Attenuation-assisted surgical implant delivery

Abstract

The ophthalmic surgical apparatus (100) may include a nozzle (105) having a delivery lumen (255), an implant section (110) coupled to the nozzle (105), an implant (205) disposed within the implant section (110), and an actuator (115) coupled to the implant section (110). The actuator (115) may include a housing (125), a bore (205) through the housing (125), a plunger (230) disposed within the bore (205), and a compression ring (245). The plunger (230) may be configured to advance within the bore (205), thereby advancing the implant (205) from the implant section (110) through the delivery lumen (255), and the bore (205) may be configured to compress the compression ring (245) as the plunger moves through the bore (205). In some embodiments, the bore (205) can be configured to increase compression of the compression ring (245) as the first end of the plunger (230) moves through the bore (205).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Claiming priority This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 263,948, entitled "SURGICAL IMPLANT DELIVERY WITH DAMPING," filed November 12, 2021, by inventors Harlen Hoang, Yinghui Wu, Mitchell R. Sherry, Douglas Brent Wensrich and Tuoqi Li, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein as if fully and completely set forth herein.

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

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

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

[0005]

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

[0006] For example, some embodiments may include or consist essentially of a device for delivering an implant, such as an intraocular lens. Such a delivery device may be used to fold, compress, and deliver the implant into the eye through a thin nozzle tip inserted into small incisions at various locations using various surgical techniques. Some embodiments may be manually operated using one hand to advance the implant with a plunger or push rod. In some embodiments, the device may include or consist of a means for smoothly, consistently, and predictably advancing the implant from an initial position to a rest position and then from the rest position into the eye. For example, an elastomeric ring may smooth the advancement of the implant and dampen variations in axial delivery resistance, increasing the consistency and control of implant delivery. In some examples, the device may have a plunger disposed within a bore, and the ring may be compressed within the bore at different locations and / or at different rates to generate the appropriate damping force at the appropriate time or location during implant delivery. Additionally, the ring damping mechanism may also improve the smoothness of the advancement of the implant from its initial position to its rest position.

[0007] More generally, some embodiments of the ophthalmic surgical apparatus may include a nozzle having a delivery lumen, an implant section coupled to the nozzle, an implant disposed within the implant section, and an actuator coupled to the implant section. The actuator may include a housing having a first end proximate the implant section and a second end distal to the implant section, a bore through the housing, a plunger having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed within the bore, and a compression ring disposed about the plunger within the bore between the plunger and the housing. The compression ring may be disposed between the first end and the second end of the plunger. The first end of the plunger may be configured to advance within the bore toward the first end of the housing, thereby advancing the implant from the implant section through the delivery lumen, and the bore may be configured to compress the compression ring as the first end of the plunger moves through the bore. In some embodiments, the bore can be configured to increase compression of the compression ring as the first end of the plunger moves through the bore.

[0008] In more specific embodiments, at least a portion of the bore is tapered near the first end of the housing. For example, the bore may have a first width near the first end of the housing and the bore may have a second width near the second end of the housing, the first width being less than the second width. In even more specific embodiments, the bore may include a first region near the first end of the housing and a second region near the second end of the housing, the first region may have a width that decreases from a second width near the second region to the first width near the first end of the housing, and the second region may have a width that is substantially constant and equal to the second width.

[0009] The compression ring may include or consist essentially of an elastomer. For example, some embodiments of the compression ring may include or consist essentially of silicone, perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), nitrile rubber, fluorocarbon type A, chloroprene, polyurethane, or polytetrafluoroethylene. The housing may include or consist essentially of a substantially rigid material, such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadlene-styrene (ABS), or polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0010] Some embodiments of a device for delivering an implant to an eye may include a housing configured to be coupled to the implant section, the housing having a first end and a second end, a bore passing longitudinally through the housing from the first end to the second end, a tapered portion proximate the first end, a plunger having a first end and a second end, the first end disposed within the bore, and a compression ring coupled to the plunger within the bore between the plunger and the housing. The first end of the plunger can be configured to advance within the bore toward the first end of the housing, and the tapered portion can be configured to compress the compression ring as the first end of the plunger moves through the bore.

