Magnetic coupling for power delivery of surgical implants

Abstract

A magnetically coupled drive module for delivering an implant to an eye. The implant can be contained, advanced, and delivered to the eye using a powered drive module. The drive module can be separated and sterilized for reuse.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Claim of Priority This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 137,841, filed on January 15, 2021, entitled "MAGNETICALLY COUPLED POWER DELIVERY FOR SURGICAL IMPLANTS", the inventors of which are Austin Xavier Rodeheaver, Todd Taber, John Briant, Grant Corthorn, Rob May, Martin Orrell, Trevor Penhallurick, David Pooley, and Catherine Wyman, and incorporates by reference the entire contents thereof as if fully and completely set forth herein.

[0002] The invention described in the appended claims generally relates to ophthalmic surgery. More particularly, without limitation, the claimed subject matter relates to systems, devices, and methods for implanting an implant in an eye.

Background Art

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

[0004] Although the advantages of intraocular lenses and other implants are known, improvements in delivery systems, components, and processes continue to be made to improve the results and benefit patients.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Novel and useful systems, apparatus and methods for ophthalmic surgery are described in the attached claims. Exemplary embodiments are also provided to enable those skilled in the art to manufacture and use the claims.

[0006] For example, some embodiments may include, or may be essentially, a device for delivering an implant, such as an intraocular lens, using fluid pressure or fluid flow. In more specific examples, the device may include a rigid plunger for advancing the implant. Some embodiments may further include a bore through the rigid plunger, which can allow a working fluid to advance the implant into the eye by fluid pressure in a second stage. For example, a hollow rigid plunger may be used to initially advance the intraocular lens to a point where a seal is created around the intraocular lens within the delivery lumen. The lens can then be advanced hydrostatically for delivery by passing a working fluid through the hollow bore of the plunger.

[0007] In some embodiments, a powered drive module may be advantageous for advancing the plunger. For example, the drive module may include a drive shaft, which can be operated by a battery-powered motor to advance the plunger. Some embodiments of the drive shaft can be magnetically coupled to the motor, allowing for complete sealing of the motor, battery, and other reusable electronic components. In more specific examples, a motor can be coupled to the drive shaft using a ring of concentric or complementary magnets. The motor can rotate the outer magnetic ring, thereby rotating the inner magnetic ring. In some embodiments, the drive shaft may include a lead screw that can be advanced or retracted by the rotation of the inner magnetic ring.

[0008] More generally, an apparatus for operating an implant delivery device may include a lead screw, a lead nut passed through the lead screw, a follower coupled to the lead nut, a driver magnetically coupled to the follower, a containment seal between the driver and the follower, and a motor coupled to the driver. The containment seal can fluidly isolate the driver from the follower. In a more specific embodiment, the apparatus may include a lead sleeve that couples the follower to the lead nut. For example, the lead sleeve may include an opening cylinder configured to receive at least a portion of the lead screw. In some embodiments, the follower may include a first magnetic rotor, and the driver may include a second magnetic rotor. In some embodiments, the second magnetic rotor may have opening cylinders concentrically arranged around the first magnetic rotor. Some embodiments of the follower or the first magnetic rotor may include a first plurality of magnets, and the driver or second magnetic rotor may include a second plurality of magnets. The first plurality of magnets may be arranged in a cylindrical array, and the second plurality of magnets may be arranged in a cylindrical array around the first plurality of magnets. In some embodiments, the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets may be arranged in a manner that alternates their polarity.

[0009] In other embodiments, a device for delivering an implant to the eye may include a nozzle, an actuator, a motor magnetically coupled to the actuator, and a containment seal that fluidly isolates the motor from the actuator. The motor may be configured to operate the actuator to eject the implant through the nozzle.

[0010] In a more specific embodiment, a device for delivering an implant to the eye may include a nozzle having a delivery lumen, an implant compartment coupled to the nozzle, and an actuator. A follower may be coupled to the actuator, and a driver may be magnetically coupled to the follower. A containment seal may be placed between the driver and the follower. The driver may be coupled to a motor, which may be configured to actuate the driver to move the follower and engage the actuator with the implant in the implant compartment to move the implant through the delivery lumen. The actuator may include a housing and a plunger that functions to move linearly within the housing, and the follower may be coupled to the plunger.

