IOL Transfer Mechanism for Sterile Rapid Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lens (IOL) insertion systems face challenges in loading the IOL into the inserter due to difficulties in maintaining sterility and proper orientation, requiring complex mechanisms that often lack adequate visibility for proper lubrication and orientation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an IOL inserter with a handpiece and nosepiece, a lens case with a transfer mechanism that automatically transfers the IOL from storage to the inserter, and a viscoelastic manifold for lubrication, allowing for easy manipulation and orientation of the IOL during transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual transfer of IOL using forceps or tweezers is used, then the IOL can be transferred from sterile environment to inserter, but sterility of the IOL and correct orientation within the cartridge cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile adapter or transfer mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the sterile IOL storage container and the inserter. This adapter maintains the sterile barrier while facilitating automated transfer, eliminating the need for manual forceps handling and ensuring both sterility and correct orientation are preserved throughout the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service transfer where the IOL is automatically transferred from the sterile container to the inserter cartridge without requiring manual intervention. The automated mechanism inherently maintains sterility and orientation, making the process self-regulating and eliminating human error in the transfer operation.
2Device complexity
If the IOL is stored directly in the inserter, then loading is simplified, but the IOL may be deformed due to stress during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional segments: a sterile storage container for IOL storage and a separate inserter for delivery. This segmentation allows the IOL to be stored in a stress-free environment while the inserter remains ready for immediate use, eliminating the compromise of storing the IOL directly in the inserter which would cause deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The IOL is prepared and stored in its optimal stress-free state in the sterile container before the surgical procedure. The inserter is prepared separately and ready for immediate loading and delivery. This preliminary preparation of both components ensures the IOL remains undeformed during storage while the system is ready for rapid deployment when needed.
3Extent of automation
If complex mechanisms are used to transfer IOL from storage case to inserter, then automated transfer is achieved, but adequate visibility for lubrication and orientation control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism incorporates transparent or translucent components that allow visual observation of the IOL during the automated transfer process. Critical areas such as the IOL orientation indicators and lubrication zones are made visible through strategic use of transparent materials, enabling the surgeon to monitor the automated process and ensure proper orientation and lubrication application.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent adapter or transfer interface is introduced as an intermediary that bridges the automated transfer mechanism with the surgeon's visual monitoring capability. This intermediary component allows the automated system to operate while maintaining visual access to the IOL, enabling real-time observation of orientation and lubrication without requiring manual intervention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the IOL is moved along an axis normal to the longitudinal axis of the pushrod, then transfer from storage to inserter is possible, but complex mechanisms are required to manipulate IOL along two orthogonal axes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the IOL along the longitudinal axis of the pushrod during transfer, the system inverts the approach by moving the IOL along an axis normal to the pushrod's longitudinal axis. This inversion simplifies the transfer mechanism, as the IOL can be loaded perpendicular to the pushrod direction, eliminating the need for complex orthogonal axis manipulation mechanisms while maintaining full transfer capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates rapid and sterile transfer of the IOL into the inserter without manual handling, ensuring proper orientation and lubrication for smooth delivery into the eye, enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing the risk of IOL damage.
Implementation Method 1
a viscoelastic manifold for lubrication, allowing for easy manipulation and orientation of the IOL during transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A system for easily transferring an intraocular lens (IOL) from a lens case to an inserter, and then into a patient's eye. The lens case has a transfer mechanism therein which retains the IOL until engagement with the inserter. The transfer mechanism may include jaws having a closed configuration for retaining the IOL and an open configuration for releasing the IOL. Engagement of the inserter with the lens case automatically opens the jaws and transfers the IOL to the inserter. The IOL is transferred into a load chamber of a nosepiece rotatably coupled to a handpiece. After transfer of the IOL, the nosepiece is rotated from a load position to a delivery position. The IOL may have an optic and a haptic coupled to the optic, and the lens case may be capable of configuring the haptic as desired to facilitate its transfer into an inserter and/or into the eye. For instance, the lens case may fold one or both of the haptics over the optic. Preferably, the lens case maintains the haptic in this position during transfer of the intraocular lens into an inserter and/or inserter cartridge. A manifold for easily distributing a viscoelastic medium to the load chamber of the inserter is also provided.