[0011] Some embodiments of an ophthalmic surgical apparatus may include a nozzle having a delivery lumen, an implant section coupled to the nozzle, an implant disposed within the implant section, and an actuator coupled to the implant section. The actuator may include a housing consisting essentially of polypropylene, the housing having a first end proximate the implant section and a second end distal to the implant section, a bore through the housing, the bore having a tapered portion near the first end of the housing and having a fixed width between the tapered portion and the second end, the tapered portion decreasing the width of the bore from the second end of the housing to the first end of the housing, a plunger having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed within the bore, an implant interface coupled to the first end of the plunger and configured to engage the implant, and a compression ring coupled to the plunger near the first end, the compression ring consisting essentially of silicone. The first end of the plunger can be configured to advance within the bore toward the first end of the housing, thereby advancing the implant from the implant compartment and through the delivery lumen, and the tapered portion of the bore can be configured to compress the compression ring as the first end of the plunger moves through the tapered portion.

[0012] Features, elements, and aspects described in connection with some embodiments can also be omitted, combined, or replaced with alternative features. Other features, objects, advantages, and preferred modes of making and using the claimed subject matter are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate certain objects, advantages, and preferred modes of making and using certain embodiments of the claimed subject matter, in the examples, like reference numbers represent like parts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an additional view of an exemplary device for delivering an implant into the eye. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. [Figure 3A-3C] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams illustrating additional details that may be relevant to the operation of the apparatus of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating an example of a delivery force profile that may be associated with some embodiments of the device of FIG. [Figure 5A-5B] 5A-5B are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary use of the device of FIG. 1 to deliver an implant to the eye. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The following description of exemplary embodiments provides information to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the subject matter described in the appended claims, but may omit certain details already known in the art. Thus, the following detailed description is to be taken as illustrative and not limiting.

[0016] Exemplary embodiments may be described herein with reference to spatial relationships between or orientations of various elements depicted in the accompanying drawings. Generally, such relationships or orientations assume a coordinate system that corresponds to or is relative to a patient in a position to receive an implant. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this coordinate system is not a strict requirement and is merely for descriptive convenience.

[0017] 1 is a supplemental view of an example of a device 100 capable of delivering an implant into an eye. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include two or more modules that may be configured to be coupled and separated as appropriate for storage, assembly, use, and disposal. As shown in FIG. 1, some embodiments of the device 100 may include a nozzle 105, an implant section 110 coupled to the nozzle 105, and an actuator 115 coupled to the implant section 110.

[0018] The nozzle 105 generally includes a tip 120 adapted for insertion into the eye through an incision. The size of the tip 120 may be adapted to the surgical requirements and procedure as needed. For example, small incisions are generally preferred to reduce or minimize healing time. In some instances, an incision of less than 2 millimeters may be preferred, and in some embodiments, the tip 120 of the nozzle 105 may have a width of less than 2 millimeters. For example, in more specific embodiments, the tip 120 may have a width of about 1.5 millimeters to about 2 millimeters.

[0019] Implant section 110 generally represents a variety of devices suitable for storing an implant prior to delivery into the eye. In some embodiments, implant section 110 may additionally or alternatively be configured to prepare the implant for delivery. For example, some embodiments of implant section 110 may be configured to be actuated by a surgeon or other operator to prepare the implant for delivery by subsequent actuation of actuator 115. In some examples, implant section 110 may be configured to actively deform, stretch, expand, or otherwise manipulate features of the implant prior to advancing the implant into nozzle 105. For example, implant section 110 may be configured to fold, push, expand, or otherwise unfold one or more features, such as haptics, of an intraocular lens.

[0020] The actuator 115 is generally configured to advance the implant from the implant section 110 to the nozzle 105 and then from the nozzle 105 through the incision into the eye. The actuator 115 of FIG. 1 generally includes a housing 125 and a plunger rod 130. The housing 125 may include or consist essentially of a substantially rigid polymer. For example, polypropylene or similar rigid plastics such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or polyoxymethylene (POM) may be suitable for some embodiments. In other embodiments, other medical grade materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium, or examples may also be suitable. The plunger rod 130 is generally constructed of a substantially rigid material such as a medical grade polymer material.

