Intraocular Lens Delivery System

Abstract

A semi-loaded intraocular lens injector device and associated methods are described. In some embodiments, the intraocular lens is stored in an undeformed form in a cassette separate from the injector device. When the cassette is inserted into a cavity of the injector device, a protrusion extending into the cavity deforms the intraocular lens into a predetermined form.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 300,819, filed January 19, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.

[0002] Field

[0002] The disclosed embodiments relate to an intraocular lens delivery system. [Background technology]

[0003] background

[0003] Intraocular lens injector devices insert an intraocular lens into the eye to replace the crystalline lens removed during cataract surgery. In some cases, the injector is preloaded with the intraocular lens, and in other cases, the lens is manually loaded by a user prior to injection into the patient's eye. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] overview In some embodiments, the intraocular lens injector device includes a body including a cavity and a protrusion extending into the cavity, the cavity configured to receive a cassette having an intraocular lens disposed therein, the protrusion deforming the intraocular lens into a predetermined configuration when the cassette is inserted into the cavity.

[0005] In some embodiments, the method includes inserting a cassette into a cavity of an intraocular lens injector device, the cassette having an intraocular lens disposed therein, the method further including deforming the intraocular lens into a predetermined shape by a protrusion extending into the cavity as the cassette is inserted into the cavity.

[0006]

[0006] In some embodiments, a cassette for holding an intraocular lens comprises a body configured to be inserted into a cavity of an intraocular lens injector. The cassette further comprises an opening extending through at least a portion of the body from a first surface of the body to a second surface of the body opposite the first surface, the opening configured to receive the intraocular lens therein. The cassette further comprises one or more shelves configured to support the intraocular lens within the opening when the intraocular lens is disposed within the opening of the cassette.

[0007]

[0007] It should be understood that the concepts discussed above, and additional concepts discussed below, can be arranged in any suitable combination, as the disclosure is not limited in this respect. Furthermore, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, identical or nearly identical components shown in various figures may be represented by like numerals. For clarity, not every component is labeled in every drawing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates one embodiment of an intraocular lens injector. [Diagram 2]

[0010] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a distal portion of an intraocular lens injector and a cassette in an open configuration before the cassette is attached to the injector. [Figure 3A]

[0011] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a cassette. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a cassette. [Figure 3C] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a cassette. [Figure 4A]

[0012] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a cassette having an intraocular lens disposed therein. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a cassette having an intraocular lens disposed therein. [Figure 4C] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a cassette having an intraocular lens disposed therein. [Figure 5A]

[0013] 1 shows one embodiment of a cassette attached to a distal portion of an intraocular lens injector in an open configuration. [Figure 5B]

[0014] 5B illustrates the cassette and intraocular lens injector of FIG. 5A in a closed configuration. [Figure 5C]

[0015] 5B illustrates the cassette and intraocular lens injector of FIG. 5A in a closed configuration with the folding bar removed. [Figure 6A]

[0016] 1 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of one embodiment of an intraocular lens injector in a closed configuration, with the intraocular lens in a folded position. [Figure 6B]

[0017] 6B shows the intraocular lens injector of FIG. 6A with the folding bar partially removed. [Figure 6C]

[0018] 6B shows the intraocular lens injector of FIG. 6A with the folding bar completely removed. [Figure 6D]

[0019] 6D shows a close-up of the intraocular lens of FIG. 6C. [Figure 6E]

[0020] 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective schematic view of one embodiment of an intraocular lens injector in a closed configuration, with the intraocular lens in a folded position. [Figure 7]

[0021] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a distal portion of an intraocular lens injector in a closed configuration. [Figure 8]

[0022] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a distal portion of an intraocular lens injector with the cover removed. [Figure 9A]

[0023] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a distal portion of a plunger. [Figure 9B] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a distal portion of a plunger. [Figure 10A]

[0024] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a distal portion of a plunger. [Figure 10B] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a distal portion of a plunger. [Figure 11]

[0025] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a distal portion of a plunger. [Figure 12A]

[0026] 1 illustrates one embodiment of an intraocular lens injector and a package containing a cassette. [Figure 12B] 1 illustrates one embodiment of an intraocular lens injector and a package containing a cassette. [Figure 13]

[0027] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a shuttle in an intraocular lens injector. [Figure 14]

[0028] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a cassette and a distal portion of an intraocular lens injector. [Figure 15A]

[0029] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a cassette and cassette package. [Figure 15B] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a cassette and cassette package. [Figure 16A]

[0030] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a distal portion of an intraocular lens injector. [Figure 16B] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a distal portion of an intraocular lens injector. [Figure 16C] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a distal portion of an intraocular lens injector. [Figure 17A]

[0031] 1 illustrates one embodiment of an intraocular lens injector. [Figure 17B]

[0032] 17B shows a cross-sectional perspective schematic view of a distal portion of the intraocular lens injector of FIG. 17A. [Figure 17C]

[0033] 17B shows a perspective view of a distal portion of the intraocular lens injector of FIG. 17A. [Figure 18A]

[0034] 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective schematic view of one embodiment of an intraocular lens injector in a first position. [Figure 18B]

[0035] 18B shows a cross-sectional perspective schematic view of the intraocular lens injector of FIG. 18A in a second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Detailed Description

[0036] In cataract surgery, a clouded or cataractous lens in the eye is replaced with an intraocular lens ("IOL"). A physician may manually insert the IOL through an incision in the eye. Alternatively, a physician may use an injector device, where an IOL in a deformed configuration (e.g., folded or rolled) may be forced through a narrow opening in the injector device into the patient's eye. After insertion, the IOL may be unfolded and the surgeon may properly position the IOL in the patient's eye. Because the IOL can be inserted into the eye in a deformed configuration, a smaller incision may be used than manual insertion, which requires a much larger incision.

[0011]

[0037] IOL injector devices may be unloaded or preloaded with an IOL. In unloaded devices, the physician may manually load the IOL into the injector using forceps or other medical instruments prior to the cataract procedure. Manual loading increases the risk of contamination and user error as the physician handles the IOL. Preloaded injector devices eliminate the need to touch the IOL, thus reducing these risks, but because the IOL is already loaded into the device, long-term storage in a folded form is not possible due to the risk of permanently deforming the IOL.

[0012]

[0038] In view of the above, the inventors have recognized and appreciated the design of a semi-loaded IOL delivery system that stores the IOL in an undeformed configuration and also reduces the risk of contamination and user error. In some embodiments, the system includes a cassette separate from the injector device that holds the IOL in a substantially undeformed configuration (e.g., flat configuration). Prior to cataract treatment, the cassette can be coupled to the injector device and the IOL can be loaded into the injector device. The IOL can be deformed into a curved configuration when loaded into the device prior to insertion.

