Push and twist mechanism for connecting a drive mechanism handpiece to an intraocular lens cartridge

Abstract

A system, method, and device for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye is provided. The device includes an IOL cartridge including a nozzle, a compartment, and a plunger case. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the compartment, and the plunger case is in fluid communication with the compartment. The plunger is disposed within the plunger case. The plunger case is configured for removably mounting to a handpiece.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The human eye can be affected by many diseases that cause anything from mild deterioration to complete loss of vision. Contact lenses and glasses can compensate for some diseases, but for others, eye surgery may be required. Generally, eye surgery can be classified into posterior segment procedures such as vitreoretinal surgery and anterior segment procedures such as cataract surgery.

[0003] For cataract surgery, the surgical procedure may require an incision and insertion of instruments into the eye to replace the cloudy lens with an IOL. Insertion tools can be used for the delivery of the IOL into the eye. By way of example, the insertion tool can include a plunger for extruding the IOL from the nozzle of the insertion tool. In some examples, the IOL can be pre-loaded within the insertion tool. In another example, a separate bay can be loaded into the insertion tool. The plunger can engage the IOL and advance the IOL from the bay through the nozzle into the eye.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for the delivery of an IOL. The apparatus can include an IOL cartridge that includes a nozzle, a compartment, a plunger, and a plunger case. The compartment can be configured to receive the IOL. The compartment can be in fluid communication with the nozzle, and the plunger case can be in fluid communication with the compartment. The plunger case can be configured to be removably attached to a handpiece. The plunger can be disposed within the plunger case.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for delivery of an IOL. The apparatus may include a handpiece including a housing and a push rod disposed within the housing. The distal end of the push rod may be configured to removably attach to an IOL cartridge.

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

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

[0008] It should be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In this regard, further aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations shown in the drawings and they will be described in a specific language. Nevertheless, it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended. Any alternative and further modifications to the apparatus, device or method described, as well as any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure, are fully contemplated as would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components and / or steps described in connection with one or more implementations may be combined with the features, components and / or steps described in connection with other implementations of the present disclosure. For the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts where appropriate.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide various pre-loaded IOL cartridge designs. These preloaded cartridges can be used with handpieces that include different types of drive mechanisms. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure enable compatibility between different handpieces, such as disposable and reusable handpieces, and various preloaded IOL cartridge designs. The disposable handpiece may include a non-powered drive mechanism that is not electric. The reusable handpiece may include not only a non-powered drive mechanism (e.g., simply pushed or screwed manually, manually actuated via an elastic member such as a fluid or a spring), but also an electric drive mechanism (e.g., a stator winding). Note that these types of handpieces are examples, and it should be noted that other types of handpieces or drive mechanisms may be utilized according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a standard connection mechanism that employs push and twist functions for assembling a handpiece with a preloaded IOL cartridge, delivering the IOL, and detachably engaging the handpiece from the used cartridge as needed. The standard connection device enables different types of handpieces to be easily paired with and utilized with a preloaded IOL cartridge for IOL insertion. After IOL insertion, the preloaded IOL cartridge can be easily removed from the reusable handpiece.

[0014] The handpiece can be fixed to the preloaded IOL cartridge by sliding the end of the handpiece over the plunger case of the IOL cartridge. In certain embodiments, the end of the handpiece may have one or more slots for engaging pins or protrusions on the IOL cartridge. The handpiece can be rotated, for example, about 90 degrees clockwise to lock the protrusion of the IOL cartridge in a predetermined position within the slot of the handpiece.

[0015] The IOL cartridge may further include a locking cap positioned at an end of the plunger case. The locking cap may engage with one end of the plunger. The locking cap can be rotated, for example, 90 degrees to unlock the plunger and release the plunger from its transport and storage position within the IOL cartridge.

