Ocular Implant Holder and Guide Sleeve for Pre-Filled Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for devices and methods to fill implantable drug delivery devices with therapeutic agents and to hold them during insertion into patients, particularly for ocular implants, as existing methods may result in suboptimal drug release and require refilling or exchange.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a carrier member with a shell and a guide sleeve, an implant holder with graspers, and a handle member, which allows for pre-filling of ocular implants with therapeutic agents and secure insertion into the eye, using a fill syringe that locks to the guide sleeve and detachably secures the implant during handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the implant is pre-filled with therapeutic agent during manufacturing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because refilling or exchange is required after suboptimal drug release
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a carrier member for holding the implant, a fill syringe for drug delivery, and a handle member for insertion. This segmentation allows the implant to be manufactured empty and filled later at the clinic, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is prepared in advance during manufacturing without the therapeutic agent, and the filling action is performed preliminarily at the clinic before insertion. This preliminary preparation allows the implant to be ready for use while maintaining the option to refill or exchange if drug release becomes suboptimal
2Ease of operation
If the implant is inserted without a secure holding device, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to suboptimal drug release and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier member acts as an intermediary device that securely holds the implant during handling and insertion. The handle member serves as another intermediary tool that facilitates precise positioning. These intermediary devices ensure reliable implant placement while maintaining ease of operation during the surgical procedure
3Manufacturing precision
If a fill syringe is designed to lock to the guide sleeve, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fill syringe automatically locks to the guide sleeve through a self-aligning mechanism when inserted. The complementary geometric features of the syringe and guide sleeve enable automatic engagement without requiring additional locking components or complex assembly procedures, achieving precise alignment while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Data Source
AI summary
An ocular implant system including an ocular implant sized and shaped to be inserted at least partially into an eye; a carrier member with a shell having a central channel extending at least partially through the shell from a proximal end towards a distal end of the shell. A guide sleeve removably attached within at least a first region of the central channel of the shell and defining a proximal port into the central channel that is accessible from the proximal end of the shell. An implant holder removably attached within at least a second region of the central channel of the shell adjacent to a distal end of the guide sleeve and having a pair of graspers adapted to releasably secure the implant at a distal end of the implant holder. Related devices, systems, and/or methods are described.