (4), and a second container (7), which is connected to the first container (4), wherein a fluid-tight closure (8) is provided between the first container (4) and the second container (7), wherein the cover (6) is connected to the closure (8) by means of a coupling device (9), and the closure (8) is configured to be transferred from a closed position to an open position by means of the coupling device (9) when the cover (6) is released from the first container (4), so that the fluid (5) can flow from the first container (4) into the second container (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a receiving device with an ophthalmic injector having an intraocular lens.

[0002] Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are generally divided into two categories: hydrophobic intraocular lenses, which absorb less than 1% water, and hydrophilic intraocular lenses, which absorb more than 1% water. Hydrophobic intraocular lenses can be folded at room temperature, and their foldability is ensured by their chemical composition rather than by water used as a plasticizer. In contrast, hydrophilic lenses, which usually contain about 25% water by weight, can be folded at room temperature due to the absorption of water used as a plasticizer.

[0003] Those skilled in the art recognize that hydrophilic intraocular lenses must be immersed in water or saline solution during storage in order to ensure sufficient hydration, which is required for folding at room temperature. Therefore, such intraocular lenses are packaged so that they are located in a fluid in which they can be stored for up to five years before their implantation without their optical, mechanical and chemical properties changing during this period.

[0004] An intraocular lens is usually implanted during cataract surgery via an implantation device, commonly referred to by those skilled in the art as an "ophthalmic injector". The intraocular lens is preferably stored in the injector in a pre-tensioned state in order to minimize the risk of incorrect operation due to operator error. The intraocular lens is stored in a humid environment to ensure adequate hydration of the intraocular lens.

[0005] For this purpose, at least a portion of an ophthalmic injector in which the preferably pretensioned intraocular lens is positioned is stored in a container filled with a fluid. Water or a balanced salt solution (BSS) can be used as the fluid.

[0006] Such systems are described, for example, in US 2007 / 0 250 068 A1, WO 2010 / 105 678 A1, WO 2013 / 159 045 A1, US 2011 / 0245 840 A1 and WO 2021 / 062 568 A1.

[0007] However, this system has a number of disadvantages. First, when removing the injector from the water bath, the sterile gloves worn by the user may become wet, and this may increase the risk of contamination, as bacteria may be more easily transmitted through wet surfaces. Second, it is more difficult to operate the injector with wet hands, which may cause problems during operation. In addition, fluid may overflow the system, resulting in a wet surgical environment.

[0008] In this context, reference is made to US 5 616 184 A, US 2009 / 0 057 167 A1, US 2002 / 0 029981 A1 and DE 10 2014 005 719 A1.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a containing device which makes it possible to remove an ophthalmic injector containing an intraocular lens from a container filled with a fluid in a suitable manner, without the fluid escaping from the containing device and thus keeping the surroundings of the containing device dry. Furthermore, it is to be achieved that the risk of contamination caused by the user after he or she removes the ophthalmic injector from the containing device is as low as possible. Another object of the present invention is to provide a containing device of the type in question which has a higher level of safety in the event that it is accidentally knocked over, with the aim of ensuring that the majority of the fluid remains in the containing device and thus that the surgical environment outside the containing device remains essentially dry. Furthermore, it is to be achieved that a containing device of the type in question can be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner and consists of as few individual components as possible.

[0010] This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0011] The receiving device according to the invention has: an ophthalmic injector having an intraocular lens; and a first container, which is at least partially filled with a fluid, wherein the intraocular lens is surrounded by the fluid, and the first container is provided with a cover, which closes the first container in a fluid-tight manner and is releasably connected to the first container. The receiving device further has a second container, which is connected to the first container. A fluid-tight closure is provided between the first container and the second container, the cover is connected to the closure by a coupling device, and the closure is configured to be transferred from a closed position to an open position by the coupling device when the cover is released from the first container, so that the fluid can flow from the first container into the second container.

[0012] Thus, the injector containing the intraocular lens is located in the receiving device. In addition, the receiving device has a first container, which is at least partially filled with a fluid. The first container is equipped with a cover, which closes the first container in a fluid-tight manner and is releasably connected to the first container. Therefore, the function of the cover is that when the cover is closed, the fluid cannot escape from the first container. However, the cover can be released from the first container, so that the first container is opened.