[0013]

[0039] The above-described embodiments of the IOL cassette and injector can provide many advantages. In particular, such embodiments can hold the IOL in a deformed configuration for a relatively short period of time prior to cataract treatment, reducing or eliminating the risk of permanently deforming the IOL due to being held in the deformed configuration for an extended period of time. In addition, the cassette can have a smaller footprint and can be stored separately from the injector device in a smaller package, eliminating the bulky storage issues of preloaded devices. Furthermore, the cassette can be removed from the sterile package and directly coupled to the injector device without the user having to handle the IOL, reducing the risk of contamination. In addition, because the injector device deforms the IOL into a curved configuration during insertion into the device, the user may not need to position the IOL, further reducing the risk of user error and contamination. Of course, while several advantages have been described above, it should be understood that the disclosure is not so limited and other advantages can be realized using the disclosed methods and systems.

[0014]

[0040] In some embodiments, a cassette loaded with an undeformed IOL can be inserted into a cavity of an injector device. The cavity can be positioned at a proximal end portion of the injector device and operably connected to a nozzle at a distal end of the device. The cavity can include a protrusion extending into an interior volume of the cavity. When the cassette is inserted into the cavity, the protrusion can deform the IOL into a predetermined configuration, such as a curved shape. In some embodiments, after the IOL is deformed and prior to deployment, the protrusion can be at least partially removed from the cavity to exit the path of a plunger positioned proximally relative to the IOL within the cavity. The plunger can be moved distally to push the deformed IOL through the cavity and nozzle. As the IOL moves distally through the constricting nozzle, it can continue to deform into a tighter curved configuration to fit through an opening at the distal end portion of the nozzle.

[0015]

[0041] In some embodiments, the injector device can include a cover movably coupled to the body of the injector device. The cover can move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the cover can be positioned over a cavity disposed in the injector device. In some embodiments, when the cover is in the open configuration, a cassette loaded with an undeformed IOL can be coupled to a surface of the cover. The cassette can be inserted into the cavity to load the IOL into the cavity by moving the cover from the open configuration to the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the cover can be rotatably coupled to the body via a hinge such that the cover moves between the open and closed configurations with a rotational motion. During loading (i.e., rotation from the open configuration to the closed configuration), the protrusions extending into the cavity can deform the IOL into a curved shape as the cover and the coupled cassette and IOL are displaced into the cavity and engage the protrusions. In this manner, the IOL is deformed when the injector device is loaded to prepare for the IOL to be deployed during a procedure.

[0016]

[0042] As described above, in some embodiments, the IOL can be loaded into the injector device by inserting a cassette containing an undeformed IOL into the cavity of the injector device. Various features of the injector device and cassette, including the exemplary protrusions extending into the cavity described above, can cause the IOL to deform when loaded into the cavity. In some embodiments, the cassette can include an opening that extends from a first surface of the cassette to an opposing second surface, although embodiments in which the opening does not extend completely into the cassette are also contemplated. The IOL can be supported within a portion of the opening by one or more appropriately configured shelves. For example, the shelves can be sized and shaped to support and retain one or more non-optical portions of the IOL to retain the IOL within the opening, as described in more detail below. The cavity can include a protrusion that extends at least partially into, and in some embodiments through, the opening of the cassette when the cassette is inserted into the cavity to cause the IOL to deform within the opening. In some embodiments, the second surface, or other suitable portion, of the cassette can be disposed adjacent a portion of the injector device having a curved surface positioned adjacent the opening of the cassette when the cassette is received within the cavity and the device is in a closed configuration. Thus, when the protrusion extends through the opening of the cassette, it can press against a central portion of the IOL, while an outer portion of the IOL is held by the shelf of the opening, thereby causing the IOL to deform toward and / or against the curved surface to impart a desired initial curved shape of the IOL.

[0017]

[0043] Certain non-limiting embodiments will now be described in further detail with reference to the figures. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to only the certain embodiments described herein, and that the various systems, components, features and methods described in connection with these embodiments can be used individually and / or in any desired combination.

[0018]

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates an intraocular lens (IOL) injector device 100 according to one embodiment. The IOL injector device 100 includes an elongated body 102 having a cavity 104 formed in a distal portion thereof, and a cover 106 movably attached to the body 102 at a position proximate the cavity. As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 106 is disposed over the cavity opening when in a closed configuration. A shuttle 108 is configured to selectively move relative to the body 102 to control a position of a protrusion 110 that is operatively coupled to the shuttle and extends at least partially into the cavity 104 when the shuttle 108 is engaged with the body 102. As shown in FIG. 1, an IOL 200 is disposed in the cavity 104 and is held in a deformed configuration between the cover 106 and the protrusion 110 when the device is in a closed configuration. Additionally, in some embodiments, the shuttle and associated protrusions can be removed from the cavity and body, or at least moved to disengage from the IOL, after the IOL has been transformed into a desired configuration.

[0019]

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the injector device 100 includes a nozzle 112 extending distally from a distal end portion of a body 102. The nozzle 112 is fluidly connected to a cavity 104. An actuation device, such as a piston 114, is disposed within and extends proximally from a proximal end portion of the body 102. The piston 114 is operatively coupled to a plunger 400 disposed proximally from a portion of the cavity 104 that contains the IOL in a loaded and closed configuration. The piston 114 and plunger 400 can be axially aligned with the nozzle 112 in some embodiments, such that the cavity 104 and deformed IOL 200 are disposed therebetween when the device is in the loaded and closed configuration. Thus, by actuating the piston 114 (i.e., compressing the piston 114 distally along the longitudinal axis of the injector device 100), the plunger 400 can be moved distally through the cavity 104 to push the IOL 200 through the cavity 104 and out the distal opening of the nozzle 112. Although the piston 114 is shown and described, it should be noted that the injector device can include other deployment systems (i.e., direct entry, screw designs) to distally displace the plunger and deploy the IOL out of the device.

[0020]

[0046] In some embodiments, the diameter, or other lateral dimension, of the internal channel extending through the nozzle 112 decreases in the distal direction. Thus, as the IOL 200 is displaced distally through the nozzle 112, it continues to deform and curl into a smaller configuration as it passes through the nozzle 112. When the IOL is placed into the distal opening of the nozzle 112, it can assume a second deformed configuration having a smaller lateral dimension (e.g., diameter) than the initial deformed configuration of the IOL when loaded into the device. In this manner, the IOL can be inserted through a small incision in the patient's eye with the nozzle 112 inserted into the incision. Once inserted into the eye, the IOL 200 can unfold to a non-deformed configuration, allowing the surgeon to properly position the IOL within the eye.