[0011] A method of using an implant delivery device may include: preparing the implant in the implant compartment of the implant delivery device; magnetically coupling the drive shaft to the drive module of the implant delivery device; coupling the drive shaft to the actuator of the implant delivery device; operating the drive module to advance the implant from the implant compartment through the delivery lumen using the drive shaft and actuator; removing the drive shaft from the drive module; and sterilizing the drive module.

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

[0013] The attached drawings illustrate preferred modes of fabricating and using some of the purposes, advantages, and embodiments of the claims. In the examples, similar reference numerals represent similar parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for inserting an implant into the eye. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of some examples of actuators that may be associated with the system in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an assembly diagram of an example of the actuator shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the assembled actuator from Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an isometric view of an example of a drive module that may be associated with several embodiments of the system in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an internal view of the drive module shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an isometric view of a drive assembly that may be associated with the drive module shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the drive module shown in Figure 5. [Figure 10A-10C] Figures 10A-10C are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary method for removing the implant from the system shown in Figure 2. [Figure 11A-11B] Figures 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary application of the system shown in Figure 1 for implantation in the eye. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The following description of exemplary embodiments provides information that will enable those skilled in the art to manufacture and use the subject matter described in the appended claims, although certain details already known in the art may be omitted. Therefore, the following detailed description is illustrative and not limiting.

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

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system 100 capable of inserting an implant into an eye. In some embodiments, system 100 may include two or more modules that can be configured to be appropriately coupled and separated for storage, assembly, use, and disposal. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, some embodiments of system 100 may include a nozzle 105, an implant compartment 110 coupled to nozzle 105, and an actuator 115 coupled to implant compartment 110. In some embodiments, system 100 may further include a drive module 120 configured to engage actuator 115.

[0018] Nozzle 105 generally includes a tip adapted for insertion through an incision into the eye. The size of the tip can be adapted to surgical requirements and techniques as needed. For example, a small incision is generally preferred to shorten or minimize healing time. In some instances, an incision less than 3 millimeters may be preferred, and in some embodiments, the tip of nozzle 105 may have a width less than 3 millimeters.

[0019] The implant compartment 110 generally represents a variety of devices suitable for storing the implant prior to delivery into the eye. In some embodiments, the implant compartment 110 can additionally or alternatively be configured to prepare the implant for delivery. For example, some embodiments of the implant compartment 110 can be configured to be actuated by a surgeon or other operator to prepare the implant for delivery by subsequent operation of the actuator 115. In some cases, the implant compartment 110 can be configured to actively deform, extend, expand, or otherwise manipulate the features of the implant prior to advancing the implant into the nozzle 105. For example, the implant compartment 110 can be configured to stretch or expand one or more features such as the support of an intraocular lens.

[0020] The actuator 115 is generally configured to advance the implant from the implant compartment 110 into the nozzle 105 and then from the nozzle 105 through an incision into the eye.

[0021] The drive module 120 generally functions to operate the actuator 115. In some examples, the drive module 120 can be operated by electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic power, or a combination thereof, or by some other means. In some examples, the drive module 120 can be manually operated. According to other implementations, the drive module 120 can be an automated system.

[0022] In general, the components of system 100 can be coupled directly or indirectly. For example, the nozzle 105 can be directly coupled to the implant compartment 110, or indirectly coupled to the actuator 115 via the implant compartment 110. The coupling may include fluid, mechanical, thermal, electrical, or chemical coupling (such as chemical adhesion), or in some situations, some combination of couplings. For example, the actuator 115 can be mechanically coupled to the drive module 120, or mechanically and fluidly coupled to the nozzle 105. In some embodiments, components can also be coupled by physical proximity, integration into a single structure, or formation from the same material piece.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of an actuator 115, showing additional details that may be relevant to several embodiments. The actuator 115 in Figure 2 generally includes a housing 205 and a plunger 210 located within the housing 205. The plunger 210 is generally made of a substantially rigid material, such as a medical-grade polymer material. In the example in Figure 2, the actuator 115 further includes a bore 215 through the plunger 210 and a drive interface 220 configured to couple with a drive module 120 (Figure 1). A plunger seal 225 may be located within the housing 205 and coupled to the plunger 210. A drive seal 230 may also be located within the housing 205.

