IOL Drug Delivery Fixation Loop for Secure Haptic Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing drug delivery components to intraocular lenses (IOLs) are inefficient and lack robustness, leading to potential detachment and ineffective distribution of therapeutic agents.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a therapeutic agent-containing portion with a fixation loop and a plunger mechanism that secures the drug delivery component to the IOL assembly, allowing for controlled expansion and contraction of the fixation loop to attach and detach the component using a support base and plunger guide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods are used to secure drug delivery components to IOLs, then the attachment process is simpler, but the attachment is less secure and components may detach
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation loop transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state for securing the drug delivery component, creating a dynamic attachment mechanism that adapts during the attachment process to ensure secure fixation while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation loop is inserted through the haptic of the IOL assembly, with the drug delivery component then secured within the expanded loop structure, creating a nested configuration that ensures secure attachment without requiring complex external fixation mechanisms
2Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is implemented, then detachment risk is reduced, but the attachment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation loop is pre-formed and prepared in a compressed state before use, allowing it to be easily inserted through the haptic in advance, and then expanded later to secure the drug delivery component, separating the insertion and securing actions to simplify the overall process
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is divided into distinct functional elements: the fixation loop for securing, the haptic for structural support, and the drug delivery component for therapeutic function, allowing each to be optimized independently while maintaining ease of assembly
3Strength
If the fixation loop is expanded to secure the component, then attachment strength increases, but the insertion process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation loop is designed to dynamically change from a compressed insertion configuration to an expanded fixation configuration, allowing easy insertion through the haptic followed by secure expansion to attach the drug delivery component with high fixation strength
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the fixation loop changes from compressed to expanded, altering its dimensional parameters to facilitate easy insertion in the compressed state and provide strong fixation when expanded, resolving the contradiction between insertion ease and fixation strength
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for securing a drug delivery component to an intraocular lens (IOL) assembly. The systems generally include a support base and a plunger. The support base includes a first portion configured to accommodate a drug delivery component; and a second portion configured to act as a plunger guide. The plunger can be inserted into the plunger guide such that the plunger is positioned to interface with a drug delivery component and an IOL assembly during use. The plunger includes an elongated body and a tip, wherein the tip can include a ramp configured to interface with a fixation loop of a drug delivery component during use and a compartment configured to interface with a haptic of an IOL assembly during use.