[0021]

[0047] In some cases, it may be desirable to provide one or more features to facilitate gripping and / or other manual manipulation of the device. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the injector device 100 may include a flange 116 (e.g., a barrel flange or other radially extending structure) extending radially from a proximal portion of the body 102. A surgeon may grasp the flange 116 and the piston 114 with one hand to actuate the piston 114. In some embodiments, the flange 116 may have a flat surface bottom and / or top to prevent the injector device 100 from tipping over when placed on another surface (e.g., a table or counter). In some embodiments, the shuttle 108 may include two parallel legs 118 extending away from the bottom surface of the body 102 to help support and stabilize the injector device 100 on a support surface on which the injector device is placed. However, the disclosure is not so limited, as legs, flat bases, and / or any other suitable structure configured to maintain a desired orientation of the injector device on a support surface may be used.

[0022]

[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the distal portion of the injector device 100 with a cover 106 movably attached to the body 102 in an open configuration. The cover 106 may be rotatably attached to the body via a hinge 120, allowing the cover 106 to rotate between an open configuration (FIG. 2) and a closed configuration (FIG. 1). Of course, other attachment features may be used to attach the cover 106 to the body 102, and the cover may move relative to the body in other directions, as the disclosure is not so limited. For example, embodiments are contemplated in which a cassette is insertable into the cavity 104 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the injector device without the use of a hinge. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the injector device 100 is not preloaded with an IOL 200. In some embodiments, the IOL 200 may be stored in a cassette 300, which is configured to be attached to the injector device 100 for loading the IOL 200 into the injector device 100. The IOL 200 is stored and held in the cassette 300 in a substantially undeformed configuration, and the cassette 300 and IOL 200 can be stored together in a sterile package. In a non-limiting example, a surgeon can open the sterile package containing the cassette 300 and the undeformed IOL 200 and attach the cassette 300 directly to the injector device 100 by sliding the cassette over a surface of the cover 106 or otherwise connecting the cassette to a desired portion of the injector device while the cover is in an open configuration. The cassette 300 can be attached to the cover 106 by various types of connectors. For example, this can include sliding the cassette 300 in a direction along the length of the cover to engage one or more rails 122 on the inner surface of the cover 106, as indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 2. It should be noted that other types of connections for attaching the cassette to the cover or another portion of the injector device are also contemplated (e.g., snap fits, magnetic connectors, mechanical interlocking mechanisms, threaded fasteners, and / or any other suitable type of connector) as the disclosure is not so limited.

[0023]

[0049] In some embodiments, a surgeon or other user can attach the cassette to an injector device without directly handling the cassette. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a surgeon can insert the cover 106 of the injector device 100, or other corresponding portion, into a sterile package 500 containing the cassette 300. The protruding walls 502 and rods 504 can hold the cassette 300 within the package 500 in an orientation that is approximately perpendicular to the opening of the package. The opening of the package 500 can include two pairs of parallel ledges 506 on opposing walls to receive the outer edge 150 of the cover 106. The ledges 506 can properly align the cover 106 with the cassette 200 as the cover 106 is inserted vertically into the opening of the package. As the surgeon inserts the cover 106 into the opening of the package 500, the cover 106 can slide into engagement with the cassette 200. In some embodiments, one or more shelves 350 or other retention structures of the cassette can slide over rails 122 of the cover to attach the cassette to the cover. In some embodiments, the cover can include detents 152 that slide over ribs 352 on the shelves 350 or other portions of the cassette to attach the cassette to the cover such that the cassette is retained on the cover when the surgeon removes the cover from the package 500. Use of the attached cassette and device can then proceed as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0024]

[0050] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the cassette 300 and IOL 200 are not required to be used with the injector device 100 described above. For example, the IOL 200 stored in the cassette 300 can be used with any injector device, as the disclosure is not so limited. In some embodiments, if the cassette 300 is stored in a sterile package 500, a user can remove the cassette 300 from the package 500. The user can then remove the IOL 200 directly from the cassette 300, for example, by using forceps to lift the IOL from the cassette without damaging the IOL 200, before positioning the IOL in a separate injector device for subsequent implantation. Thus, the cassette 200 can store the IOL 200 before the IOL 200 is loaded into any injector device, as the disclosure is not so limited.

[0025]

[0051] 5A and 5B, once the cassette 300 is connected to the cover 106, the cover 106 can be moved (e.g., by rotating the cover) from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Regardless of how the cover is closed, when the cover is closed, the cassette 300 and IOL 200 can be inserted into the cavity 104 as the cover 106 is moved toward the closed configuration. As the IOL 200 enters the cavity 104, the protrusions 110 extending into the cavity can contact and press the IOL against a curved surface 124 formed on the cover 106, which is oriented toward the IOL when the cassette 300 is assembled with the cover 106. The protrusions can thus deform the IOL into a curved or folded configuration relative to the curved surface, where the IOL is positioned in alignment with the path of travel of the distally moving plunger. In this manner, the IOL can be stored in a substantially undeformed configuration within the cassette prior to being deformed upon insertion into the injector device, thereby reducing or substantially preventing damage to the IOL 200 from being stored in a deformed configuration for extended periods of time. Additionally, the surgeon can load the IOL 200 into the injector device without directly handling the IOL 200, which can also reduce the risk of contamination and / or user error associated with manual manipulation of the IOL.

[0026]

[0052] 3A-3C show one embodiment of a cassette 300 that can be attached to an injector device to load an IOL into the device. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the cassette 300 includes a body 302 having an opening 308 that extends from a first surface 304 through at least a portion of the body 302 to a second surface 306 of the body that can be opposite the first surface. The opening can be an elongate opening with the largest dimension of the opening oriented substantially along the length or longitudinal axis of the body. In some cases, the opening can be sized and shaped to accommodate insertion of a protrusion from the injector device into the opening as described above to deform an IOL placed therein. However, it should be understood that any suitable shape of opening can be used. The body can include one or more shelves 310 that are configured to support one or more portions of an IOL placed thereon. The shelves 310 can thus support and retain the IOL within the opening 308. For example, in some embodiments, a recess 309 shaped and sized to fit an IOL can extend into the body 302 from the first surface 304 of the body. The recess 309 can have a diameter, or other lateral dimension, greater than the corresponding width of the opening 308. The depth of the recess can extend partially between the first surface 304 and the second surface 306. Thus, the recess can include a pair of symmetrical shelves 310 disposed on either side of the opening 308. Detents 316, which can correspond to protrusions extending radially inward from the recess sidewalls on either side of the opening 308, can help retain a portion of the IOL within the recess 309 between the supporting shelves 310 and the associated detents 316.