[0024] As shown in the example in Figure 2, the drive seal 230 may be positioned between the plunger seal 225 and the drive interface 220, and the fluid chamber 235 may be defined within the housing 205 between the plunger seal 225 and the drive seal 230. In the exemplary configuration of Figure 2, the plunger seal 225 is configured to provide a fluid seal across the housing 205 and substantially prevent the movement of fluid from the fluid chamber 235 to the bore 215. The drive seal 230 may also be configured to provide a fluid seal across the housing 205 and substantially prevent the movement of fluid from the fluid chamber 235 to the drive interface 220.

[0025] The housing 205 in Figure 2 further includes a plunger interface 240 and a bypass channel 245 positioned between the plunger interface 240 and the drive interface 220. The bypass channel 245 can take various forms. For example, the bypass channel 245 may include a projection of the housing 205, as shown in Figure 2. In other examples, the bypass channel 245 may include a groove or recess on the inner surface of the housing 205. In some embodiments, the bypass channel 245 may include multiple channels. For example, in some embodiments, multiple channels may be arranged circumferentially around the housing 205.

[0026] The plunger 210 generally has a first end 250 and a second end 255, the first end 250 generally located adjacent to the plunger interface 240. The bore 215 generally penetrates the plunger 210 longitudinally from the first end 250 to the second end 255.

[0027] In some embodiments, the actuator 115 may further include a nozzle seal 260 and a bypass seal 265. Each of the nozzle seal 260 and the bypass seal 265 may generally be configured to form a seal between a portion of the plunger 210 and the housing 205, substantially preventing the movement of fluid beyond the seal. As shown in the example in Figure 2, one or both of the nozzle seal 260 and the bypass seal 265 may be ring seals, such as O-rings, circumferentially positioned around a portion of the plunger 210. In other examples, umbrella seals may be suitable. In more specific embodiments, the nozzle seal 260 may be positioned close to the first end 250 of the plunger 210, and the bypass seal 265 may be positioned close to the second end 255 of the plunger 210.

[0028] The drive interface 220 in Figure 2 includes a cap 270 and an aperture 275. The cap 270 may be coupled to the end of the housing 205 to hold the drive seal 230 and other components within the housing 205.

[0029] Figure 3 is an assembled diagram of another example of the actuator 115 of Figure 1, showing additional details that may be relevant to several embodiments. For example, the housing 205 of Figure 3 includes a hollow cylinder that can receive a plunger 210, a plunger seal 225, and a drive seal 230. Figure 3 also shows an example of an implant interface 305 that may be coupled to a first end 250 of the plunger 210 in some embodiments. In the example of Figure 3, the plunger 210 and plunger seal 225 are inserted into the housing 205, and then the appropriate working fluid can be added before inserting the drive seal 230 and attaching the cap 270 to the housing 205.

[0030] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the assembled actuator 115 of Figure 3. As shown in the example of Figure 4, some embodiments of the plunger interface 240 may include an opening in the housing 205 and one or more locking tabs 405. The implant interface 305 and at least a portion of the plunger 210 may extend through the plunger interface 240. The nozzle seal 260 in Figure 4 includes at least one O-ring positioned around the plunger 210 adjacent to the first end 250. As seen in the example of Figure 4, the bore 215 may define an opening at the first end 250. In some embodiments, the opening may be centrally located through the first end 250, and the implant interface 305 may be coupled to the plunger 210 adjacent to the opening at the first end 250. The implant interface 305 may include a notch 410 which can be configured to engage with an implant.

[0031] Figure 5 is an isometric view of an example of the drive module 120 of Figure 1, showing additional details that may be relevant to several embodiments. For example, the drive module 120 of Figure 5 includes a housing 505, a user interface 510, and a control switch 515. In some embodiments, the user interface 510 may include one or more visual output devices, such as light-emitting diodes 520, which can indicate various operating states. In other examples, the user interface 510 may include a display screen, such as a liquid crystal display. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface 510 may include one or more audio output devices, haptic output devices, or both. The housing 505 may define an actuator interface 525, which may be configured to be coupled to, for example, an actuator 115. An example of a drive shaft 530 is also shown in the example of Figure 5. Generally, the drive shaft 530 may move through the actuator interface 525.

[0032] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the drive module 120 of Figure 5 with the housing 505 removed, showing additional details that may be relevant to several embodiments. As shown in Figure 6, some embodiments of the drive shaft 530 may include a lead screw 605 and a lead nut 610 which can be passed over the lead screw 605. The drive shaft 530 may further include a follower 615 which can be magnetically coupled to a driver 620. The driver 620 may be coupled to a motor 625. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in the example in Figure 6, a drive belt 630 may couple the motor 625 to the driver 620.

