Transport holder for a transplant or implant, and transport system

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport holder (1) for a receiving device for a transplant or implant, in particular for a DMEK lamella. During transport and / or storage, the transport holder (1) is arranged together with the receiving device in a container filled with a medium. The transport holder (1) has resilient means (4) at a first lateral end and, at a second lateral end opposite the first lateral end, a device (3) for gripping the transport holder. The transport holder is designed such that the resilient means (4) press the means (3) for grasping the transport holder during transport and / or storage against a lid of the container, and the means (3) for grasping the transport holder are pushed out of an opening in the container, owing to the resilient means (3), after the lid has been opened, such that the means (3) for grasping the transport holder can move outside the container and can be grasped. The invention also relates to a transport system comprising such a transport holder.

Description

[0001] TRANSPORT HOLDER FOR A TRANSPLANT OR IMPLANT AND TRANSPORT SYSTEM

[0002] A first aspect of the invention relates to a transport holder for a receiving device for a transplant or implant, in particular for a so-called DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) lamella.

[0003] A further aspect of the invention relates to a transport system with such a transport holder and with a container.

[0004] Human corneal transplantation is one of the most common and successful surgical procedures performed. Corneal transplantation using all its layers (epithelium, Bowman's membrane, stroma, Descemet's membrane, and endothelial cell layer) as part of a penetrating keratoplasty has been known for over 100 years. This surgical method generally achieves good results, but recovery is very lengthy, and definitive visual recovery is usually only achieved after removal of the second suture. This can take up to 18 months after the procedure. Furthermore, due to surgically induced astigmatism, this surgical method does not always lead to a satisfactory postoperative refractive outcome.

[0005] Well over half of all corneal transplants are performed for diseases of the corneal endothelium. In principle, a layer-specific corneal replacement would be suitable for these diseases. Suitable techniques for this are now available. For several years, transplantation of the Descemet membrane with an attached stromal component (DSAEK) has been able to achieve much faster visual recovery, significantly reduced surgically induced astigmatism, and consequently improved patient satisfaction compared to penetrating keratoplasty. Conventional penetrating keratoplasty is now considered over-treatment for endothelial corneal diseases, as the sole transplantation of vital endothelial cells is usually sufficient.Therefore, posterior lamellar techniques, especially DMEK, have now become well established as a largely atraumatic alternative for the treatment of endothelial corneal diseases. DMEK is limited to the transplantation of the isolated Descemet membrane with the endothelial cells localized thereon. The graft no longer contains any stromal components and is characterized by a thickness of only approximately 15 μm.

[0006] DMEK lamellae used in DMEK surgery are often provided by organ donation banks. Prior to the surgery, such a transplant is transported from the bank to the respective hospital. It is necessary for the transplant to be protected and transported in a medium.

[0007] For example, EP 3 046 509 B1 discloses transporting such a transplant in a container in a medium. The transplant is arranged within the container in a receiving device. A handling element can be attached to the receiving device, which can be used to pull the receiving device out of the container. The handling element is fixed to an opening, i.e., a neck, of the container so that the receiving device can be easily pulled out of the container.

[0008] Such a handling element, as shown in EP 3 046 509 B1, already simplifies the removal of the receiving device from the container. However, the handling element remains in the container, so that the receiving device must be pulled out of the container via the handling element using tweezers, which must be inserted into the opening of the container. This complicates handling during preparation for surgery, as a certain degree of fine motor skills is required. Furthermore, the fixing of the handling element provides only minimal stabilization of the receiving device, so that vibrations pose a risk of damage to the membrane.

[0009] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing an improved approach for transporting transplants or implants which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0010] According to the invention, the above object is achieved by the features of claim 1. The invention thus relates to a transport holder for a receiving device for a transplant or implant, in particular for a DMEK lamella. During transport or storage, the transport holder is arranged with the receiving device in a container filled with a medium (such as a saline solution). The transport holder has an elastic means at a first lateral end and means for gripping the transport holder at a second lateral end opposite the first lateral end.The transport holder is designed such that the elastic means presses the means for gripping the transport holder against a lid of the container during transport and / or storage, and the means for gripping the transport holder are pushed out of an opening of the container due to the elastic means after the lid is opened, so that the means for gripping the transport holder move, at least partially, outside the container and can be gripped. In particular, the means for gripping the transport holder can be pushed out such that the means for gripping the transport holder can be gripped by a hand or tweezers without a hand or tweezers having to reach into the container, for example by the means for gripping the transport holder protruding at least two millimeters from the opening of the container.