[0027]

[0053] In some cases, it may be desirable to avoid a single portion of the IOL contacting a protrusion or other structure during insertion into the injector device. Thus, in instances where the IOL is inserted into the cavity via a rotational movement, it may be desirable to angle the IOL with respect to the surface of the cassette to avoid a single portion of the IOL contacting a corresponding protrusion in the cavity during initial insertion into the cavity. Thus, in some embodiments, as best shown in FIG. 3C, the shelf 310 or other support surface of the recess 309 may be angled with respect to the first surface 304 and / or the second surface 306 of the body to allow the IOL to be supported in the cassette at an angle. In some embodiments, the maximum angle of inclination may be equal to or greater than 8°, 10°, 12°, and / or any other suitable angle. The maximum angle of inclination may be equal to or less than 18°, 15°, 13°, and / or any other suitable angle. Combinations of the foregoing are contemplated, including, for example, a maximum angle of inclination of equal to or greater than 8° and equal to or less than 18°, and / or any other suitable combination of the foregoing. Although particular ranges of maximum angles of inclination are provided above, it should be understood that the disclosure is not so limited and therefore both larger and smaller ranges than the above-mentioned are also contemplated.

[0028]

[0054] The cassette 300 may also include one or more features that help hold the IOL in a desired position and orientation relative to the cassette recess 309 and associated opening 308. In some such embodiments, the body 302 may include one or more haptic recesses 312 and 314 that extend into the wall 311 of the opening. The haptic recesses may be configured to receive one or more haptics 202 of the IOL (e.g., non-optical protrusions connected to the lens of the IOL) (see FIGS. 4A-4C). The bottom surfaces of the haptic recesses 312 and 314 that are directed outward toward the first surface may be angled with a slope similar to that of the shelf 310. In some embodiments, the sloped surfaces of the haptic recesses 312 and 314 and the sloped surfaces of the recesses may be substantially coplanar with one another. For example, to help facilitate supporting the IOL in a tilted orientation, the depth of the haptic recess 314 may be greater than the depth of the haptic recess 312 disposed on the opposite side of the recess. In some embodiments, the haptic recesses and shelves 310 can include textured surfaces (e.g., ridges, indentations, ribs) to reduce surface contact with the IOL and reduce friction and / or stiction during storage.

[0029]

[0055] 3A and 3C, the cassette 300 may include feet 318 extending from the bottom surface 306 of the body 302. The feet 318 may be configured to slide over and be retained by rails 122 of the cover 106 to attach the cassette to the injector device 100 (see FIG. 2). The cassette may include a mechanical stop 320 at one end of the cassette that is configured to abut an end of the rails 122 to stop movement of the cassette 300 at a desired position on the cover while preventing the cassette from sliding over the cover 106. The feet 318 and / or rails 122 may include one or more detents or other physical structures that provide tactile feedback when the cassette is slid over the rails to indicate that the cassette is fully engaged with the injector device.

[0030]

[0056] 4A-4C show an IOL 200 disposed within a cassette 300, according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4A, the IOL 200 can be disposed within a recess 309 such that the IOL rests on shelves formed in opposing portions of the recess on either side of an opening 308. The recess 309 can be customized to accommodate different sized IOLs. A detent 316 lightly holds a portion of the periphery of the IOL 200 surrounding the optic lens to secure the IOL within the recess 309. The detents 316 can be of various heights to accommodate IOLs of different thicknesses. Haptics 202 extending from the periphery at the apex 204 are disposed within haptic recesses 312 and 314 of the cassette 200. The haptics may not be substantially deformed within the haptic recesses, although in some embodiments, there may be some degree of deformation of the haptics. As shown in Figures 4A-4C, the IOL 200 is positioned in an undeformed, tilted configuration within the opening 308 with an axis extending between the apexes 204 oriented at least partially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the opening 208.

[0031]

[0057] 5A and 5B illustrate the closure of the cover of the injector device as the device transitions between the open and closed configurations. Specifically, FIG. 5A illustrates the cassette 300 attached to the inner surface of the cover 106 of the injector device 100 in the open configuration. In some embodiments, the cover 106 is movably attached to the body of the injector device 100 adjacent the cavity 104. FIG. 5B illustrates the cover 106 in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the cover 106 rotates about the hinge 120 to position the cover 106 over the cavity 104 and insert the cassette 300 attached to the cover and the IOL 200 held therein into the cavity 104. The cassette 300 can be inserted into the cavity upside down such that the first surface 304 enters the cavity 104 before the second surface 306. In such an embodiment, the first surface and the IOL held within the cassette may face towards the cavity when the cassette and IOL are inserted into the cavity.

[0032]

[0058] The cover 106 can be moved manually, such as by grasping the handle 107 and rotating the cover until the handle 107 or other portion of the cover selectively connects to the body 102 or a portion of the cavity 104. For example, the handle can have a detent configured to mate with a recess in the cavity wall to secure the cover in the closed configuration, although any suitable type of selectively openable and closable connection can be used. Alternatively, the injector device 100 can include a button or other actuation feature that, when pressed, moves the cover to the closed configuration. In a non-limiting example, the cover 106 can be spring loaded such that, when actuated, the cover is biased toward the closed configuration.

[0033]

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5A, the protrusion 110 of the shuttle 108 extends at least partially into the cavity 104 through an opening in a bottom portion of the body 102 located opposite the opening of the cavity through which the cassette 300 is inserted. A guide wall 126 may at least partially surround the opening through which the protrusion 110 extends. The guide wall 126 may help to position and support the protrusion 110 within the cavity 104. In some embodiments, when the cover 106 rotates or otherwise moves to the closed configuration, the IOL 200 is pressed against the protrusion 110 as the protrusion 110 is displaced into the opening 208 of the cassette 300. Although relative movement of the cassette 300 and IOL 200 with respect to the protrusion 110 is illustrated, in some embodiments the protrusion 110 may instead be moved to provide the relative movement of these components. In either case, the protrusion 110 can apply pressure to the IOL along axis A (FIGS. 4A and 4B) in an upward direction directed away from the protrusion through the opening 208. As the IOL 200 deforms upward through the opening 208, the shelves 310 (FIGS. 3A-3C) and haptic recesses 312 and 314 can help hold the portions of the IOL and the end portions of the haptics located on either side of the opening at an initial height relative to the opening 208. Thus, as the central portion of the IOL 200 deforms through the opening, this causes the IOL 200 to fold upward along the wall 311 of the cassette 300 toward and / or against the curved surface 124 of the cover 106 (FIG. 2). The IOL thus deforms into a curved shape as the cover of the injector device (to which the cassette is attached) moves to the closed configuration, which can minimize the time the IOL is in the deformed configuration.