[0033] Figure 7 is an isometric view of the drive shaft 530 and driver 620 of Figure 6, showing additional details that may be relevant to several embodiments. For example, the follower 615 may be coupled to the lead nut 610. In a more specific embodiment, the drive shaft 530 may include a lead sleeve 705 that can couple the follower 615 to the lead nut 610, as shown in the example of Figure 7. The lead sleeve 705 in Figure 7 generally includes an opening cylinder configured to receive at least a portion of the lead screw 605.

[0034] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the drive shaft 530 of Figure 7 taken along line 8-8, showing additional details that may be relevant to several embodiments. In the example of Figure 8, the follower 615 includes a first magnetic rotor 805, and the driver 620 includes a second magnetic rotor 810. The second magnetic rotor 810 in Figure 8 includes an opening cylinder concentrically arranged around the first magnetic rotor 805. In some embodiments, the first magnetic rotor 805 may include a first housing 815 and a first plurality of magnets 820 arranged within the first housing 815. As shown in Figure 8, in some embodiments, the first housing 815 may have a housing core 825. In other examples, the first housing 815 may be hollow. In the example of Figure 8, the first plurality of magnets 820 are concentrically arranged around the housing core 825. In some embodiments, the first plurality of magnets 820 may be bonded to the surface of the first housing 815. The second magnetic rotor 810 may include a second housing 830 and a second plurality of magnets 835. The second plurality of magnets 835 may be supported by the second housing 830 in a cylindrical array concentrically around the first plurality of magnets 820. A containment seal 840 may be placed between the follower 615 and the driver 620. In some embodiments, as shown in the example in Figure 8, the first plurality of magnets 820 and the second plurality of magnets 835 are arranged with alternating polarity.

[0035] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the drive module 120 of Figure 5, taken along line 9-9, to illustrate additional details that may be relevant to several embodiments. As shown in the example of Figure 9, the lead nut 610 can pass through the lead screw 605, and the lead sleeve 705 can firmly bond the follower 615 to the lead nut 610. For example, in some embodiments, the lead sleeve 705 can be joined to the lead nut 610. In other examples, the lead nut 610 and the lead sleeve 705 can be integrally molded. The follower 615 can also be joined to the lead sleeve 705. As shown in the example of Figure 9, a containment seal 840 can fluidly isolate the follower 615 from the driver 620. For example, the containment seal 840 may include, or essentially consist of, a sleeve or shroud of liquid-impermeable material positioned between the driver 620 and the follower 615. In some embodiments, the containment seal 840 may be coupled to the housing 505 to fluidly isolate the driver 620, the motor 625, and other components within the housing. The driver 620 may be magnetically coupled to the follower 615 via the containment seal 840, allowing the follower 615 to rotate freely within the containment seal 840 and the driver 620 to rotate freely around the containment seal 840.

[0036] During operation, the follower 615 is inserted into the containment seal 840, allowing the follower 615 to be magnetically coupled to the driver 620. The control switch 515 can be pressed or actuated by other means to operate the motor 625, thereby allowing the motor pin 905 to rotate. In some embodiments, the motor pin 905 may be firmly coupled to an output wheel 910 that can rotate with the motor pin 905. The rotation of the output wheel 910 can rotate the drive belt 630, thereby allowing the driver 620 to rotate. The magnetic force between the driver 620 and the follower 615 can rotate the follower 615 with the driver 620, thereby allowing the lead sleeve 705 and lead nut 610 to rotate. In some embodiments, the lead screw 605 may have a flat side surface (see Figure 7), and a portion of the housing 505 may be configured to engage with the flat side surface of the lead screw 605 to prevent rotation. By preventing the rotation of the lead screw 605, the rotation of the lead nut 610 allows the lead screw 605 to move linearly forward or backward. In the example in Figure 9, the lead screw 605 can be moved forward or backward through the actuator interface 525.

[0037] Figures 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary method for ejecting an implant 1000 from system 100. Initially, various components of system 100 can be assembled as needed. For example, the nozzle 105, implant compartment 110, and actuator 115 can be coupled to each other as shown in Figure 10A. The drive module 120 can also be coupled to the actuator 115 via the drive interface 220. For example, in some embodiments, the actuator interface 525 may be configured to align with and couple to the drive interface 220. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10A, the drive shaft 530 may be configured to directly engage with the drive seal 230 via the drive interface 220. In other examples, the drive shaft 530 may be configured to engage with the drive seal 230 via the drive interface 220.