[0013] The intraocular lens is surrounded by a fluid located in the first container. This is crucial because hydrophilic intraocular lenses must remain in a hydrated state during storage to ensure that the intraocular lens remains foldable. Therefore, the injector can be partially but also surrounded by the fluid in its entirety. In addition, the injector can be partially but also located in its entirety in the first container.

[0014] Furthermore, the receiving device has a second container, which is coupled to the first container. Thus, the first container and the second container are connected to each other.

[0015] According to the present invention, a fluid-tight closure is positioned between the first container and the second container, and the lid is connected to the closure by a coupling device. The closure is configured to be transferred from a closed position to an open position by a coupling device when the lid is released from the first container, so that the fluid can flow from the first container into the second container. Therefore, when the lid is closed, the fluid is located in the first container. The closure between the first container and the second container is closed. Once the lid is released, the closure is opened by a coupling device so that the fluid can flow into the second container. There is no fluid in the first container.

[0016] This ensures that the fluid is transferred from the first container to the second container. The user can remove the ophthalmic injector containing the intraocular lens from the first container without having to reach into the fluid. Furthermore, the user is subject to a low risk of contamination after removing the ophthalmic injector from the receiving device according to the invention. This ensures that most of the fluid remains in the receiving device and that the surrounding area remains substantially dry, even if the receiving device is accidentally knocked over. Due to the small number of components, the receiving device according to the invention can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively.

[0017] The fluid may be water or a balanced salt solution (BSS), among others.

[0018] The coupling device can be a tensile connector in the form of a rope, a belt, a strip, a cord or a wire, etc. The coupling device can also be a part of the first container connected to the lid. The fluid-tight closure can also be a part of the first container. The wall of the first container (the side wall or the bottom wall of the first container) can have a first wall area of ​​a first thickness and a second wall area of ​​a second thickness. The fluid-tight closure can be at least partially formed by a part of the wall of the first container, and the closure is at least partially defined by the second wall area. The second thickness is less than the first thickness, so that a predetermined breaking point is set around the closure. When the lid is opened, the tension is transmitted to the closure by the coupling device, and the closure breaks at the wall portion of the second thickness of the first container, so that the closure is transferred from the closed position to the open position. So that the fluid can flow out into the second container.

[0019] If the fluid-tight closure is arranged on the side wall, the accommodating device can be made very compact. So the bottom wall can be made small enough, thereby only having space for the injector thereon, without the need to provide an additional surface area for the closure on the bottom wall.

[0020] According to a development of the invention, the fluid-tight closure has a surface area, the size of which is in the range of 50% to 20% of the surface area of ​​the wall of the container (the wall being a side wall or a bottom wall). The size of the surface area of ​​the closure can also be in the range of 20% to 10% of the surface area of ​​the wall of the container, or in the range of 10% to 1% of the surface area of ​​the wall of the container, or in the range of 1% to 0.2% of the surface area of ​​the wall of the container. This ensures that in the event that the container is accidentally knocked over when the closure is in the open position, a portion of the fluid remains in the second container or can only escape after a delay. This further ensures that in the event that the container is accidentally knocked over, the area around the container remains dry to a large extent. This also ensures that the fluid can flow from the first container into the second container quickly enough.

[0021] Preferably, the fluid-tight closure is designed as a non-return valve. For this purpose, it is advantageously achieved that the fluid can no longer flow back from the second container into the first container. Thus, the fluid remains completely in the second container by virtue of the non-return valve. This also has the advantage that no active action is required for the user of the receiving device according to the invention to separate the fluid from the injector. This further increases the safety level of the operation of the receiving device, since it can be highly certain that no fluid can escape from the second container into the operating environment.

[0022] According to a development of the invention, a first pressure is present in the first container and a second pressure is present in the second container. In a preferred embodiment, the second pressure is lower than the first pressure, which means that when the lid is opened, the fluid can flow more quickly from the first container into the second container than if the pressures in the two containers were the same. Thus, the user of the receiving device can remove the injector from the first container relatively quickly without having to reach into the fluid.

[0023] In another embodiment, at least one wall of the second container (side wall or bottom wall of the second container) has at least one zone whose spring constant is smaller than the spring constant of the area of ​​the wall surrounding this zone. In this way, it is advantageously achieved that the volume of the second container can increase relative to the volume of the first container when the pressure in the second container increases. The resulting positive effect is that a greater proportion of the fluid enters the second container even if the volume of the second container is initially kept as small as possible due to space saving for transport purposes when the lid is closed.