[0016] The push rod of the drive mechanism can then be rotated from the engaged and disengaged position to engage with the plunger of the IOL cartridge in order to advance the plunger. In some embodiments, the push rod can be rotated by an amount of rotation of 60 degrees to 120 degrees or about 90 degrees in some specific embodiments to engage with the plunger. The push rod can be disengaged from the plunger by rotating, for example, 90 degrees in the opposite direction. When the IOL delivery is completed, the handpiece can be rotated and pulled away from the used IOL cartridge.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an insertion tool 10 for inserting an IOL 20 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the insertion tool 10 may include an IOL cartridge 12 and a handpiece 14. The IOL cartridge 12 and the handpiece 14 may be detachably attached to each other.

[0018] The IOL cartridge 12 may include a compartment 18 that houses the IOL 20. During operation, the handpiece 14 may be actuated to advance the IOL 20 from the IOL cartridge 12. The IOL 20 may include a lens 22 and haptic extensions 24. The haptic extensions 24 may be side struts (or other suitable extensions) extending from the lens 22 that can stabilize the IOL 20 when it can be disposed within the patient's eye. The IOL 20 is merely exemplary, and it should be understood that the techniques disclosed herein can be used with any suitable IOL. For example, a modular IOL (not shown) including a lens portion that can be disposed within a base having haptic extensions can be used. The IOL cartridge 12 may also include a nozzle 21 in fluid communication with the compartment 18. The IOL cartridge 12 may include a folding mechanism (not shown) that folds the IOL 20. For example, the IOL cartridge 12 may include a caliper or arm (not shown) that folds the IOL 20 for delivery into the eye. The IOL cartridge 12 may also include a plunger case 25. The plunger case 25 may be a hollow and rigid member that is removably attached to the handpiece 14. The plunger case 25 of the IOL cartridge 12 may be inserted into the handpiece 14, and the handpiece 14 may be rotated to engage the plunger case 25. A locking cap 26 may be disposed at an end of the plunger case 25. A plunger 34 may be movably disposed within the plunger case 25. The plunger 34 may be an elongated rigid member made of plastic and can be used to deliver the IOL 20.

[0019] The handpiece 14 can be detachably attached to the IOL cartridge 12. Note that various handpieces can be used with different types of IOL cartridges. The handpiece 14 can include an electric or non-electric drive mechanism that can include a push rod 27 extending along the length of the handpiece 14. The push rod 27 can be movably disposed within the housing 30 of the handpiece 14 and can be manually actuated via a rotatable dial 29 that can cooperate with an elastic member such as a fluid or spring 31 or another actuation mechanism. Generally, for purposes of discussing and explaining the various components and features of the handpiece 14 and the IOL cartridge 12 of the IOL insertion tool 10, references to the proximal end or direction may more often be made with respect to the direction toward the end of the handpiece 14 that includes the rotatable dial 29, in accordance with the direction arrow 13. Similarly, references to the distal end or direction may more often be made with respect to the direction toward the end of the IOL cartridge 12 that includes the nozzle 21, in accordance with the direction arrow 17.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a push rod 27 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. The push rod 27 can be an elongated rigid member that includes a distal end 32 opposite a proximal end 33. The push rod 27 can be made of various materials such as, for example, plastic and / or rubber. The push rod 27 can include an elongated ridge 35 along an intermediate portion 37. The height of the intermediate portion 37 can be greater than the height of the distal end 32 and the proximal end 33. The distal end 32 can include, for example, a quadrilateral shape. However, other suitable shapes can be utilized. The proximal end 33 can include a member 39 for attachment to the dial 29 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0021] FIG. 3 shows plunger 34 together with plunger case 25 and locking cap 26 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. The plunger 34 can be movably disposed within the plunger case 25. The plunger 34 can be an elongate rigid member made of plastic and can be used to deliver the IOL 20 (shown in FIG. 1). The plunger 34 can include a passage 36 that extends longitudinally through an engagement portion 40 of the plunger 34. The engagement portion 40 can be positioned opposite the plunger tip 38. The passage 36 can be configured to receive the distal end 32 of the push rod 27 (shown in FIG. 2). A tab 41 can be positioned on the engagement portion 40. The tab 41 can extend outwardly from the engagement portion 40 and is utilized to lock or unlock the plunger 34 within the plunger case 25 via the locking cap 26. The plunger 34 can also include longitudinally extending ridges 45 for stabilization within the plunger case 25.