[0038] As shown in the example in Figure 10A, the implant 1000 may be provided within the implant compartment 110. In some embodiments, the implant 1000 may include an intraocular lens having a shape similar to that of the natural lens of the eye, and may be made from a number of materials. In the example in Figure 10A, the implant 1000 exemplifies an intraocular lens having an optical body 1005, an anterior support portion 1010, and a posterior support portion 1015. Examples of preferred materials may include silicone, acrylic, and combinations of such preferred materials. In some cases, the implant 1000 may include a fluid-filled intraocular lens, such as a fluid-filled accommodative intraocular lens.

[0039] In some examples, the working fluid 1020 can be contained in a fluid chamber 235. In Figure 7, for example, the plunger seal 225 fluidly isolates the bore 215 from the working fluid 1020 in the fluid chamber 235, thereby allowing the working fluid 1020 to be contained in the fluid chamber 235 before use. In some examples, as shown in Figure 10A, the nozzle seal 260 and the first end 250 of the plunger 210 can protrude into the implant compartment 110, thereby forming a seal behind the implant 1000 within the implant compartment 110. In some examples, the first end 250 of the plunger 210 can also engage with the implant 1000. In other examples, before use, the nozzle seal 260 and the first end 250 can be contained in a housing 205.

[0040] The plunger 210, plunger seal 225, and drive seal 230 are generally movable within the housing 205. For example, in some embodiments, the drive module 120 can move the drive shaft 530 relative to the drive seal 230, thereby allowing the plunger 210, plunger seal 225, drive seal 230, and working fluid 1020 to move in a fixed position while maintaining the fixed relationship shown in Figure 10B. For example, the control switch 515 can be activated to operate the motor 625 and move the drive shaft 530 forward, thereby moving the plunger 210, plunger seal 225, drive seal 230, and working fluid 1020 from the configuration in Figure 10A to the configuration in Figure 10B.

[0041] The movement of the plunger 210 allows the implant 1000 to advance into the delivery lumen 1025 of the nozzle 105, thereby forming a fluid seal between the implant 1000 and the delivery lumen 1025. In some examples, the implant 1000 can be positioned entirely within the delivery lumen 1025. In the configuration shown in Figure 10B, the bypass channel 245 fluidically connects the bore 215 to the fluid chamber 235 around the plunger seal 225. When the drive shaft 530 and drive seal 230 pressurize the working fluid 1020 in the fluid chamber 235, the working fluid 1020 can move into the bore 215 through the bypass channel 245.

[0042] The plunger 210 can be held in the position shown in Figure 10B against further force applied to the drive seal 230. For example, in some embodiments, the second end 255 of the plunger 210 may be flared, and the plunger interface 240 may be configured to engage with the second end 255 to limit its forward movement. Additionally or alternatively, the implant compartment 110 or nozzle 105 may include a plunger stop 1030 configured to engage with a portion or feature of the plunger 210, such as the second end 255 of the plunger 210, to prevent further forward movement. In yet another example, some embodiments of the delivery lumen 1025 may be tapered, thereby preventing further forward movement of the plunger 210 into the delivery lumen 1025. For example, the diameter of the delivery lumen 1025 may decrease as it moves away from the implant compartment 110.

[0043] With the plunger 210 held, the additional pressure applied to the working fluid 1020 by the drive seal 230 allows the working fluid 1020 to move through the bypass channel 245 and bore 215, as shown in the example in Figure 10C. The movement of the working fluid 1020 from the bore 215 to the delivery lumen 1025 under pressure from the drive seal 230 can increase the pressure and flow rate of the working fluid 1020 in the delivery lumen 1025 behind the implant 1000, thereby allowing the implant 1000 to advance further within the delivery lumen 1025 until the implant 1000 is ejected.

[0044] Figures 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams further illustrating exemplary use of the system 100 for delivering an implant 1000 to an eye 1100. As shown, for example, an incision 1105 may be made within the eye 1100 by a surgeon. In some cases, the incision 1105 may be made through the sclera 1110 of the eye 1100. In other examples, the incision may be formed in the cornea 1115 of the eye 1100. The incision 1105 may be sized to allow insertion of a portion of the nozzle 105 to deliver the implant 1000 to the lens capsule 1120. For example, in some cases, the size of the incision 1105 may be less than approximately 3000 microns (3 millimeters) in length. In other examples, the incision 1105 may have a length of approximately 1000 microns to approximately 1500 microns, approximately 1500 microns to approximately 2000 microns, approximately 2000 microns to approximately 2500 microns, or approximately 2500 microns to approximately 3000 microns.