[0011] In accordance with the invention, it was first recognized that handling of known containers in the operating room or during surgery preparation is made more difficult by the fact that removing the holding device from the container requires certain fine motor skills due to the fixation of the handling element. This fixation is necessary in the prior art to ensure the stability of the holding device within the container, but results in the removal of the holding device being made more difficult. This disadvantage is overcome in the present invention by using an elastic means which now assumes two functions. As a first function, the elastic means clamps the transport holder between a base and the lid of the container, thus ensuring the necessary stability.As a second function, the elastic means pushes the means for gripping the container out of the container opening, allowing the transport holder to be more easily grasped by hand or with tweezers to remove the transport holder and the receiving device from the container. This provides the necessary stabilization and simplifies the removal of the transport holder and the receiving device.

[0012] To further improve the handling of the transport holder, the means for gripping the transport holder can, for example, be ribbed. This particularly improves handling by hand.

[0013] The geometry of the transport holder can also improve handling. For example, the gripping means for the transport holder can include at least two prongs. This allows the two prongs to be gripped ergonomically and securely with the hand in a so-called tweezer grip between thumb and index finger.

[0014] To ensure the safety of the transplant or implant, the receiving device is securely connected to the transport holder. This can be achieved by the transport holder including a retaining device for clipping the receiving device onto it. By clipping it onto the transport holder, the receiving device can be securely held by the transport holder during transport and / or storage, while also allowing easy insertion and removal of the receiving device into and from the transport holder.

[0015] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a transport system comprising the previously presented transport holder and the container with the lid. The transport holder interacts with the container (and its lid). In particular, the transport holder and a shape of the container are designed such that the elastic means press the means for gripping the transport holder against the lid of the container during transport and / or storage and push them out of an opening in the container after the lid is opened, so that the means for gripping the transport holder move outside the container and can be gripped. As already discussed with regard to the transport holder, this achieves the necessary stabilization on the one hand and simplifies the removal of the transport holder with the receiving device on the other.

[0016] For example, at least one body of the container can be made of glass. Using a glass container allows the receiving device to be transported in smaller containers while maintaining the same level of protection, making transport more cost-effective. Glass containers can also be used more safely at different temperatures than plastic containers. This allows the transport system containing the medium and the transplant or implant to be stored in both hot and cold conditions.

[0017] In particular, in a container with a body and a neck with a thread and the opening, at least the body can have a cylindrical shape. This contributes to the stability of the container.

[0018] An inner surface of the lid may have a substantially flat, circular shape. The flat shape of the inner surface of the lid prevents excessive stress on the elastic means of the transport bracket when the lid is closed, thus preventing breakage of the elastic means.

[0019] In some examples, the transport system further comprises the receiving device. The transport holder is designed to hold the receiving device in a predefined position during transport and / or storage. The receiving device is used to receive the transplant or implant. This can be achieved by the receiving device having a receiving area for the transplant or implant and two opposite end openings, each fluidically connected to the receiving area. The end openings fluidically connected to the receiving area are provided so that the medium can flow around the transplant or implant without creating air pockets.

[0020] For example, a first opening of the end openings fluidically connected to the receiving area can have a larger diameter than a second opening. Such a configuration can be useful if the receiving device is used during surgery to introduce the transplant or implant into the eye. In other words, the second opening can be provided for introducing the transplant or implant from the receiving area into an eye. During surgery, a syringe can be connected to the first opening and the transplant or implant can be introduced into the car through the first opening. This eliminates the need for a separate cartridge for introducing the transplant or implant into the eye.

[0021] Advantageously, both openings can be connected to a syringe, either directly or via a connecting device, to establish a flow connection between the receiving area and a syringe. This allows the two most important activities before and during the operation—re-staining the graft or implant and inserting the implant—to be performed using the receiving device.

[0022] In order to protect the transplant or implant during transport or storage, the receiving device can comprise at least one removable closure device to partially close at least one of the end openings, such that the closure device is permeable to the medium but not to the transplant or implant. This ensures that the transplant or implant remains in the receiving device during transport or storage and is surrounded by the medium without any air pockets. For example, the receiving device can comprise at least one removable closure device made of an at least slightly elastic material. This simplifies the attachment and removal of this removable closure device. For example, the receiving device can comprise at least one removable closure device with a grid.A grid can be used to hold back the transplant or implant without impairing the flow of the medium.