[0024] Preferably, the second container has a fluid absorption device. The fluid absorption device may include a sponge, silica gel, a desiccant or another water-absorbing agent or the like. In this way, it is advantageously achieved that the fluid can be received in the second container in a manner in which it can no longer move freely. For example, fluctuations in the fluid level in the second container are prevented in the event of a spatial displacement. This also reduces the risk that the fluid can flow out of the second container into its surroundings in the event of a considerable spatial displacement.

[0025] Furthermore, the cover can be made to close the second container in a fluid-tight manner and to be releasably connected to the second container.Thus, the first container is located in the second container, so that the containing device is advantageously relatively compact.

[0026] Preferably, the coupling device is part of the first container, so that the coupling device and the first container are of integral construction. One end of this coupling device is connected to a closure member, so that when a pulling force is applied to the coupling device, the closure member (also forming a part of the first container) can break open.

[0027] Further advantages and features are explained with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a receiving device according to a first embodiment of the invention in a closed position;

[0029] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a receiving device according to a first embodiment in an open position;

[0030] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a plan view of a receiving device according to a first embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a receiving device according to a second embodiment of the invention in a closed position;

[0032] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a receiving device according to a second embodiment in an open position;

[0033] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a receiving device according to a third embodiment in a closed position;

[0034] Figure 7 a schematic representation showing a cross-sectional view of a receiving device in an open position according to a third embodiment; and

[0035] Figure 8A schematic representation of a plan view of a first container having a first wall region and a second wall region is shown.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a receiving device 1 according to a first embodiment is shown in a closed position. The receiving device 1 has an ophthalmic injector 2, in which an intraocular lens 3 is located. The intraocular lens 3 is preferably in a pre-tensioned state.

[0037] The receiving device 1 also has a first container 4, in which the ophthalmic injector 2 is located. The first container 4 is at least partially filled with a fluid 5, and the intraocular lens 3 is completely surrounded by the fluid 5. This ensures that the intraocular lens 3 is in a hydrated state during storage. As a result, the hydrophilic intraocular lens 3 remains easy to fold. It can be seen that the injector 2 can be surrounded by the fluid 5 partially but also in its entirety.

[0038] The first container 4 has a lid 6 which closes the first container 4 in a fluid-tight manner and is releasably connected to the first container 4. Thus, the lid 6 ensures that the fluid 5 cannot escape from the first container 4 when the lid 6 is closed. The user can at least partially release the lid 6 from the first container 4 so that the first container 4 is opened at least in a local area. When the lid 6 is opened in this way, the ophthalmic injector 2 with the intraocular lens 3 positioned therein can be removed from the first container 4.

[0039] The receiving device 1 has a second container 7, which is coupled to the first container 4. Thus, the first container 4 is connected to the second container 7. Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown, the first container 4 is located in the second container 7, so that the receiving device 1 has a relatively compact design. In this embodiment, in addition to the first container 4, the cover 6 also closes the second container 7 in a fluid-tight manner. In addition, the cover 6 is also releasably connected to the second container 7.

[0040] There is a fluid-tight closure 8 between the first container 4 and the second container 7. The fluid-tight closure 8 ensures that the fluid 5 cannot flow from the first container 4 into the second container 7 when the closure 8 is in the closed position.

[0041] The second container 7 has at least one wall 10, in particular a side wall, in which at least one zone 11 is present, the spring constant of which is smaller than the spring constant of the area of ​​the wall 10 surrounding this zone 11. The zone 11 is therefore more elastic than the area surrounding this zone 11. Therefore, in the event of a force generated by an increase in the pressure in the second container 7 relative to the surrounding area, the zone 11 can stretch, so that the volume of the second container 7 is increased relative to the volume of the first container 4. This has the advantage that a greater proportion of the fluid 5 can flow into the second container 7, but the volume of the second container 7 remains as small as possible when the lid 6 is closed in order to save as much space as possible when transporting the container 1. The zone 11 can be designed in the form of a bellows or as a folded portion (leporello fold). The zone 11 can also consist of a material different from the material of the area surrounding this zone 11.

[0042] In addition, a fluid absorbent device 12 is positioned within the second container 7. Once the fluid 5 flows from the first container 4 into the second container 7, the fluid absorbent device 12 can at least partially absorb the fluid 5. The fluid 5 is at least partially stored in the second container 7 by the fluid absorbent device 12, so that the fluid 5 is at least partially constrained and can no longer move freely in the second container 7. This reduces the amount of fluid 5 that may flow out of the second container 7 when the second container 7 is spatially offset, such as tilted. This reduces the possibility that the area around the receiving device 1 becomes wet when the receiving device 1 is accidentally knocked over.