[0045] After the incision 1105 is made, the nozzle 105 can be inserted through the incision 1105 into the internal portion 1125 of the eye 1100. The system 100 can then eject the implant 1000 into the lens capsule 1120 of the eye 1100 through the nozzle 105, as substantially described above with reference to Figures 10A-10C. In some applications, the implant 1000 may be delivered in a configuration in which one or more of the anterior support 1010 and posterior support 1015 are folded, and can be returned to their initial unfolded state within the lens capsule 1120, as shown in Figure 11B. The lens capsule 1120 can hold the implant 1000 within the eye 1100 in relation to the eye 1100 such that the optical body 1005 refracts light directed toward the retina (not shown). The anterior support 1010 and posterior support 1015 can engage with the lens capsule 1120 to fix the implant 1000 therein. After the implant 1000 is placed inside the lens capsule 1120, the nozzle 105 can be removed from the eye 1100 through the incision 1105, and the eye 1100 can heal over a period of time.

[0046] The systems, apparatus, and methods described herein may offer significant advantages. For example, some embodiments may be particularly advantageous for the delivery of intraocular lenses, including fluid-filled accommodative lenses, which can present unique challenges in delivery. Some embodiments can compress relatively large lenses to pass through an acceptablely small incision, manage deformation caused by fluid movement during compression and exit from the nozzle, and perform delivery in a predictable and controlled manner. Furthermore, some embodiments can reduce the complexity of the system and the number of delivery steps while maintaining consistency in support position. Some embodiments can also reduce the amount of working fluid for delivery.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, magnetic coupling between the drive shaft 530 and the driver 620 can allow for the removal of sealed components within the housing 505, which may be advantageous for sterilization and other maintenance, as well as increasing reusability and reducing environmental impact. For example, steam from an autoclave can pose challenges to batteries and other electronic devices, and some of these challenges can be substantially reduced or eliminated by enclosing these components within the housing 505 and the containment seal 840, thereby fluidly isolating them from the steam during the autoclave cycle.

[0048] As shown in several exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems, apparatus and methods described herein are capable of various modifications and alterations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, descriptions of various alternative forms using terms such as “or” do not require mutual exclusivity unless clearly required by context, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not limit the subject matter to a single example unless clearly required by context. Components can also be combined or excluded in various configurations for sale, manufacture, assembly or use. For example, in some configurations, the nozzle 105, implant compartment 110, actuator 115, and drive module 120 can each be separated from each other or combined in various ways for manufacture or sale.