[0023] There are now various possibilities for advantageously embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawing shows:

[0024] Fig. 1a to 1c show representations of a transport holder for a receiving device for a transplant or implant;

[0025] Fig. 2a and 2b show representations of a recording device;

[0026] Fig. 3a and 3b show representations of a closure device for a first end opening of a receiving device;

[0027] Fig. 4a to 4c show representations of a closure device for a second end opening of a receiving device;

[0028] Fig. 5a and 5b show representations of a container with transport holder and receiving device in the open and closed state;

[0029] Figs. 6a and 6b show representations of a loading hose for a receiving device; Figs. 7a and 7b illustrate the removal of the receiving device from the transport holder;

[0030] Fig. 8 illustrates staining or rinsing of the graft or implant; and

[0031] Fig. 9a and 9b illustrate preparing a receiving device for implanting the transplant or implant, and

[0032] Fig. 10a to 10c illustrate the locking device in detail.

[0033] Fig. 1a to 1c show representations of a transport holder 1 for a receiving device for a transplant or implant, in particular for a DMEK lamella. The transport holder 1 comprises a web 2 which connects the other components of the transport holder 1 to one another. The transport holder 1 has an elongated shape, i.e. a length of the transport holder 1 (defined by a maximum lateral extent of the transport holder 1) is significantly greater (i.e. at least 1.5 times as large, or at least twice as large, or at least three times as large) than a height or depth / thickness of the transport holder. The transport holder has an elastic means 4 at a first lateral end and means 3 for gripping the transport holder at a second lateral end of the elongated shape opposite the first lateral end.The web 2 is arranged between the elastic means 4 and the means 3 for gripping the transport holder, connecting the elastic means 4 and the means 3 for gripping the transport holder. A lateral extension of the transport holder is defined along a longitudinal axis (i.e., an axis along a maximum extension of the transport holder).

[0034] A special feature of the transport holder 1 is the means 3 for gripping the transport holder, which can also be referred to as a handle. This handle is provided for removing the transport holder from the container in which the transport holder is inserted after the container has been opened. The elastic means ensures that, after the lid is opened, the device 3 projects from an opening in the container, for example from a bottle neck, so that the transport holder 1, together with the receiving device, can be removed from the container without the user having to reach into the container. The proposed means 3 for gripping the transport holder are designed for removing the transport holder 1 by means of a handle, i.e. without the aid of tweezers. Therefore, the means 3 for gripping the transport holder have outwardly directed knurling.In addition, two prongs 3a, 3b are provided so that the user can grip the transport holder 1 using the two prongs 3a, 3b with their thumb and index finger. However, it is also possible to grip the transport holder 1 using the means 3 for gripping the transport holder using tweezers.

[0035] The means 3 for gripping the transport holder cooperate with the elastic means 4. The elastic means 4 is intended to be compressed when the lid of a container in which the transplant or implant is transported is closed, thus clamping the transport holder between the base of the container and the lid. When the lid is open, the elastic means 4 reaches its maximum size and thus presses the means 3 for gripping the transport holder partially out of the container through an opening in the container so that the transport holder can be gripped. As shown in Figs. 1a and 1b, the elastic means can be achieved by selecting an at least partially elastic material, such as a plastic, for the transport holder 1 and a corresponding geometry of the elastic means.In the present case, the spring force of the elastic means 4 is achieved in that a central part of the elastic means runs at an angle (of approximately 45 degrees in the present case, although angles of 15 degrees to 75 degrees are conceivable) relative to a longitudinal axis of the transport holder. The angle changes (increases) due to the compression of the elastic means when the lid is closed, and a length of the transport holder along the longitudinal axis shortens. The angle returns to a basic state when the lid is opened, whereby the length of the transport holder along the longitudinal axis increases again. This achieves the spring effect. This component of the transport holder therefore acts as a suspension. This type of elastic means is advantageous in that it enables the transport holder to be manufactured from a single piece of plastic, for example by means of an injection molding process.However, other types of elastic means are also conceivable.

[0036] In addition, the transport holder 1 comprises a holding device 5 for clipping the receiving device onto it. Figures 7a and 7b show how the receiving device is attached to and removed from the transport holder 1 by means of the holding device 5. To prevent the receiving device from slipping, the transport holder 1 can further comprise a stop 6. Thus, the transport holder is designed to hold the receiving device in a predefined position during transport or storage.

