Pre-loaded IOL Insertion System with Haptic Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lens (IOL) insertion systems face difficulties in loading the IOL into the inserter or cartridge, particularly due to manual handling issues that can lead to improper orientation and damage during delivery, compromising sterility and surgical control.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for pre-loading the IOL within an inserter component, featuring a handpiece with a holding station that includes internal features to contact and fold the haptics, and a delivery tube with a load chamber that prevents unfolding, allowing for controlled displacement and orientation of the IOL during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of IOL using forceps or tweezers is used, then the IOL can be transferred to the inserter, but sterility cannot be maintained and correct orientation cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL is pre-loaded into the cartridge in a controlled manufacturing environment with proper orientation before sterilization. The haptics are pre-positioned in the correct orientation within the cartridge, eliminating the need for manual handling and reorientation during surgery. This preliminary action ensures both sterility is maintained and correct orientation is preserved throughout the surgical process.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual transfer of IOL is performed, then the IOL can be loaded into the cartridge, but improper orientation results and surgical control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL is manufactured and pre-loaded into the cartridge with precise orientation control in a controlled environment. The cartridge design includes features that maintain the IOL's orientation during storage and insertion, eliminating the need for complex manual reorientation procedures during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge serves as an intermediary device between the IOL manufacturing process and the surgical implantation. It preserves the precisely oriented IOL configuration from manufacturing through sterilization to insertion, acting as a protective medium that maintains orientation without requiring complex manual manipulation.
3Reliability
If the IOL is stored separately and transferred just prior to delivery, then the inserter can be kept sterile, but the transfer process is complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL and cartridge are combined into a single pre-loaded assembly that maintains sterility throughout. The IOL is sealed within the cartridge in a controlled environment, and the entire assembly is sterilized together as one unit. This merging eliminates the separate transfer step between sterile and non-sterile environments, improving both reliability and surgical efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (20) for easily transferring an intraocular lens (IOL) from an inserter into a patient's eye. The system includes an inserter handpiece (22) with a holding station (30) for receiving or storing an IOL. The IOL may be pre-loaded within the holding station during manufacture, and the inserter handpiece coupled to a delivery tube (26) so that the entire system is ready for use by a surgeon to implant an IOL. The IOL may have an optic (32) and leading and trailing haptics (34,36) coupled to the optic, and the holding station may be capable of manipulating the haptics as desired to facilitate transfer of the IOL through the delivery tube into the eye. For instance, the holding station may fold one or both of the haptics over the optic. Preferably, the holding station maintains the haptics in their folded positions during transfer of the IOL into the delivery tube. The holding station desirably maintains the IOL -in a relaxed configuration during storage. A small opening (120) on one side may be provided to introduce a narrow tool for folding one of the haptics over the optic.