[0021] In general, the components of the device 100 may be directly or indirectly coupled. For example, the nozzle 105 may be directly coupled to the implant section 110 and indirectly coupled to the actuator 115 via the implant section 110. The coupling may include fluid, mechanical, thermal, electrical or chemical coupling (such as chemical adhesion), or in some circumstances some combination of coupling. For example, the implant section 110 may be mechanically coupled to the actuator 115 and mechanically and fluidly coupled to the nozzle 105. In some embodiments, the components may also be coupled by physical proximity, integration into a single structure, or formation from the same piece of material.

[0022] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device 100 of Figure 1 and shows additional details that may be relevant to some embodiments. For example, the bore 205 generally passes longitudinally through the housing 125 of Figure 2 from a first end 210 of the housing 125 to a second end 215 of the housing 125. In the example of Figure 2, the first end 210 is disposed proximal to the implant section 110 and the second end 215 is disposed distal to the implant section 110.

[0023] The plunger rod 130 may be at least partially disposed within the bore 205. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the plunger rod 130 may have a first end 220 disposed within the bore 205. A second end 225 may extend from the bore 205. A plunger 230 may also be disposed within the bore 205. As shown in the example of FIG. 2, some embodiments of the plunger 230 may have a tip 235 and a head 240. The head 240 may be coupled to the first end 220 of the plunger rod 130.

[0024] The compression ring 245 may be disposed in the bore 205 between the housing 125 and the plunger rod 130 or plunger 230. In some embodiments, the compression ring 245 may be disposed around the plunger 230, as shown in the example of FIG. 2. In a more specific example, the compression ring 245 may be coupled to the head 240. The compression ring 245 may represent a ring, collar, sleeve, or similar rounded profile. Although the compression ring 245 in FIG. 2 is round, the compression ring 245 may have other shapes. In general, the compression ring 245 may have any shape configured to provide contact between the plunger rod 130 or plunger 230 and the bore 205. In some embodiments, the compression ring 245 may be continuous, as shown in the example of FIG. 2, and in other embodiments, the compression ring 245 may consist of discrete contact points around the plunger rod 130 or plunger 230. For example, a rectangular or cross shape may be suitable in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the compression ring 245 may include or consist essentially of silicone, perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), nitrile rubber, fluorocarbon type A, chloroprene, polyurethane, or polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0025] The implant 250 may be initially stored within the implant section 110. In some embodiments, the implant section 110 may additionally or alternatively be configured to prepare the implant 250 for delivery. For example, some embodiments of the implant section 110 may be configured to be actuated by a surgeon or other operator to prepare the implant 250 for delivery by subsequent actuation of the actuator 115. In some examples, the implant section 110 may be configured to actively deform, stretch, expand, or otherwise manipulate features of the implant 250 prior to advancing the implant 250 into the delivery lumen 255 of the nozzle 105. For example, some embodiments of the implant section 110 may be configured to orient or fold the implant 250. Some embodiments of the implant 250 may include one or more supports that may be oriented for delivery.

[0026] In use, the plunger rod 130 may advance within the bore 205 toward the first end 210 of the housing 125, thereby advancing the plunger 230, which may advance the implant 250 from the implant section 110 through the delivery lumen 255. In the example of FIG. 2, the compression ring 245 may be configured to advance with the plunger 230. More specifically, the compression ring 245 may be coupled to the head 240 between the housing 125 and the plunger 230. Material properties of the housing 125 and the compression ring 245 may reduce static friction therebetween, allowing the compression ring 245 to slide smoothly against the inner wall of the housing 125 as the plunger 230 advances. The housing 125 may be configured to compress the compression ring 245 as it advances. For example, at least a portion of the bore 205 may be tapered near the first end 210 of the housing 125 to compress the compression ring 245.

[0027] 2, the tip 235 of the plunger 230 may be configured to contact or otherwise engage the implant 250 to advance the implant 250 from the implant section 110 and through the nozzle 105 as the plunger 230 is advanced. At least a portion of the plunger 230 may extend into or through the implant section 110 and / or nozzle 105. When the plunger 230 is fully advanced, the tip 235 may expel the implant 250 from the nozzle 105.

[0028] Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C are schematic diagrams illustrating additional details that may be relevant to the operation of device 100 as plunger 230 moves from a first position through a second position to a third position. Figure 3A illustrates a portion of an example of device 100 in a first state, Figure 3B illustrates device 100 of Figure 3A in a second state, and Figure 3C illustrates device 100 of Figure 3A in a third state.