[0022] The locking cap 26 can be configured to engage with the engaging portion 40 of the plunger case 25 and the plunger 34. The locking cap 26 can be cylindrical, and can be configured to prevent the axial movement (e.g., forward movement) of the plunger 34 when the locking cap 26 is in the locked position. In addition, the locking cap 26 can be rotated to the unlocked position to enable the axial movement of the plunger 34. The locking cap 26 can include at least one slot 47 for receiving at least one tab 41 of the plunger 34 to lock or unlock the plunger 34. The slot 47 can extend along the periphery of the locking cap 26. In the locked configuration, the locking cap 26 can be positioned in a first position such that one or more tabs 41 are disposed within at least one slot 47. To unlock the locking cap 26, the locking cap 26 can be rotated such that one or more tabs 41 are removed from the slot 47. The locking cap 26 can include a passage 42 for receiving the distal end 32 of the push rod 27 (shown in FIG. 2). The locking cap 26 can be press-fitted onto a ridge 44 that extends along the periphery of the end 46 of the plunger case 25.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows an inner perspective view of the locking cap 26 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The inner side of the locking cap 26 can include a contoured surface 50 for surrounding and holding the plunger 34 (shown in FIG. 3) in place so that there is no lateral movement of the plunger 34. The locking cap 26 also includes an internal groove 48 that extends along the inner circumference of the locking cap 26. The ridge 44 (shown in FIG. 3) of the plunger case 25 can be aligned with the internal groove 48 of the locking cap 26. The ridge 44, together with the internal groove 48, can enable the locking cap 26 to stay on the end 46 (shown in FIG. 3) of the plunger case 25 and can enable the locking cap 26 to rotate or operate around the end 46 of the plunger case 25.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of the plunger case 25 with the locking cap 26 in the initial position or the locked position, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The locking cap 26 is disposed on the plunger case 25 and may limit the axial movement of the plunger 34. As shown, the raised portion 44 of the plunger case 25 extends into the internal groove 48 of the locking cap 26 to allow the locking cap 26 to rotate at a predetermined position. The tab 41 of the engaging portion 40 of the plunger 34 extends into the slot 47. In this initial position, the plunger 34 is locked to prevent movement during storage or transportation.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of the plunger case 25 with the locking cap 26 in the unlocked position, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the locking cap 26 is rotated to remove or unlock the tab 41. When the locking cap 26 is in the unlocked position, the plunger 34 may be axially movable in the forward direction indicated by the arrow.

[0026] FIG. 7A shows inserting the IOL cartridge 12 into the handpiece 14, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. The plunger case 25 of the IOL cartridge 12 includes a protrusion 52 that may be aligned with the slot 54 of the handpiece 14. The plunger case 25 is inserted into the inner portion of the handpiece 14 such that the slot 54 receives the protrusion 52. The handpiece 14 may be rotated to fix the IOL cartridge 12 to the handpiece 14. In some embodiments, the handpiece 14 and the IOL cartridge 12 may be configured such that the handpiece 14 rotates with a rotation amount in the range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees to fix the handpiece 14 to the IOL cartridge 12. For example, in some particular embodiments, the handpiece 14 and the IOL cartridge 12 may be configured such that the handpiece 14 rotates with a rotation amount of 90 degrees to fix the handpiece 14 to the IOL cartridge 12.