[0043] As described above, the fluid 5 can flow from the first container 4 into the second container 7. For this purpose, the cover 6 is coupled to the fluid-tight closure 8 by means of the coupling device 9. Once the cover 6 is released from the first container 4, the closure 8 is opened. Thus, when the cover 6 is opened, the closure 8 is turned from the closed position to the open position by means of the coupling device 9. When the closure 8 is opened, the fluid 5 flows from the first container 4 into the second container 7. Figure 2 This situation is seen in .

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the containing device 1 according to the first embodiment in an open position is shown. By opening the cover 6, the closure 8 is opened by means of the coupling device 9 and the fluid 5 flows from the first container 4 into the second container 7, so that no fluid 5 is present inside the first container 4. In this case, the user can remove the ophthalmic injector 2 from the containing device 1 without contact with the fluid 5. The fluid 5 can be at least partially absorbed into the second container 7 by the fluid absorption device 12, thereby reducing the amount of fluid 5 that can move freely.

[0045] In addition, in this embodiment, opening the lid 6 forms a pressure balance between the first container 4 and the second container 7. Before the lid 6 is opened, the pressure inside the second container 7 is lower than the pressure inside the first container 4. When the lid 6 is opened, the area 11 on the wall 10 of the second container 7 (whose spring constant is lower than the spring constant of the area surrounding this area 11 of the wall 10) stretches, so that the volume of the second container 7 increases relative to the volume of the first container 4.

[0046] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1 Schematic representation of a plan view of a containing device 1 of a first embodiment shown. It can be seen that in the first embodiment, the first container 4 is located in the second container 7, so that the containing device 1 has a relatively compact design. The injector 2 is preferably fixed inside the first container 4, thereby ensuring that the containing device 1 and therefore the intraocular lens 3 are safely transported. When the lid 6 is open, that is, when the closure 8 is in the open position, the intraocular lens 3 is no longer surrounded by the fluid 5, and the user can remove the injector 2 from the containing device 1 without having to reach into the fluid 5. In addition, the fluid absorption device 12 is shown in the second container 7. It is also shown that the bottom area of ​​the fluid-tight closure 8 is approximately 0.4% of the bottom area of ​​the containing device 1.

[0047] Figure 4 A schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a receiving device 1 according to a second embodiment is shown in a closed position. Although the first container 4 and the second container 7 of the receiving device 1 are also coupled to each other, i.e. connected to each other, in contrast to the first embodiment, the first container 4 in the second embodiment is not located in the second container 7. In this embodiment, the cover 6 only closes the first container 4. In contrast to the first embodiment, the cover 6 does not close the second container 7 and is also not releasably connected to the second container 7.

[0048] An ophthalmic injector 2 containing an intraocular lens 3 and surrounded by a fluid 5 is located in a first container 4. In the closed position, in which the fluid-tight closure 8 connected to the cover 6 is configured so that the fluid 5 cannot flow from the first container 4 into the second container 7, different pressures prevail in the first container 4 and the second container 7. More precisely, the pressure in the first container 4 is greater than the pressure in the second container 7, so that by opening the cover 6, the closure 8 is transferred from the closed position to the open position by means of the coupling device 9, the fluid 5 reaches the second container 7 more quickly. Figure 5 This open position is shown.

[0049] Figure 5A schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a receiving device 1 according to a second embodiment in an open position is shown. By opening the lid 6, a pressure balance occurs between the first container 4 and the second container 7, so that a region 11 of the wall 10, whose spring constant is smaller than the spring constant of the area of ​​the wall 10 surrounding this region 11, stretches and the volume of the second container 7 increases. The fluid 5 flows into the second container 7 and is at least partially absorbed by the fluid absorption device 12.