[0037] Fig. 2a and 2b show representations of such a receiving device. The receiving device comprises a receiving area 7 for the transplant or implant and two opposite end openings 8, 9, each of which is fluidically connected to the receiving area. A first opening 8 (shown on the left in Fig. 2a and 2b) has a larger diameter than a second opening 9 (shown on the right). The receiving device thus forms a cartridge or sleeve that can be divided into four longitudinally divided sections 7a to 7d. A first section 7a is assigned to the first opening 8. This section 7a tapers slightly over the length of the receiving device. This allows the first section to be attached tightly and without play to the nozzle of a syringe.

[0038] A second section 7b, which is arranged between the first section 7a and a third section 7c, has a cylindrical outer wall and inner wall, without the inner diameter or the outer diameter changing.

[0039] The third section 7c, which is arranged between the second section 7b and a fourth section 7d, tapers sharply both externally and internally to create a transition from the first opening 8 to the second opening 9. Due to the conical design of this section, an implant or transplant can be transported from the first opening 8 to the second opening 9 without damage (particularly when the receiving device is filled with a suitable medium) and can also be provided within the device.

[0040] The fourth section 7d, which is arranged adjacent to the third section 7c and assigned to the second opening 9 of the receiving device, tapers very slightly on the outside in order to facilitate the insertion of the device into the smallest possible incision in the patient's body in the region of the second opening 9. On the inside, this section is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment. The second opening 9 is provided at the end of the fourth section 7d, wherein the second opening is provided here with a bevel at a 35-degree angle to facilitate insertion of the receiving device into the eye. The plane formed by the second opening 9 thus deviates significantly from a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiving device. The point thus created at the front, upper end of the second opening 9 facilitates insertion into an incision in the patient's body.Furthermore, the passage area for the transplant or the implant from the second opening 9 is thus increased, although the inner diameter of the second opening 9 is very small when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0041] In the present receiving device, both openings 8, 9 can be coupled to a syringe, either directly or via a connecting device, to establish a flow connection between the receiving area 7 and a syringe. In particular, the first opening 8 can be attached to the nozzle of a disposable syringe 18. This is shown in Figs. 9a and 9b.

[0042] In order to protect the delicate end of the receiving device with the second opening 9, this end is connected to a syringe via a connecting device, and in particular via a closure device 11 (shown in Fig. 4a to Fig. 4c). As shown in Fig. 8, a tube 15 with a syringe adapter 15a can also be provided between the receiving device with the closure device 11 and the syringe 18. Very specifically, the present exemplary embodiment provides corresponding compatibility with conventional disposable syringes with a volume of 5 ml. For this purpose, the first opening 8 has an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm, and the second opening 9 has an outer diameter (seen perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) of approximately 1.75 mm.

[0043] The provision and insertion of a transplant or implant into a body is further made particularly safe by ensuring that the position of the transplant or implant is clearly visible in the receiving device. For this purpose, the cartridge or sleeve can be made of a glass with an anti-reflective coating on the inside and / or outside, preferably borosilicate glass.

[0044] The handling of the receiving device is improved by the fact that closure devices which perform specific functions are provided at both end openings. The closure devices 10 and 11 can be plugged onto the receiving device and are essentially designed as sleeves. The closure devices 10 and 11 are made of an elastic plastic. At least the closure device 10 for the first opening 8 has a grid to provide permeability for the medium 13 or another medium. This grid prevents the transplant or implant from escaping from the receiving device. Figs. 3a and 3b show representations of the closure device 10 for the first end opening 8 of the receiving device. This closure device 10 has an essentially truncated cone shape to facilitate slipping the closure device 10 over the receiving device.As shown in Fig. 3b, the closure device 10 is divided into two halves 10a, 10b, which are joined in a central part 10c. Both halves 10a, 10b and the central part 10c have openings that form the grid, which is permeable to the medium but not to the transplant or implant.

[0045] The closure device 11 for the second end opening 9 is shown in Fig. 4a to 4c. This closure device 11 has two functions: firstly, it ensures the flow of the medium 13 and prevents the escape of the transplant or implant. This is achieved by dimensioning a central opening 11a (shown in Fig. 4b) through which the medium can flow. The closure device serves a second function.

