AIOL Delivery Tip and Telescoping Plunger for Small Incisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IOLs lack accommodative optical power and require larger incisions for implantation, and existing delivery systems are unreliable and may cause damage to the eye.
Innovation Solution
An AIOL delivery system with a tapered injector tip and telescoping plunger assembly that allows for delivery through a small incision, minimizing tissue damage and ensuring precise placement of the AIOL.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional IOLs are implanted, then vision restoration is achieved, but accommodative optical power is lost and larger incisions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL is divided into two functional segments: an optic portion that provides refractive power and an accommodating portion that changes shape in response to ciliary muscle contraction. This segmentation allows the lens to provide both stable distance vision and dynamic accommodation through a small incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The IOL incorporates a dynamic accommodating portion made of shape-memory polymer that can change its optical power in response to physiological stimuli (ciliary muscle contraction). This dynamic capability restores accommodation function without requiring large incisions for traditional multi-component implants.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional delivery systems are used, then IOL implantation is performed, but the incision must be larger than desired and delivery reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system employs a nested structure where the IOL is contained within an inner tube, which is itself contained within an outer tube. The inner tube can slide relative to the outer tube to deploy the IOL through a small incision, enabling complex delivery functionality through a minimal access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system transitions from a static single-tube design to a dynamic two-tube telescoping structure. The relative motion between the inner and outer tubes creates additional functional space, allowing the IOL to be compressed for insertion and then expanded to its functional configuration within the eye through a small incision.
3Measurement precision
If conventional IOLs are implanted, then far vision is provided, but intermediate and near vision require glasses
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL's optical parameters (focal length, optical power) are made changeable through the accommodating portion's shape-memory material. This material can alter the lens curvature and optical power in response to ciliary muscle contraction, enabling the lens to provide multiple focal points for distance, intermediate, and near vision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single IOL structure performs multiple functions: the optic portion provides refractive correction for distance vision, while the accommodating portion provides dynamic adjustment for intermediate and near vision. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lenses or corrective glasses for different viewing distances.
4Length of moving object
If AIOL delivery systems are developed, then small incision delivery is enabled, but delivery reliability and precise placement remain challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL is pre-loaded into the inner tube of the delivery system in a compressed, sterile state before surgery. The telescoping mechanism is pre-assembled with alignment features that ensure automatic correct orientation during insertion. These preliminary preparations ensure reliable delivery through the small incision without requiring complex intraoperative manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's hand and the IOL, providing a controlled interface for insertion. The tube's tapered distal end facilitates smooth passage through the incision, while its internal geometry ensures the IOL maintains correct orientation and prevents damage during delivery through the constrained small opening.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present technology relates to systems, device, and methods for delivering an AIOL into a patient's eye. In some embodiments, a tip assembly for delivering an AIOL into a includes an injector tip configured to receive the AIOL. The injector tip can include a distal portion configured to be inserted at least partially into the patient's eye. The tip assembly can also include a plunger assembly positionable at least partially within the injector tip. The plunger assembly can include a plunger tip configured to engage the AIOL and an outer member coupled to the plunger tip and positioned at least partially around the plunger tip. When the plunger assembly is actuated, the plunger tip can be configured to move distally relative to the outer member to displace the AIOL out of the injector tip and into the patient's eye.