[0049] The claims may also include additional subject matter not specifically described. For example, certain features, elements, or embodiments may be omitted from the claims if they are not necessary to distinguish novel and inventive features from those already known to those skilled in the art. Features, elements, and embodiments described in relation to some embodiments may also be omitted, combined, or replaced by identical, equivalent, or similar features without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. According to embodiment (1), the device for operating an implant delivery device is, Lead screw and, The lead nut passed through the lead screw, The follower coupled to the lead nut, A driver magnetically coupled to the aforementioned follower, A sealing seal between the driver and the follower, A motor coupled to the aforementioned driver, It is a device that includes [this]. According to embodiment (2), the invention further includes a lead sleeve for connecting the follower to the lead nut. According to embodiment (3), the lead sleeve includes an opening cylinder configured to receive at least a portion of the lead screw. According to embodiment (4), the follower includes a first magnetic rotor, The driver includes a second magnetic rotor having an open cylinder concentrically arranged around the first magnetic rotor. According to embodiment (5), the follower includes a first plurality of magnets, The driver includes a second set of magnets. According to embodiment (6), the follower includes a plurality of first magnets arranged in a cylindrical array, The driver includes a second set of magnets arranged in a cylindrical array around the first set of magnets. According to embodiment (7), the first plurality of magnets are arranged in a state in which their polarities are alternating. The second set of magnets are arranged in a manner that alters their polarity. According to embodiment (8), the containment seal fluidly isolates the motor from the follower. According to embodiment (9), a device for delivering an implant to the eye, A nozzle having a delivery lumen, The implant section connected to the nozzle, Actuator and A follower coupled to the actuator, A driver magnetically coupled to the aforementioned follower, A sealing seal between the driver and the follower, A motor coupled to the driver, configured to operate the driver to move the follower, engage the actuator with the implant in the implant compartment, and move the implant through the delivery lumen; It is a device that includes [this]. According to embodiment (10), the lead nut coupled to the follower and A lead screw passed through the lead nut, wherein the lead screw and the lead nut connect the follower to the actuator, It also includes. According to embodiment (11), the follower includes a first magnetic rotor, The driver includes a second magnetic rotor having an open cylinder concentrically arranged around the first magnetic rotor. According to embodiment (12), the containment seal fluidly isolates the driver from the follower. According to embodiment (13), the actuator includes a housing and a plunger that functions to move linearly within the housing, The follower is coupled to the plunger. According to embodiment (14), the actuator includes a housing, a plunger located within the housing and functioning to move linearly from a first position to a second position in order to advance the implant from the implant compartment to the delivery lumen, a bore fluidly coupled to the delivery lumen via the plunger, and a fluid chamber. The lead screw is configured to move the plunger from a first position to a second position, and at the second position, to move the fluid from the fluid chamber to the delivery lumen through the bore. According to embodiment (15), a device for delivering an implant to the eye, Nozzle and Actuator and A motor magnetically coupled to the actuator, configured to operate the actuator in order to eject the implant through the nozzle, A containment seal that fluidly isolates the motor from the actuator, It is a device that includes [this]. According to embodiment (16), a method using an implant delivery device, The implant is prepared within the implant compartment of the implant delivery device, The drive shaft is magnetically coupled to the drive module of the implant delivery device, The drive shaft is coupled to the actuator of the implant delivery device, The drive module is operated to advance the implant from the implant compartment through the delivery lumen using the drive shaft and the actuator, The drive shaft is removed from the drive module, Sterilizing the aforementioned drive module, This method includes [something]. According to aspect (17), the system, apparatus, and method are substantially those described herein.

Claims

1. A device for operating an implant delivery device, Lead screw and, The lead nut passed through the lead screw, The follower coupled to the lead nut, A driver magnetically coupled to the aforementioned follower, A sealing seal between the driver and the follower, A motor coupled to the aforementioned driver, The follower is connected to the lead nut by a lead sleeve, A device including a device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lead sleeve includes an opening cylinder configured to receive at least a portion of the lead screw.

3. The follower includes a first magnetic rotor, The driver includes a second magnetic rotor having an open cylinder concentrically arranged around the first magnetic rotor. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The follower includes a first plurality of magnets, The driver includes a second set of magnets. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The follower includes a plurality of first magnets arranged in a cylindrical array, The driver includes a second set of magnets arranged in a cylindrical array around the first set of magnets, The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first set of magnets is arranged so that their polarities alternate. The second set of magnets are arranged in a manner that alters their polarity. The apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the containment seal fluidly isolates the motor from the follower.

8. A device for delivering implants to the eye, A nozzle having a delivery lumen, The implant section connected to the nozzle, Actuator and A follower coupled to the actuator, A driver magnetically coupled to the aforementioned follower, A sealing seal between the driver and the follower, A motor coupled to the driver, configured to operate the driver to move the follower, engage the actuator with the implant in the implant compartment, and move the implant through the delivery lumen; The lead nut coupled to the follower, A lead screw passed through the lead nut, wherein the lead screw and the lead nut connect the follower to the actuator, A device including a device.

9. The follower includes a first magnetic rotor, The driver includes a second magnetic rotor having an open cylinder concentrically arranged around the first magnetic rotor. The apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the containment seal fluidly isolates the driver from the follower.

11. The actuator includes a housing and a plunger that functions to move linearly within the housing. The follower is coupled to the plunger. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. The actuator includes a housing, a plunger located within the housing and functioning to move linearly from a first position to a second position to advance the implant from the implant compartment into the delivery lumen, a bore fluidly coupled to the delivery lumen via the plunger, and a fluid chamber. The lead screw is configured to move the plunger from a first position to a second position, and at the second position, to move fluid from the fluid chamber to the delivery lumen through the bore. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

13. A device for delivering implants to the eye, Nozzle and Actuator and A motor magnetically coupled to the actuator, configured to operate the actuator in order to eject the implant through the nozzle, A containment seal that fluidly isolates the motor from the actuator, A device including a device.

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