[0046] 11 as an adapter between the receiving device and a syringe (or a tube that is connected to the syringe). For this purpose, the closure device 11 has a receptacle 11c (shown in Fig. 4c) over which the tube 15 is slipped, as shown in Fig. 8. Furthermore, the closure device 11 has a trough 11b, which is intended to guide the closure device 11 over the receiving device when the closure device is slipped over.

[0047] 5a and 5b show representations of a container 12 with transport holder 1 and receiving device in the open and closed state. In Fig. 5a and 5b the inventive concept is illustrated, as here it can be seen how the transport holder protrudes from the container 12 when the lid 14 is open (Fig. 5a) and is clamped between the lid and the base of the container when the lid is closed (Fig. 5b). The transport holder 1 and the shape of the container 12 are designed such that the elastic means 4 press the means 3 for gripping the transport holder against the lid 14 of the container 12 during transport or storage and push them out of an opening in the container 12 after the lid 14 is opened, so that the means 3 for gripping the transport holder can move partially outside the container and be gripped.In particular, the means 3 for gripping the transport holder can be pushed out of the container when the lid 14 is open such that the means 3 for gripping the transport holder can be gripped by a hand or tweezers without the hand or tweezers having to reach into the container 12. This is achieved in that the means 3 for gripping the transport holder protrude significantly from the container 12 due to the elastic means 4, approximately by at least 2 mm (or at least 3 mm), which allows the transport holder 1 to be gripped by hand. Transport holder 1 and container.

[0048] 12 are coordinated with one another in terms of their geometry, which is why the present disclosure can also be referred to as a “specified container”. Accordingly, the dimensions of the transport holder 1 are adapted to the dimensions of the container with which the transport holder 1 is to be used. In particular, the respective dimensions are adapted to one another in such a way that the inventive effect, i.e. the pushing out of the means 3 for gripping the transport holder 1 from the opening when the lid 14 is open and clamping of the transport holder when the lid 14 is closed, is achieved. The dimensions of the transport holder 1 can, for example, be adapted to the dimensions of a standardized container available on the market in order to avoid expensive production of a container 12 in an unusual size.

[0049] The container shown in Figs. 5a and 5b is a glass container 12 with a body 12a and a neck 12b with a thread for a screw closure. Both the body 12a and the neck 12b are cylindrical in shape, except for the thread. A glass base with a slight curvature is provided at the bottom of the glass container 12, which increases stability on the one hand and improves the manufacturability of the glass container 12 on the other. The opening of the container 12 is located at one axial end of the neck 12b, with the other axial end of the neck 12b being connected to the body 12a.

[0050] The transport holder 1 is inserted through the neck 12b into the glass container 12 filled with medium 13 (e.g., a saline solution). When the transport holder 1 is in the container 12, the means 3 for gripping the transport holder 1 are pushed through the neck 12b by means of the elastic means 4. When the lid 14 is open, the means 3 for gripping the transport holder are partially pushed out of the container 12. When the lid 14 is closed, the means 3 for gripping the transport holder are pressed against the lid, so that the means 3 for gripping the transport holder remain at least largely in the region of the neck 12b and protrude at most minimally from the opening, which is due to a slight curvature of the inside of the lid 14. The inner surface of the lid 14 has a substantially flat (apart from the previously mentioned slight curvature) circular shape.The inner surface can be formed by a sealing disc without a central hole in order to improve the tightness of the container when the lid 14 is closed.

[0051] Figs. 6a and 6b show representations of a loading tube 15 for the receiving device. This is a transparent, disposable silicone tube and can be used in conjunction with a syringe to aspirate the transplant or implant into the receiving device, or to dye or rinse it. For this purpose, the loading tube 15 has a syringe adapter 15a, via which a syringe (such as syringe 16 in Fig. 8) can be connected to the tube 15. The syringe adapter 15a can, for example, provide a Luer connector or a Luer-Lock connector. The other end of the silicone tube is slipped over the tube receptacle 11c of the closure device 11 for the second end opening 9.