[0034]

[0060] In some embodiments, the IOL may be thicker in the center and thinner at the periphery. The thicker central section may be the more susceptible optical portion of the IOL, and therefore it may be desirable to minimize or eliminate contact with this optical portion of the IOL. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the protrusion 110 that contacts one or more portions of the IOL may include a compliant material that helps minimize damage to the IOL during deformation. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5A, the protrusion 110 may also include a cutout 130 that extends at least partially along the length of the upper portion of the protrusion that contacts the IOL. The cutout 130 may be sized and shaped to avoid contact with one or more portions of the IOL. For example, the cutout 130 can be positioned such that when the cover 106 moves over the cavity 104 to the closed configuration (i.e., by rotating about the hinge 120), the cutout 130 is positioned under the IOL 200 and a thicker central portion of the IOL corresponding to the optic portion of the IOL is spaced from (i.e., does not contact) the protrusion along the length of the cutout. An IOL with a larger thickness may require a deeper cutout than an IOL with a smaller thickness to prevent the thicker central portion of the IOL from contacting the protrusion. Due to the cutout 130, the protrusion 110 may only contact the IOL at the apex 204 (FIGS. 4A-4C) and / or other non-optical portions of the IOL. Again, such an arrangement can help minimize the risk of damage to the optic portion of the IOL. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide protrusions with different sized cutouts for different sized IOLs. In such an embodiment, the shuttle 108 may be interchangeable and selected to have an appropriately sized cutout 130 in the protrusion 110 to complement the desired IOL thickness.

[0035]

[0061] In some embodiments, the protrusions 110 can be formed separately from the shuttle 108 (see FIG. 13). For example, the protrusions 110 can be made of a soft material (e.g., silicone) to minimize the risk of damage to the IOL 200 when the protrusions 110 contact and deform the IOL 200. The protrusions 110 can include an attachment end portion 111 configured to attach to the shuttle 108. For example, the attachment end portion 111 can include a deformable rib configured to be inserted into and retained by a protrusion ring 113 at the opening of the shuttle. The silicone protrusions can be made in various sizes and inserted into the shuttle depending on the size of the IOL to be used.

[0036]

[0062] As previously described, in some embodiments, the rotational movement of the cover 106 when moving from the open to the closed configuration causes the cassette 300 to enter the cavity 104 at an angle relative to the protrusions 110. For example, the end portion of the cassette 300 closest to the hinge 120 enters the cavity 104 before the end portion furthest from the hinge. To prevent the IOL from contacting the protrusions 110 at an angle, the shelves 310 and haptic recesses 312 and 314 hold the IOL in the cassette 300 at an angle relative to the cassette 300, as previously described. The angle is positioned such that, even if the cassette 300 enters the cavity at an angle, the IOL 200 can be positioned substantially parallel to the portion of the protrusions 110 that the IOL contacts during insertion. This potentially allows the protrusions 110 to simultaneously press against both apexes 204 located along the length of the IOL, or other portions of the IOL, while avoiding excessive deformation of the IOL at a single location during initial insertion into the cavity. This arrangement therefore allows for a more uniform folding of the IOL during insertion.

[0037]

[0063] When the cover 106 is fully closed, the protrusions 110 deform the IOL 200 into a curved configuration with the IOL held between the wall 311 of the cassette 300 and the curved surface 124 of the cover. The protrusions 110 push the IOL up to the curved surface 124 so that the IOL is no longer tilted and is positioned parallel to the protrusions 110 and the cover 106. In some embodiments, the cover 106 can include a door (not shown) that the surgeon can open to reposition the IOL 200 within the cavity 104 if the IOL is not properly folded between the protrusions 110 and the cover 106.

[0038]

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5C, after the IOL 200 is properly positioned within the cavity 104 in the deformed position, the shuttle 108 can be partially or completely removed from the body 102 to move the projections 110 out of contact with the IOL 200 and out of the path of travel of the IOL during deployment through the cavity 104. In some embodiments, the shuttle 108 includes one or more connectors 128 that selectively maintain the initial position of the shuttle on the body 102 shuttle prior to moving the shuttle and associated projections partially or completely outwardly away from the cavity. In some embodiments, the connection is a latch connection, and the shuttle 108 can be removed by forcing the legs 118 together such that the connector 128 pivots outwardly and disengages from the exterior surface of the body 102. In some embodiments, the connector 128 can include a latch 129 on an inner portion that is attached to a ridge 131 on the exterior surface of the body. The body 102 can include multiple ridges 131 along the exterior of the body for attaching the shuttle to the body in more than one position. Although the figures show a particular type of connector for holding the shuttle in a desired initial position, it should be understood that the disclosure is not so limited and any suitable type of selective connection (e.g., latches, magnets, temporary adhesives, screw fasteners, etc.) can be used that allows the shuttle to be moved relative to or removed from the body of the injector device.

[0039]

[0065] In some embodiments, the shuttle can be pivotally coupled to the injector device. In a non-limiting example, the shuttle can include an elongated arm rotatably attached to the injector device at a first end adjacent the cavity of the injector device. The elongated arm can include a protrusion at a second end arranged to extend at least partially inside the cavity. The injector device can include a locking device or other fixing means to fix the elongated arm in place to maintain the protrusion within the cavity. When a cassette containing an intraocular lens is placed in the cavity (e.g., from the opposite side of the injection from the elongated arm), the protrusion can contact the lens in the cassette and deform the lens. Once the lens is in the deformed configuration, a release button of the locking device can release the elongated arm and the protrusion from the cavity. A spring can bias the arm away from the injector device to remove the protrusion from the cavity.

[0040]

[0066] 6A-6E are schematic cross-sectional views of an injector device through a cavity holding an IOL 200 and protrusion 110 in various positions in a deformed configuration. In FIG. 6A, protrusion 110 extends into cavity 104 and pushes IOL 200 up through opening 308 of cassette 300 and against curved surface 124 of cover 106. Protrusion 110 extends through an opening at the bottom of the cavity and is located between walls 126 that help stabilize the protrusion. IOL 200 is held in the deformed configuration by pushing against wall 311 of cassette 300 and curved surface 124 of cover 106. In some embodiments, curved surface 124 can be shaped and positioned at a distance from the opening such that when the cover is moved to the closed configuration, protrusion 110 pushes IOL 200 up and deforms it toward curved surface 124 without pushing it against curved surface 124. In such embodiments, the IOL is, at least initially, held in the deformed configuration by a portion of the IOL pressing against the wall 311. In some embodiments, the curved surface 124 can form a channel with the inner wall 311 of the cassette 300 that is sized and shaped to fit a plunger 400 configured to push the IOL through the cavity 104 toward the nozzle 112, as described in more detail below. The curved surface 124 can help maintain the IOL in the deformed configuration and guide the IOL as the plunger pushes it through the cavity.