[0029] In each of the three states of Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, at least a portion of the bore 205 is tapered near the first end 210 of the housing 125. The tapered portion can reduce the width of the bore 205 between the second end 215 and the first end 210. For example, the bore 205 in Figure 3A can be cylindrical, and the tapered portion can reduce the diameter of the bore 205. In the illustrated example, the bore 205 has a first width W1 near the first end 210 and a second width W2 near the second end 215, where the first width W1 is smaller than the second width W2. In some embodiments, the bore 205 can include a first region 305 near the first end 210 and a second region 310 near the second end 215. 3A, the first region 305 may be a tapered portion that reduces the width of the bore 205 from a second width W2 to a first width W1 near the first end 210. The second region 310 may have a substantially constant or fixed width equal to the second width W2.

[0030] In a first state of the device 100 shown in FIG. 3A, the plunger 230 may be held in a first position by the plunger lock 315. The plunger lock 315 may be suitable for maintaining the device 100 in the first state for, for example, shipping, storage, and surgical preparation. In the first position, the compression ring 245 may be under low compression or no compression. The plunger lock 315 may be removed to allow the plunger 230 to be advanced within the bore 205.

[0031] In a second state of the device 100, shown in Figure 3B, the plunger lock 315 is released and the plunger 230 is advanced to a second position. As the plunger 230 is advanced from the first position of Figure 3A to the second position of Figure 3B, the constant width of the second region 310 maintains a constant compressive force against the compression ring 245, providing a smooth and controlled feel to the operator.

[0032] As the plunger 230 is advanced further through the bore 205, the tapered portion can compress the compression ring 245. As shown in FIG. 3C, for example, the compression ring 245 can be compressed as it moves into and through the first region 305. In a more specific embodiment, the tapered portion can gradually increase the compression of the compression ring 245 as it advances toward the implant section 110 (not shown in FIG. 3C).

[0033] FIG. 4 is a chart showing an example of a delivery force profile that may be associated with some embodiments of the device 100. FIG. 4 also shows an example of a delivery force profile that may be associated with other devices. The horizontal axis represents the relative position of a portion of the plunger, such as the tip 235 or the head 240, as it advances through a bore, such as the bore 205. The vertical axis represents the force exerted on the device. For example, line 405 shows a delivery force that may be associated with such a device that does not have a tapered portion in the compression ring 245 or bore 205. Line 410 shows an example of a delivery force of the device 100 as the plunger 230 advances with the compression ring 245. In general, the delivery force is equal to the minimum amount of force that a surgeon or other operator must apply to advance the plunger and deliver the implant. For example, in the situation of FIGS. 3A-3C, the delivery force is equal to the minimum force that must be applied to the plunger rod 130 to overcome the resistance between the compression ring 245 and the bore 205. Line 415 represents the resistive force provided by compression ring 245 as it advances through bore 205 .

[0034] 4 shows that as the plunger advances from an initial position X1 as shown in FIG 3A toward position X2, the delivery force of line 405 remains relatively constant near F1, and the delivery force of line 410 and the resistance force of line 415 remain relatively constant near F2. The delivery forces of lines 405 and 410 increase slightly to approximately F3 and F4, respectively, prior to position X2.

[0035] At position X2, the implant has generally advanced from the implant compartment into the delivery lumen and the advancement of the plunger may stop to allow the implant to be inspected for proper orientation prior to delivery. Thus, the delivery force represented by lines 405 and 410 is reduced as a result of allowing the implant to dwell momentarily for this period. The position of the compression ring at position X2 is generally depicted in FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3B, the compression ring 245 is disposed at the junction between the first region 305 and the second region 310.

[0036] As the plunger advances beyond position X2, the delivery force continues to increase as shown by lines 405 and 410. This is generally a result of the implant entering the delivery lumen (see, e.g., delivery lumen 255 in FIG. 2). In the example of line 405, where there is no taper in the compression ring 245 or bore 205, the delivery force peaks at approximately F5 near point X3 and then drops sharply. The sharp drop is generally a result of the implant passing the tip (e.g., tip 120 in FIG. 1), and more specifically, the implant passing the tip is maximally compressed. In the example of line 410, the delivery force continues to increase smoothly as the resistance of the compression ring 245 increases as shown by line 415. For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the compression ring 245 advances into the first region 305. The first region 305 is tapered to increase the force on the compression ring 245 as the implant passes the tip. The delivery force then plateaus near location X4, providing a relatively constant delivery force as the implant passes the tip. In the example of Figure 4, the delivery force plateaus at approximately F6. In some embodiments, F6 can be substantially similar to F4 or F5.