[0052] Fig. 7a and 7b illustrate the removal of the receiving device from the transport holder 1. To remove the receiving device with the receiving area 7 and the closure devices 10, 11 from the transport holder 1, a screw cap 14 is first removed from the cell culture flask, i.e. the container 12 in Fig. 5a and 5b. Due to its design, the transport holder moves slightly out of the bottle neck after the cap is opened. This allows safe gripping and removal. If the transport holder remains in the flask, the rebound can be triggered by applying light pressure to the flask. To remove the transport holder from the container, the flask can be placed over a vessel in the horizontal position and the transport holder can be pulled horizontally out of the outflowing medium. The cartridge 7 (i.e. the receiving device) can now be removed at the position shown in Fig.7a, which represents a secure holding position, and is grasped with two fingers directly in front of the holding clip 5. The cartridge can now be pulled upwards with the slender end first, as shown in Fig. 7b. To prevent accidental leakage of the cell culture medium from the cartridge, the cartridge should always be held as horizontally as possible. The lamella (i.e. the transplant or implant) should be covered with a suitable solution at all times during preparation, and air bubbles should be avoided. Fig. 8 illustrates staining or rinsing of the transplant or implant. To protect the lamella 17 from loss and damage during staining / restaining and rinsing, both closure devices 10, 11 remain on the cartridge 7. A disposable DMEK tube 15 with a syringe adapter 15a, such as a Luer connection, is connected to the front closure device 11.A syringe 16 filled with dye or rinsing fluid is connected to the syringe adapter 15a of the silicone tube. Then, the staining or rinsing of the lamella 17 can be performed. Staining / re-staining and rinsing should be performed with appropriate care. Excessive rinsing / staining can jam the graft in the cartridge.

[0053] Figs. 9a and 9b illustrate the preparation of a receiving device for implanting the graft or implant. The rear closure 10 is removed shortly before the graft is implanted, and, as shown in Fig. 9a, the syringe 18 (filled with at least 5 ml of a suitable solution) is connected to the first end opening 8. Then, as shown in Fig. 9b, the front closure device 11 is removed by carefully pulling it off lengthwise. Care should be taken to avoid tilting or twisting. The tip of the cartridge with the second opening 8 is then guided through a 2.4 mm to 2.7 mm incision into the anterior chamber of the patient's eye. The donor tissue, which is immersed in fluid, is implanted by gently applying pressure to the syringe plunger of the syringe 18.

[0054] Figures 10a and 10b show in detail how a receiving device designed as a glass cartridge 19 is closed with its smaller, second opening 9 by means of a closure device 10. It should be noted here that the term "closure device" is to be understood in the broadest sense. The closure device ensures that the transplant 17 contained in the glass cartridge 10 is not flushed out during transport. However, a continuous fluid exchange is guaranteed.

[0055] The glass cartridge 19 is placed at an angle at the open end of the closure device 10 such that the smaller, second opening 9 is guided over an inner web 20, which extends into the glass cartridge 19. In other words, the second opening 9 is pushed over the inner web 20, which serves both as a guide and centering element and as a "semi-permeable" closure element. The web 20 is dimensioned such that, when inserted, at least a small annular channel exists between the web 20 and the inner wall of the glass cartridge 19 in the region of the second opening 9. This allows for a continuous fluid exchange, at least to a small extent.

[0056] On the insertion side, the closure device 10 is equipped with a type of ramp 21, which is dimensioned such that the glass cartridge 19 with the second opening 9 can be easily pushed over the inner web 20. It should be noted that the inner web 20 can be an integral part of the closure device 10. Alternatively, the inner web 20 is a separate component, which is designed similarly to a tuning fork as shown in Figure 10c, wherein the side facing away from the actual web 20 can be equipped with two guide elements 22 as an insertion aid for securing it within the closure device 10.

[0057] The glass cartridge 19 has an opening at each end, namely a first larger opening 8 and a second smaller opening 9. Both openings 8, 9 are equipped with a closure device 10, 11 for storage and transport purposes, wherein the closure devices 10, 11 allow a continuous fluid exchange between the interior of the glass cartridge 19 or the receiving area 7 located therein and the interior of the container 12. A continuous exchange of the medium is ensured.

[0058] The present disclosure relates to a transport holder and a system for storing, transporting, and injecting a transplant or implant, such as a human corneal transplant or fluids into the recipient eye. The transport holder and the system can be considered part of a set. This set can include a glass cartridge 19 (as a receiving device), a front and rear closure (as a closure device), the transport holder for the cartridge, and a silicone tube (such as a silicone tube with a Luer connector) for loading the cartridge and / or staining and rinsing the transplant.