[0027] FIG. 7B shows an IOL cartridge 12 locked to a handpiece 14 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. The handpiece 14 is rotated to secure a protrusion 52 within a slot 54 such that the handpiece 14 and the IOL cartridge 12 are coupled. For unlocking, the handpiece 14 can be rotated in the opposite direction.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end 32 of a push rod 27 inserted within a plunger 34 in a non-rotating or unlocked position according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. A passage 36 of the plunger 34 can receive the distal end 32 of the push rod 27. The distal end 32 can include a height h1 in the non-rotating position. The distal end 32 can be, for example, a rectangular shape having a different width (w) and a different height. That is, in the non-rotating position, the distal end 32 has a height h1 and a width w, and when the distal end 32 rotates, the width w becomes a height h2 as shown in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, h2 can be greater than h1. The passage 36 of the plunger 34 includes a narrow portion 61 having an inner diameter greater than height h1 but less than width w or height h2, thereby allowing the distal end 32 to move through the narrow portion 61 in the non-rotating position (unlocked) as shown in FIG. 9, but preventing the distal end 32 from returning through the narrow portion 61 in the rotating position (locked). The plunger 34 can include a port 62 in fluid communication with the passage 36. The passage 36 of the plunger 34 can be configured to receive the distal end 32 of the push rod 27, and the port 62 can receive a portion of the distal end 32 when the push rod 27 is rotated to the locked position.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end 32 of the push rod 27 that is rotated and locked to the plunger 34, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. The distal end 32 is locked to the engagement portion 40 of the passage 36 of the plunger 34. The distal end 32 is rotated such that the first locking portion 64 and the second locking portion 66 of the distal end 32 abut against the first internal shoulder 68 and the second internal shoulder 70 of the passage 36, thereby locking the push rod 27 to the plunger 34 and preventing axial movement of the push rod 27 relative to the plunger 34. Additionally, the first locking portion 64 may extend into the port 62 when rotated. The height h2 of the distal end 32 may be greater than the inner diameter of a portion 72 of the passage 36 positioned between the first internal shoulder 68 and the second internal shoulder 70 so as to lock the distal end 32 of the push rod 27 in place and prevent the push rod 27 from slipping out of the plunger 34.

[0030] With reference to FIGS. 1-9, an exemplary technique for assembling an insertion tool 10 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is described as follows. In some embodiments, the locking cap 26 of the IOL cartridge 12 can be rotated from a locked position to an unlocked position, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. Second, the plunger case 25 of the IOL cartridge 12 can be inserted into the handpiece 14 such that the distal end 32 of the push rod 27 passes through the unlocked locking cap 26 and is received within the passage 36 of the plunger 34, as best shown in FIG. 8. Next, the handpiece 14 can be rotated such that the IOL cartridge 12 is locked to the handpiece 14, as best shown in FIG. 7B. The push rod 27 can be rotated such that the push rod 27 is locked to the plunger 34, as best shown in FIG. 9, to complete the engagement of the handpiece 14 with the IOL cartridge 12 and configure the insertion tool 10 for delivering the IOL 20. In certain embodiments, the push rod 27 can be locked within the plunger 34 before the handpiece 14 is locked to the IOL cartridge 12 or simultaneously as the handpiece 14 is rotated to engage and lock with the IOL cartridge 12. When the push rod 27 is actuated, the plunger 34 is driven axially forward to move the IOL out of the IOL cartridge 12.

[0031] To disassemble the insertion tool 10, the push rod 27 can be rotated in the opposite direction, thereby unlocking the push rod 27 from the plunger 34. In some embodiments, this may involve changing the configuration of the push rod 27 and the plunger 34 from the locked configuration of FIG. 9 to the unlocked configuration of FIG. 8. The handpiece 14 can then be rotated in the opposite direction, thereby unlocking the IOL cartridge 12 from the handpiece 14. For example, the handpiece 14 can be rotated counterclockwise from the position shown in FIG. 7B to the position shown in FIG. 7A. Optionally, the counterclockwise rotation can be, in some particular embodiments, a rotation range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees or an amount of rotation at 90 degrees counterclockwise. In a particular embodiment, the handpiece 14 can be unlocked from the IOL cartridge 12 before or simultaneously with the push rod 27 being unlocked from the plunger 34. The plunger 34 can then be completely pulled away from the push rod 27 to separate the push rod 27 from the plunger 34, thereby separating the handpiece 14 and the IOL cartridge 12.

[0032] Here, an exemplary technique for inserting the IOL 20 into the patient's eye 80 will be described with respect to FIGS. 10 and 11. As shown in FIG. 10, the incision 82 can be created within the eye 80 by a surgeon. For example, the incision 82 can be created through the sclera of the eye 80. The incision 82 can be of an appropriate width or length. After creating the incision 82, the nozzle 21 of the insertion tool 10 can be inserted through the incision 82 into the inner portion 86 of the eye 80. The insertion tool 10 can be actuated to deposit the IOL 20 into the lens capsule 88 of the eye 80.