[0037] Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the plunger can be advanced from the first position to the second position with a relatively constant first delivery force, from the second position to the third position with a second delivery force, and from the third position to the fourth position with a relatively constant third delivery force. The third delivery force is greater than the first delivery force. More generally, the compression ring 245 can provide a damping effect on the delivery force as the implant advances and is expelled through the tip. Additionally, the position of the compression ring 245 relative to the plunger tip, the taper of the bore 205, or both, can be adjusted to optimize the timing of the damping. For example, the compression ring 245 can be moved forward to cause earlier damping, or moved rearward to cause later damping.

[0038] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary use of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 to deliver an implant 250 to an eye 500. As shown, an incision 505 may be made in the eye 500, for example, by a surgeon. In some examples, the incision 505 may be made through the sclera 510 of the eye 500. In other examples, the incision may be formed in the cornea 515 of the eye 500. The incision 505 may be sized to allow for insertion of a portion of the nozzle 105 to deliver the implant 250 to the capsular bag 520. For example, in some examples, the size of the incision 505 may have a length of less than about 3000 microns (3 millimeters). In other examples, the incision 505 may have a length of about 1000 microns to about 1500 microns, about 1500 microns to about 2000 microns, about 2000 microns to about 2500 microns, or about 2500 microns to about 3000 microns.

[0039] After the incision 505 is made, the nozzle 105 can be inserted through the incision 505 such that the width of the tip 120 matches the length of the incision 505, allowing the nozzle 105 to extend into an interior portion 525 of the eye 500. The apparatus 100 can then expel the implant 250 through the nozzle 105 and into the capsular bag 520 of the eye 500, substantially as described with reference to FIG.

[0040] In some embodiments, the implant 250 may include an intraocular lens having a shape similar to that of the natural lens of the eye and may be made from a number of materials. Examples of suitable materials may include silicone, acrylic, and combinations of such suitable materials. In some examples, the implant 250 may include a fluid-filled intraocular lens, such as a fluid-filled accommodative intraocular lens. The implant 250 may also include an intraocular lens that includes one or more features for positioning the intraocular lens within the eye, such as haptics. In the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the implant 250 illustrates an intraocular lens having an optic 530, an anterior haptic 535, and a posterior haptic 540.

[0041] The implant 250 may be delivered in a folded configuration, and within the capsule 520, the anterior haptics 535 and posterior haptics 540 may return to a resting state with the anterior haptics 535 and posterior haptics 540 at least partially curved around the optic 530, as shown in FIG. 5B. The capsule 520 may hold the implant 250 within the capsule 520 in a relationship to the eye 500 such that the optic 530 refracts light directed toward the retina (not shown). The anterior haptics 535 and posterior haptics 540 may engage the capsule 520 to secure the implant 250 within the capsule 520. After delivering the implant 250 within the capsule 520, the nozzle 105 may be removed from the eye 500 through the incision 505, and the eye 500 may be allowed to heal over time.

[0042] The systems, devices, and methods described herein may provide significant advantages. Some embodiments may be particularly advantageous in making the delivery of an intraocular lens improved, smoother, more consistent, and more predictable throughout the delivery procedure. For example, the compression ring 245 and bore 205 may be configured to dampen the delivery force as the lens or other implant is delivered. In a more specific example, the compression ring 245 may be compressed at different positions and / or at different rates within the bore to generate the appropriate damping force at the appropriate time and / or location to substantially reduce the risk of sudden movement throughout the procedure. Importantly, in different embodiments, the position of the compression ring 245 may be varied to optimize the timing and location of the damping force as desired.

[0043] Although shown in several exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems, devices, and methods described herein are capable of various changes and modifications that are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the description of various alternatives using terms such as "or" does not require mutual exclusivity unless the context clearly requires, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not limit the subject matter to a single example unless the context clearly requires. Components may be combined or excluded in various configurations for purposes of sale, manufacture, assembly, or use. For example, in some configurations, the nozzle 105, the implant section 110, and the actuator 115 may be separated from one another or combined in various manners for purposes of manufacture or sale, respectively.