[0041]

[0067] After the IOL 200 has been deformed and is properly positioned within the cavity 104, the shuttle 108 can be removed. FIG. 6B shows the shuttle 108 partially removed so that the protrusions are flush with the upper surface of the wall 126. FIGS. 6C-6D show the shuttle 108 and protrusions 110 completely removed from the injector device 100. In both positions, the protrusions 110 have been removed from the path of travel of the IOL 200, and an associated plunger 400 is positioned at a proximal end portion of the cavity 104, where the plunger 400 is configured to move proximally along the longitudinal axis of the cavity to displace the IOL 200.

[0042]

[0068] FIG. 6D shows a close-up view of the IOL 200 held in a deformed configuration in the injector device, according to one embodiment. As shown, the outer periphery of the IOL 200 contacts the inner wall 311 of the opening 308 extending through the cassette. The IOL curves upward through the opening 308 of the cassette into the curved surface 124 of the cover. In some embodiments, only the outer periphery of the IOL contacts the wall 311, minimizing contact and risk of damage to the central optical portion of the IOL. The wall 311 exerts pressure on the outer periphery of the IOL, maintaining it in a curved configuration even when the protrusion 110 is removed. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the guide wall 126 through which the protrusion is inserted can extend into the cavity a suitable distance while still providing clearance for the outer periphery of the IOL and the haptics 202 to be held in a deformed configuration. For example, as best shown in FIG. 6E, the haptic 202 can be positioned above or against the top surface of the wall 126, which can have a suitable thickness to prevent the haptic 202 from falling into the opening when the protrusion 110 is removed.

[0043]

[0069] As shown in Figure 7, the plunger 400 can be actuated to move distally (indicated by the arrow in Figure 7) through the cavity 104 and nozzle 112 along an axis that is aligned with the IOL 200 when it is in the deformed configuration after the injection device is closed. In some embodiments, as the plunger 400 moves, it forces the deformed IOL 200 through the cavity 104 and nozzle 112, causing the IOL 200 to curl or curve into a smaller deformed configuration as it moves through the constricting nozzle before being forced out of the small distal opening of the nozzle. The IOL 200 can be inserted through a small incision in the eye before the IOL is deployed into a non-deformed configuration so that it is properly positioned within the eye during a cataract procedure. To reduce friction and prevent IOL 200 from sticking as it moves through cavity 104 and / or nozzle 112, surfaces of the injector device, including but not limited to curved surface 124, inner wall 311, the top surface of wall 126, and the inner surface of nozzle 112, may be coated with a lubricant (e.g., a low-friction hydrophilic coating).

[0044]

[0070] FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of the injector device 100 according to one embodiment with the cover of the cavity 104 removed for visualization purposes. As shown in FIG. 8, the plunger 400 can push the IOL 200 through the cavity 104, into the proximal opening 140 of the cavity connected to the nozzle 112, and out the distal end of the nozzle. In some embodiments, with a larger IOL, it may be useful to extend the cavity 104 downward to accommodate the larger diameter IOL and attached haptics 202. However, this may result in the IOL 200 being positioned lower in the cavity 104 relative to the opening 140. In such an embodiment, the cassette 300 can include an angled surface 322 (see also FIGS. 3A-3C) that shifts the IOL 200 upward toward the opening 140 as the plunger 400 pushes the IOL into the nozzle 112. In some embodiments, the injector device 100 can include a port (not shown) through which saline or other liquid can be injected into the cavity 104 to provide lubrication.

[0045]

[0071] 9A-9B, 10A-10B, and 11 show various embodiments of a plunger 400. As shown, the plunger 400 can include a distal portion 402 and a proximal portion 404 operatively coupled to a deployment system (not shown). In some embodiments, the distal portion 402 includes a distal side 406 configured to contact the IOL. The distal side 406 can include one or more openings 408 extending from the distal side into the plunger. The openings 408 can allow the plunger to compress radially as it transitions from the cavity into the narrowed portion of the nozzle. The distal portion 402 can also be made of a compressible material to reduce the force that moves the plunger through the constricting nozzle.

[0046]

[0072] In some embodiments shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the distal portion 402 of the plunger can have a rounded shape. The distal side 406 can have a concave surface to complement the shape of the haptics when the IOL is maintained in the cavity. In some embodiments shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the distal portion 402 plunger can include a rounded portion and a flat portion. This can be more advantageous in some applications because the flat portion can slide more easily along the top surface of the wall 126. The distal side 406 can be concave to complement the curvature of the haptics, and the bottom corner of the distal side can contact the distal end of the haptics and help push the IOL distally.

[0047]

[0073] As shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the distal portion of the plunger can be rounded with a flat bottom, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B, but the distal side 406 can be a flat sloped surface such that the distal portion 402 resembles a wedge shape. A suitable angle for the sloped distal surface of the plunger can be between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, between 40 degrees and 50 degrees, and / or any other suitable angle. During actuation, the bottom portion of the distal side 406 can contact the proximal-most portion of the haptics of the IOL. This can help push the IOL through the nozzle and out the last haptics from the distal opening without forcing an equivalent amount of material (i.e., the material of the plunger) through the nozzle, thus reducing the amount of force required to eject the IOL from the injector device.

[0048]

[0074] It should be noted that although particular shapes of plungers are described above, other designs are contemplated as the present disclosure is not limited to any particular plunger construction.

[0049]

[0075] It should also be noted that the cassette can be inserted into the cavity of the injector device in ways other than a rotational movement of the cover. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the cassette 300 can be inserted directly into the cavity 104 of the injector device 100 by moving the cassette in a downward motion into the cavity in a direction generally perpendicular to the opening of the body of the injector device. The cassette 300 can include tabs 211 at a bottom portion that can snap into corresponding recesses in the cavity 104 to position and secure the cassette within the cavity. However, other suitable connectors and attachment methods can be used as the disclosure is not so limited.

[0050]

[0076] 15A and 15B show one embodiment of a cassette 600 and a sterile package 700 for storing the cassette prior to use. Although not shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, an IOL can be stored in the cassette 600 in a non-deformed configuration (see FIG. 4A). With the cassette 600 positioned in the package 700, a surgeon or other user can insert a portion of an intraocular injection device into the package to load the cassette 600 onto the device. In some embodiments, the package 700 includes opposing rails 702 that extend longitudinally from an opening of the package into the interior, and optionally to a rear portion of the package opposite the opening. The rails 702 can be connected by a top portion 710 extending therebetween, which can be supported by a longitudinal rib 711 that extends between adjacent interior surfaces of the package 700 and the top portion 710. The rails 702 and top portion 710 can be shaped and sized to fit at least a corresponding portion of the cross-sectional shape of the cassette 600 such that the cassette can be slid longitudinally into the package 700 via the rails 702 and supported within the package 700.