[0059] The presented glass cartridge 19 and transport holder are suitable for both storage in cell culture medium at room temperature and hypothermic storage. A first larger opening of the cartridge can, for example, be compatible with syringes 16 with a Luer or Luer-Lock connection. The silicone tubing, in turn, can be connected to the mounted front closure. The dimensions of the cartridge and the components are defined so that the individual components are compatible with each other. The transport holder ensures safe storage and transport of the loaded cartridge. The cartridge can be secured using retaining clips in the holder. A stop on the holder prevents the cartridge from slipping.

[0060] The glass cartridge 19, transport holder, and container 12 presented here allow for the storage, transport, and injection of fluids or donor tissue. Adequate nutrient supply to the transplant is ensured by the two closures, which do not seal tightly.

[0061] In the preceding examples, a DMEK lamella is usually referred to as an example of a graft or implant. It is clear that the presented transport holder and transport system are also applicable to other grafts or implants that are transported in a medium such as saline solution. Furthermore, the terms graft and implant are to be understood in the broadest sense, namely as an element made of a wide variety of suitable materials that can be inserted into a human or animal body.

[0062] Furthermore, the term syringe 18 is to be understood in the broadest sense, meaning any suitable spraying device for sucking in and dispensing a liquid. Regarding further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and the appended claims to avoid repetition.

[0063] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the embodiments of the device according to the invention described above serve only to explain the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the embodiments.

[0064] List of reference symbols

[0065] 1 transport bracket

[0066] 2 jetty

[0067] 3 Means of Grasping

[0068] 3a, 3b prongs

[0069] 4 Elastic agent

[0070] 5 Fastening device

[0071] 6 stop

[0072] 7 Recording area

[0073] 7a-7d Sections of the reception facility

[0074] 8 First opening

[0075] 9 Second opening

[0076] 10 Locking device a, 10b Halves of the locking device

[0077] 10c Middle section

[0078] 11 Locking device

[0079] 11 a Central opening

[0080] 11 b tub

[0081] 11c Hose holder

[0082] 12 containers

[0083] 12a Body

[0084] 12b Neck

[0085] 13 Medium

[0086] 14 lids

[0087] 15 hose

[0088] 15a syringe adapter

[0089] 16 syringes

[0090] 17 Transplant

[0091] 18 syringes

[0092] 19 Glass cartridge

[0093] 20 inner bridge

[0094] 21 Ramp

[0095] 22 Guide element

Claims

A n s p r ü c h e 1. A transport holder for a receiving device for a transplant or implant, in particular for a DMEK lamella, wherein the transport holder is arranged with the receiving device in a container filled with a medium during transport and / or storage, wherein the transport holder has an elastic means at a first lateral end and means for gripping the transport holder at a second lateral end opposite the first lateral end, and wherein the transport holder is designed such that the elastic means presses the means for gripping the transport holder against a lid of the container during transport and / or storage, and the means for gripping the transport holder are pushed out of an opening of the container due to the elastic means after the lid is opened,so that the means for gripping the transport bracket can move outside the container and be gripped.

2. Transport holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for gripping the transport holder have a ribbing.

3. Transport holder according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for gripping the transport holder comprise at least two prongs.

4. Transport holder according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transport holder comprises a holding device for clipping on the receiving device.

5. Transport system comprising the transport holder according to one of claims 1 to 4 and the container with the lid.

6. Transport system according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one body of the container is made of glass.

7. Transport system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the container comprises a body and a neck with a thread and the opening, wherein at least the body has a cylindrical shape.

8. Transport system according to one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising the receiving device, wherein the transport holder is designed to hold the receiving device in a predefined position during transport and / or storage.

9. Transport system according to claim 8, characterized in that the receiving device has a receiving area for the transplant or implant and two opposite end openings, each of which is fluidly connected to the receiving area.

10. Transport system according to claim 9, characterized in that a first opening has a larger diameter than a second opening.

11. Transport system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the second opening is provided for introducing the transplant or implant from the receiving area into an eye.

12. Transport system according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that both openings for establishing a flow connection between the receiving area and a syringe can each be coupled to a syringe directly or via a connecting device.

13. Transport system according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the receiving device comprises at least one removable closure device in order to partially close at least one of the end openings, so that the closure device is permeable to the medium, but not to the transplant or implant.

14. Transport system according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the receiving device comprises at least one removable closure device which is made of an at least slightly elastic material.

15. Transport system according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the receiving device comprises at least one removable closure device with a grid.

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