[0050] Figure 6 A schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a containing device 1 in a closed position according to a third embodiment is shown. In the third embodiment, the coupling device 9 is a part of the first container 4 that is connected to the lid 6. The fluid-tight closure 8 is also part of the first container 4. The wall of the first container 4, here the bottom wall, has a first wall area 13 of a first thickness and a second wall area 14 of a second thickness. In this embodiment, the fluid-tight closure 8 is at least partially formed by a part of the bottom wall of the first container 4, and the closure 8 is at least partially delimited by the second wall area 14. The second thickness is less than the first thickness, so that the closure 8 has a predetermined breaking point. The second wall area 14 can be designed as an annular segment, a circumferential ring (see Figure 8 ) or a circular area. If the second wall area 14 is designed as a circular area, the circular area is the closure 8. When the lid 6 is opened, the tension is transmitted to the closure 8 via the coupling device 9, and the closure breaks at the second wall area 14 of the second thickness of the first container 4, so that the closure 8 is transferred from the closed position to the open position. Figure 7 This open position is shown. After breaking open at the predetermined breaking point, the closure 8 can no longer be returned to its closed position. Therefore, the containing device 1 is intended for single use only.

[0051] Figure 7 A schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a containing device 1 according to a third embodiment in an open position is shown. By opening the lid 6, a tensile force is transmitted to the fluid-tight closure 8 via the coupling device 9. As a result, the closure 8 breaks apart at the second wall area 14 of the second thickness of the first container 4, so that the closure 8 is transferred from the closed position to the open position. This ensures that the fluid 5 can flow from the first container 4 into the second container 7, so that no fluid 5 is present inside the first container 4. When the fluid 5 is received in the second container 7, the user can remove the ophthalmic injector 2 from the first container 4 without contacting the fluid 5. The fluid 5 can be at least partially absorbed into the second container 7 by the fluid absorption device 12, thereby reducing the amount of fluid 5 that can move freely.

[0052] Preferably, opening the lid 6 forms a pressure balance between the first container 4 and the second container 7. Before the lid 6 is opened, the pressure inside the second container 7 is lower than the pressure inside the first container 4. If the lid 6 is then opened, the fluid 5 can flow into the second container 7 quickly and reliably. Preferably, a region 11 is provided on the wall 10 of the second container 7, and the spring constant of the region is lower than the spring constant of the area of ​​the wall 10 surrounding the region 11, so that when the fluid 5 flows from the first container 4 into the second container 7, the volume of the second container 7 increases relative to the volume of the first container 4.

[0053] List of Reference Numerals

[0054] 1. Accommodation device

[0055] 2 Ophthalmic Injectors

[0056] 3. Artificial lens

[0057] 4 First Container

[0058] 5 Fluid

[0059] 6 Cover

[0060] 7 Second Container

[0061] 8 Fluid-tight closures

[0062] 9 Connection device

[0063] 10 walls

[0064] District 11

[0065] 12 Fluid absorption device

[0066] 13. First wall region of first container

[0067] 14 Second wall region of first container

Claims

1. A container (1), comprising: - an ophthalmic injector (2) having an artificial lens (3), - a first container (4) which is at least partially filled with a fluid (5), wherein The intraocular lens (3) is surrounded by the fluid (5), and the first container (4) is provided with a cover (6) which closes the first container (4) in a fluid-tight manner and is releasably connected to the first container (4), a second container (7) which is coupled to the first container (4), wherein a fluid-tight closure (8) is arranged between the first container (4) and the second container (7), The cover (6) is connected to the closure (8) by means of a connecting device (9), and the closure (8) is configured to be transferred from a closed position to an open position by means of the connecting device (9) when the cover (6) is released from the first container (4), so that the fluid (5) can flow from the first container (4) into the second container (7).

2. The receiving device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The closure (8) has a surface area, and the size of the surface area of ​​the closure (8) is in the range of 50% to 20% of the surface area of ​​the wall of the container (1), or in the range of 20% to 10% of the surface area of ​​the wall of the container (1), or in the range of 10% to 1% of the surface area of ​​the wall of the container (1), or in the range of 1% to 0.2% of the surface area of ​​the wall of the container (1).

3. The receiving device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The closure member (8) is a one-way valve.

4. The receiving device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A first pressure exists in the first container (4) and a second pressure exists in the second container (7), wherein the second pressure is lower than the first pressure.

5. The receiving device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one wall (10) of the second container (7) has at least one region (11) having a spring constant that is smaller than a spring constant of a region of the wall (10) surrounding the region (11).

6. The receiving device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second container (7) has a fluid absorbing device (12).

7. The receiving device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The lid (6) closes the second container (7) in a fluid-tight manner and is releasably connected to the second container (7).

8. The receiving device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The coupling device (9) is part of the first container (4).

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