[0051]

[0077] In some embodiments, the cassette 600 can include protrusions 602 disposed on either side of the cassette 600, the protrusions 602 configured to slide into cutouts 704 formed in the inner surface of the rails 702 to retain the cassette within the package. Optionally, the protrusions 602 can be positioned closer to the first end 604 of the cassette 600 to aid a user in properly inserting the cassette 600 into the package 700. FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cassette 600 disposed within the package 700. The cutouts 704 can be configured such that the protrusions 602 abut a surface 706 of the cutouts 704 when the cassette 600 is properly positioned and inserted into the package, as shown in FIG. 15B. In this configuration, the cassette 600 is disposed completely within the interior volume of the package 700. If a manufacturer or other user assembling the package attempts to insert cassette 600 into package 700 in the wrong orientation (e.g., inserting end 604 first), protrusion 602 will abut surface 706 in a different orientation so that the cassette protrudes from the package opening, because protrusion 602 is offset from the center of the cassette relative to the longitudinal length of the cassette and the direction of insertion into the package.

[0052]

[0078] In some embodiments, a user can load the cassette 600 directly into an intraocular injection device by inserting the cover 106 of the device into the package in a manner similar to that described above with respect to Figures 12A and 12B. In some embodiments, the opening of the package 700 can include two pairs of parallel ledges 708 on opposing walls for receiving the outer edges of the cover 106. The ledges 708 can be configured to help properly align the cover 106 with the cassette 200 as the cover is inserted longitudinally into the opening of the package.

[0053]

[0079] In some cases, it may be desirable to maintain a desired stable orientation of the cover during engagement with the cassette. Thus, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, the intraocular injector device 100 may include one or more features configured to support the cover in a desired open configuration. This may include, for example, bump-outs 160 and / or ridges 162 configured to stabilize and maintain the cover 106 in a desired open configuration having a predetermined orientation. In the open configuration, a user may attach the cassette to the cover, for example, by inserting the cover into a cassette package to load the cassette. As shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, in some embodiments, the bump-outs 160 may correspond to one or more protrusions that extend outwardly from an outer surface (e.g., top surface) of the body 102 toward an opposing surface of the cover 106 when the cover is in a fully open configuration. In some embodiments, the bump-outs 160 may correspond to one or more protrusions that extend outwardly from an outer surface (e.g., top surface) of the body 102 toward an opposing surface of the cover 106 when the cover is in a fully open configuration. In some cases, the bump-outs may be located on both sides of the cover hinge 165. The bump-out 160 can have a smooth surface area that abuts a surface 164 of the cover 106 when the cover is in the open configuration. For example, the bump-out can also include a surface configured to be positioned against a correspondingly shaped surface of the cover (e.g., both surfaces can be flat or have otherwise complementary shapes) in some embodiments. The bump-out 160 can be sized and shaped to maintain the cover 106 in a desired orientation to help properly align the cover for cassette attachment and to prevent the cover from overstretching beyond the desired orientation. For example, the bump-out 160 can have a flat surface configured to maintain the cover 106 in an orientation approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, as shown in FIG. 16C. However, the bump-out 160 can also be configured to hold the cover 106 at any other angle suitable for attaching a cassette to the cover 106, as the disclosure is not limited in this aspect.

[0054]

[0080] In some embodiments, the cover hinge 165 can include one or more detents 162 distal to the hinge that are configured to engage corresponding features on an inner surface 166 of the cover 106 adjacent the hinge. The detents can selectively lock the cover 106 in a fully open configuration such that a force greater than an unlocking force associated with the one or more detents or other lock can be applied to disengage the cover 106 from the detents and move the cover from the open configuration toward the closed configuration. Thus, one or more detents, or other suitable locks (e.g., latches, magnetic locks, etc.) can be used to help maintain the cover 106 in the open configuration to facilitate loading of a cassette into the cover 106.

[0055]

[0081] In some embodiments, the surgeon or other user can inject a fluid, such as an ophthalmic viscoelastic device ("OVD") or other viscous fluid, into the cavity 104 in which the IOL is held prior to injection to help reduce the risk of scratching the IOL during deployment and / or provide lubrication during loading and / or deployment. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the shuttle 108 can include one or more bosses 180 with a passageway 181 extending through the boss and / or other suitable portion of the body for insertion of a cannula 182. The body 102 of the injection device 100 can include a passageway 183 extending from an outer surface of the body 102 into the cavity 104 and positioned to connect with the passageway 181 of the shuttle when the shuttle is attached to the body 102 such that a flow path extends through the shuttle and the body into the internal cavity of the body. In this manner, a user can inject an OVD into the cavity through passageways 181, 183 via cannula 182 or other suitable OVD injection device. In some embodiments, the cannula can be made from stainless steel.

[0056]

[0082] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide an OVD in multiple portions of the cavity 104 of the system. Thus, the shuttle 108 may include both a distal boss 180 and a proximal boss 180, providing two access passageways (e.g., proximal and distal to a loaded IOL in the device) for injecting an OVD into the cavity 104. In some embodiments, the boss 180 may extend a distance outward from the surface of the body 102 to prevent the cannula 182 from being overinserted into the cavity 104. The cannula 182 may also be shaped to have a curvature to prevent overinsertion, as shown in FIG. 17B. In some embodiments, the opening of the passageway 181 on the shuttle may taper outward toward the opening to allow for easy insertion of the cannula 182.

[0057]

[0083] In operation, a user can insert an OVD into the cavity 104 of the system through one or more bosses 180 before deploying the loaded IOL. As mentioned above, the shuttle 108 can include a protrusion 110 (see FIGS. 5C and 6A) that maintains the position of the loaded IOL while injecting the OVD. In some embodiments, the boss 180 is positioned on the upright surface of the injector device when the shuttle 108 is attached to the body 102 of the device. In this way, the user can hold the device 100 in an upright position while injecting the OVD through the boss 180. The user can then remove the shuttle 108 and deploy the IOL from the device 100 already in the proper upright position. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17C, the nozzle 112 can include one or more exhaust ports 185 that are in fluid communication with a cannula or other internal channel extending through the nozzle through which the IOL is deployed. During deployment of the IOL, excess OVD can be exhausted through the exhaust port 185. The exhaust port can also reduce the air pressure in the nozzle cannula, thereby reducing the risk of injecting air bubbles into the patient's capsular bag.

[0058]

[0084] 18A and 18B show cross-sectional schematic views of the intraocular injector device 100 before and during deployment, respectively. In some embodiments, the device includes a piston 114 at a proximal end portion that actuates a plunger 400 to deploy an IOL from a nozzle at a distal end portion. In some embodiments, the plunger 114 can include a spring-loaded telescoping portion 802 to increase the distance between the piston 114 and the plunger 400. The telescoping portion 802 can be positioned concentrically with the piston and can extend a distance within a distal cavity 800 of the piston 114. A compression spring 804 can be disposed around the telescoping portion 802 between a proximal portion of the telescoping portion and a wall 805 disposed within the device body 102 distal to the piston 114 and proximal to the position of the plunger 400 before deployment.