[0044] The claims may include additional subject matter not specifically described in detail. For example, certain features, elements, or aspects may be omitted from the claims if they are not necessary to distinguish the novel and non-obvious features from those already known to those skilled in the art. Features, elements, and aspects described in connection with some embodiments may also be omitted, combined, or replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for ophthalmic surgery, comprising: a nozzle having a delivery lumen; an implant segment coupled to the nozzle; an implant disposed within the implant compartment; an actuator coupled to the implant section, the actuator comprising: a housing having a first end proximal to the implant segment and a second end distal to the implant segment; a bore extending through the housing from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing; a plunger having a first end and a second end, the first end disposed within the bore; a compression ring disposed around the plunger within the bore between the plunger and the housing; an actuator including: Including, The first end of the plunger is configured to advance within the bore toward the first end of the housing, thereby advancing the implant from the implant compartment through the delivery lumen, and the bore is configured to compress the compression ring as the first end of the plunger moves through the bore. Device.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the bore is tapered near the first end of the housing.

3. the bore has a first width adjacent the first end of the housing; the bore has a second width adjacent the second end of the housing; The first width is smaller than the second width.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

4. the bore has a first width adjacent the first end of the housing; the bore has a second width adjacent the second end of the housing; the bore includes a first region and a second region; the first region has a width that decreases from the second width adjacent the second region to the first width adjacent the first end of the housing; the second region has a width that is substantially constant and equal to the second width; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the compression ring is disposed between the first end and the second end of the plunger.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the bore is configured to increase compression of the compression ring as the first end of the plunger moves through the bore.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the plunger includes a tip configured to engage the implant.

8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the tip extends into the implant compartment.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the compression ring comprises or consists essentially of an elastomeric material.

10. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the compression ring comprises or consists essentially of silicone, perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), nitrile rubber, fluorocarbon type A, chloroprene, polyurethane, or polytetrafluoroethylene.

11. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises or consists essentially of polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, or polyoxymethylene.

12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises polypropylene and the compression ring comprises silicone.

13. 1. A device for delivering an implant to an eye, comprising: a housing configured to be coupled to the implant section, the housing having a first end and a second end; a bore extending longitudinally through the housing from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing, the bore having a tapered portion adjacent the first end of the housing; a plunger having a first end and a second end, the first end disposed within the bore; a compression ring coupled to the plunger within the bore between the plunger and the housing; Including, the first end of the plunger is configured to advance within the bore toward the first end of the housing, and the tapered portion is configured to compress the compression ring as the first end of the plunger moves through the bore. Device.

14. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the tapered portion decreases the width of the bore from the second end of the housing to the first end of the housing.

15. the bore has a first width adjacent the first end of the housing; the bore has a second width adjacent the second end of the housing; The first width is smaller than the second width.

14. The apparatus of claim 13.

16. The device of claim 13 , wherein the bore has a fixed width between the tapered portion and the second end of the housing.

17. The device of claim 13 , wherein the plunger includes a tip configured to engage the implant.

18. The device of claim 17 , wherein the tip extends into the implant compartment.

19. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the compression ring comprises or consists essentially of silicone, perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), nitrile rubber, fluorocarbon type A, chloroprene, polyurethane, or polytetrafluoroethylene.

20. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the housing comprises or consists essentially of polypropylene or polyoxymethylene.

21. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the housing comprises polypropylene and the compression ring comprises silicone.

22. 1. An apparatus for ophthalmic surgery, comprising: a nozzle having a delivery lumen; an implant segment coupled to the nozzle; an implant disposed within the implant compartment; an actuator coupled to the implant section, the actuator comprising: a housing consisting essentially of polypropylene, said housing having a first end proximal to said implant segment and a second end distal to said implant segment; a bore through the housing, the bore having a tapered portion near the first end of the housing and having a fixed width between the tapered portion and the second end of the housing, the tapered portion decreasing the width of the bore from the second end of the housing to the first end of the housing; and a plunger disposed within the bore, the plunger having a tip and a head; a compression ring coupled to the plunger near the head, the compression ring consisting essentially of silicone; an actuator including: Including, the first end of the plunger is configured to advance within the bore toward the first end of the housing, thereby advancing the implant from the implant compartment through the delivery lumen, and the tapered portion of the bore is configured to compress the compression ring as the first end of the plunger moves through the tapered portion. Device.

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