[0033] In some embodiments, the IOL 20 is delivered in a folded (or rolled configuration) and can be deployed after ejection from the insertion tool 10. At the time of implantation, the IOL 20 should be deployed and seated within the lens capsule 88 of the eye 80 as shown in FIG. 11. The haptic extension 24 can be manipulated, for example, to engage the equator of the lens capsule 88. The haptic extension 24 can engage the lens capsule 88 to fix the IOL 20 within the lens capsule 88.

[0034] The use of the methods and systems described herein can provide numerous benefits and advantages over other IOL delivery systems. For example, as described above, by employing a common or standard connection between the IOL cartridge and the handpiece, including a drive mechanism, interchangeable pairings and utilization of different drive mechanisms and various preloaded IOL cartridge designs can be provided. Thus, various handpieces encompassing different types of drive mechanisms can be used with a number of different types of IOL cartridges and thus with each of different types of IOLs. For example, a user can easily select between multiple types of drive mechanisms that the user desires to use, depending on the type of IOL and / or the type of IOL cartridge. Additionally, one user may prefer to use a first type of drive mechanism handpiece for a given IOL cartridge, while a different user may have the option of using a second type of drive mechanism handpiece for the same given type of IOL cartridge. Importantly, by enabling a common or standard connection for fixing the handpiece to the IOL cartridge, the user experience of fixing the handpiece to the IOL cartridge can be substantially the same regardless of the type of drive mechanism or the type of IOL cartridge and thus the IOL used, which can also improve ease of use and streamlined IOL delivery procedures for the operator.

[0035] The operations and structures of the present disclosure are considered to be apparent from the foregoing description. Although the apparatuses and methods shown or described above are characterized as preferred, various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims. Note that the aspects of the present disclosure also include the following. 〔Aspect 1〕 An apparatus for delivering an intraocular lens (IOL), an IOL cartridge, a nozzle, a compartment configured to receive the IOL, the compartment being in fluid communication with the nozzle, a plunger case in fluid communication with the compartment, the plunger case being configured to be detachably attached to a handpiece, and a plunger disposed within the plunger case An IOL cartridge An apparatus including the same. 〔Aspect 2〕 The apparatus further includes the handpiece, and the handpiece includes a housing, a push rod disposed within the housing, the push rod including a distal end configured to be detachably attached to the plunger The apparatus according to Aspect 1. 〔Aspect 3〕 The apparatus according to Aspect 1, wherein the IOL is disposed within the compartment. 〔Aspect 4〕 The apparatus according to Aspect 2, wherein the plunger case includes a protrusion, and the housing includes a slot configured to receive the protrusion. 〔Aspect 5〕 The apparatus according to Aspect 4, wherein a part of the plunger includes a passage configured to receive the distal end of the push rod, and the push rod is rotatable. 〔Aspect 6〕 The apparatus according to Aspect 5, wherein the distal end in the non-rotated position has a first height, and the distal end in the rotated position has a second height greater than the first height. 〔Aspect 7〕 The apparatus according to Aspect 6, wherein a part of the passage has an inner diameter greater than the first height. 〔Aspect 8〕 The apparatus according to Aspect 7, wherein the inner diameter is smaller than the second height. 〔Aspect 9〕 The apparatus according to Aspect 8, wherein a rotatable locking cap is disposed at an end of the plunger case. 〔Aspect 10〕 The apparatus according to Aspect 9, wherein the rotatable locking cap includes a slot configured to receive a tab extending from the part of the plunger. 〔Aspect 11〕 An apparatus for delivering an intraocular lens (IOL), a handpiece, a housing, a push rod disposed within the housing The handpiece, wherein the distal end of the push rod is configured to be detachably attached to an IOL cartridge An apparatus comprising [Aspect 12] Further comprising the IOL cartridge, the IOL cartridge comprising A nozzle, A compartment in fluid communication with the nozzle, A plunger case in fluid communication with the compartment, the plunger case including an end having a locking cap, the plunger being disposed within the plunger case, a portion of the plunger including a passage configured to receive the distal end of the push rod, the push rod being rotatable, and the plunger case The apparatus according to aspect 11, comprising [Aspect 13] The apparatus according to aspect 12, wherein the plunger case includes a protrusion. [Aspect 14] The apparatus according to aspect 13, wherein the housing includes a slot configured to receive the protrusion. [Aspect 15] The distal end of the push rod in the non-rotated position has a first height, and the distal end of the push rod in the rotated position has a second height greater than the first height. The apparatus according to aspect 14. [Aspect 16] The apparatus according to aspect 15, wherein a portion of the passage of the plunger has an inner diameter greater than the first height. [Aspect 17] The apparatus according to aspect 16, wherein the inner diameter is smaller than the second height. [Aspect 18] A method for delivering an intraocular lens (IOL) into the eye, comprising Inserting a plunger case of an IOL cartridge into a housing of a handpiece, the plunger being disposed within the plunger case, and inserting; Inserting a distal end of a push rod of the handpiece into a passage of the plunger; Rotating the handpiece to lock the plunger case to the handpiece; Rotating the push rod to lock the push rod to the plunger And a method comprising [Aspect 19] The method according to aspect 18, further comprising rotating a locking cap positioned at a proximal end of the plunger case to unlock the plunger before inserting the plunger case of the IOL cartridge into the housing of the handpiece. [Aspect 20] The method according to aspect 19, further comprising actuating the push rod to move the IOL from the IOL cartridge into the eye with the plunger. [Aspect 21] An apparatus for delivering an intraocular lens (IOL), comprising An IOL cartridge including a compartment for receiving an IOL, a plunger case having a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the compartment, and a plunger disposed within the plunger case. A handpiece configured to be detachably coupled to the plunger case and including a housing and a push rod disposed within the housing and configured to releasably couple to the plunger of the plunger case. An apparatus including the same.