[0059]

[0085] In some embodiments, the distal end of the piston 114 includes a radially outwardly extending protrusion 806 configured to contact a first detent 810 and a second detent 812 disposed along the inner surface of the device body 102 at different lengths (see also FIG. 17A). The spring 804 can provide a small resistance to the movement of the plunger, which can help to avoid inadvertent actuation of the plunger 400. Thus, the detents can selectively prevent movement of the plunger in one or more directions until a threshold force is applied to the plunger. In some embodiments, the first detent 810 is positioned near a proximal end portion of the body 102 and is configured to engage the protrusion 806 of the piston 114 to hold the piston prior to deployment. In some embodiments, the first detent 801 can be located at an end portion of a lever 811 on the device body 102 to allow the detent 810 to flex radially outward when the protrusion 806 is pushed distally past the detent. The projection 806 and first detent 810 can have correspondingly tapered surfaces that act as a cam to push the detent 810 radially outward as the projection 806 passes by. In some embodiments, a shelf 808 in the device body proximal to the detent 810 can secure the projection 806 to prevent the piston 114 from being inadvertently withdrawn distally from the device.

[0060]

[0086] In some embodiments, the body 102 includes a second detent 812 disposed proximal to the first detent 810. The second detent 812 can be disposed at an end portion of a lever 813 on the body 102 of the device to allow the detents 812 to flex radially outward when the protrusion 806 is pushed distally past the detent 812. The second detent 812 can have a tapered surface similar to that of the protrusion 806, although other suitable detent structures can be used for either set of detents as the disclosure is not so limited. The tapered surface can act as a cam to push the detents 812 radially outward as the protrusion 806 passes by until the protrusion engages the distal surface of the detent 812 at the mid-deployment position. The second detent 812 can be positioned along the length of the device body 102 such that when the piston 114 is engaged at the mid-deployment position, the plunger 400 can be actuated to push the IOL out of the cavity 104 and into the nozzle 112.

[0061]

[0087] FIG. 18B shows the piston 114 in a mid-deployment position. In the mid-deployment position, the distal face of the detent 812 may engage the protrusion 806 to prevent the piston 114 and plunger 400 from moving proximally. This may prevent such movement from sucking the OVD and IOL proximally back into the cavity 104, which would require the user to reposition the IOL. In some embodiments, if the user wishes to return the piston to the first position, they may be able to pull the piston 114 proximally with enough force to disengage the second detent 812. In some embodiments, in the mid-deployment position, only the force of the spring 802 needs to be overcome to move the piston 114 distally to actuate the plunger 400 and deploy the IOL. In some applications, the surgeon or other user may pause the device in the mid-deployment position to allow the IOL to relax and conform to the inner diameter of the nozzle 112 before final deployment. However, some users may prefer not to stop at the second detent 812 and instead deploy the IOL by pushing the piston directly from the first position to final deployment using a single motion.

[0062]

[0088] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art can readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining one or more of the results and / or advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the given application or applications for which the teachings of the present disclosure are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described herein. Thus, the foregoing embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof, the present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present disclosure relates to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of the present disclosure, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

1. a body including a cavity; a protrusion extending into the cavity, the cavity configured to receive a cassette having an intraocular lens disposed therein, the protrusion deforming the intraocular lens into a predetermined shape when the cassette is inserted into the cavity; and An intraocular lens injector device comprising:

2. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 1 , further comprising the cassette disposed within the cavity.

3. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined configuration is a curved shape.

4. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 1 , further comprising a nozzle connected to the body and operatively associated with the cavity.

5. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 4 , further comprising a plunger configured to move the intraocular lens through the cavity and the nozzle.

6. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 5 , wherein the nozzle is configured to deform the intraocular lens into a predetermined second configuration as the plunger moves the intraocular lens through the nozzle.

7. 6. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 5, wherein the cassette includes an angled inclined surface at one end of the cassette configured to lift the intraocular lens from the cavity into an opening to the nozzle as the plunger pushes the intraocular lens into the nozzle.

8. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 5 , wherein the body includes a first detent configured to selectively prevent the plunger from moving in a distal direction.

9. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 8 , wherein the body includes a second detent configured to selectively prevent the plunger from moving in a proximal direction.

10. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is configured to selectively move in a direction directed away from the cavity to reduce the portion of the protrusion that extends into the interior of the cavity.

11. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 10 , wherein the protrusion is selectively removable from the body.

12. 2. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 1, further comprising a cover movably connected to the body, the cover configured to selectively move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and the cover configured to selectively connect the cassette to the cover such that the cassette is positioned within the cavity when the cover is in the closed configuration.

13. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 12 , wherein the cover moves between the open and closed configurations via a rotational movement.

14. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 12, further comprising one or more protrusions extending outward from the outer surface of the body toward the opposing surface of the cover when the cover is in the open configuration, the one or more protrusions being configured to support the cover in the open configuration.

15. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 12 , further comprising one or more detents configured to maintain the cover in the open configuration.

16. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is configured to extend through an opening in the cassette to deform the intraocular lens.

17. The intraocular lens injector device of claim 1 , wherein the protrusion includes a cutout configured to avoid contact with an optic portion of the intraocular lens during deformation of the intraocular lens.

18. inserting a cassette into a cavity of an intraocular lens injector device, the cassette having an intraocular lens disposed therein; deforming the intraocular lens into a predetermined shape by a protrusion extending into the cavity when the cassette is inserted into the cavity; A method comprising:

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein deforming the intraocular lens into a predetermined configuration comprises deforming the intraocular lens into a curved shape.

20. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising forcing the intraocular lens through a nozzle.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising suspending the intraocular lens within the nozzle.

22. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising deforming the intraocular lens into a second predetermined configuration as the intraocular lens is forced through the nozzle.

23. The method of claim 18 , further comprising at least partially removing the protrusion from the cavity.

24. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein inserting the cassette into the cavity further comprises moving a cover to which the cassette is coupled from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein moving the cover comprises rotating the cover to the closed configuration.

26. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising supporting the cover in the open configuration with one or more protrusions extending outward from an outer surface of the cassette that contact opposing surfaces of the cover.

27. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising maintaining the cover in the open configuration with one or more detents.

28. A cassette for holding an intraocular lens, comprising: a body configured to be inserted into a cavity of an intraocular lens injector; an opening extending through at least a portion of the body from a first surface of the body to a second surface of the body opposite the first surface, the opening being configured to receive the intraocular lens therein; one or more shelves configured to support the intraocular lens within the opening of the cassette when the intraocular lens is disposed within the opening; A cassette comprising:

Images