Claims

1. An apparatus for delivering an intraocular lens (IOL), comprising: an IOL cartridge, comprising: a nozzle; a compartment configured to receive the IOL, the compartment being in fluid communication with the nozzle; a plunger case in fluid communication with the compartment, the plunger case being configured to be removably attached to a handpiece; a plunger disposed within the plunger case; an IOL cartridge including the above components; and a push rod including a distal end configured to be removably attached to the plunger. The push rod is rotatable from an unlocked position to a locked position to engage and lock the push rod with the plunger of the IOL cartridge, and is configured to advance for delivering the IOL. The distal end of the push rod has a first height at the unlocked position and a second height at the locked position, and the second height is greater than the first height. The push rod is rotatable from the locked position to the unlocked position to disengage the push rod from the plunger when the delivery of the IOL is completed.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the handpiece, the handpiece including: a housing; and the push rod disposed within the housing.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the IOL is disposed within the compartment.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plunger case includes a protrusion, and the housing includes a slot configured to receive the protrusion.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a part of the plunger includes a passage configured to receive the distal end of the push rod, and the push rod is rotatable.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the push rod rotates in a range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees to rotate from the unlocked position to the locked position.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a part of the passage has an inner diameter greater than the first height.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the inner diameter is smaller than the second height.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a rotatable locking cap is disposed at an end of the plunger case. ​

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the rotatable locking cap includes a slot configured to receive a tab extending from the portion of the plunger.

11. A method for operating the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10 for delivery of an intraocular lens (IOL), comprising: inserting a plunger case of an IOL cartridge into a housing of a handpiece, wherein the plunger is disposed within the plunger case; inserting a distal end of a push rod of the handpiece into a passage of the plunger; rotating the handpiece to lock the plunger case to the handpiece; rotating the push rod to lock the push rod to the plunger. A method comprising the steps of:

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising rotating a locking cap positioned at a proximal end of the plunger case to unlock the plunger before inserting the plunger case of the IOL cartridge into the housing of the handpiece.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising actuating the push rod to move the IOL with the plunger out of the IOL cartridge.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the plunger case has a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the compartment, and the plunger is disposed within the plunger case; the handpiece is configured to be detachably coupled to the plunger case and includes a housing and a push rod disposed within the housing and configured to releasably couple to the plunger of the plunger case. An apparatus.

Images