U.S. patent number RE37,387 [Application Number 09/400,618] was granted by the patent office on 2001-09-18 for deformable lens insertion apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Allergan. Invention is credited to Daniel G. Brady, Anthony V. Lemus, Edward R. Zaleski.
United States Patent |
RE37,387 |
Brady , et al. |
September 18, 2001 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Deformable lens insertion apparatus
Abstract
Apparatus for insertion of intraocular lenses into the eye are
disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a loading
chamber and an injection portion. The loading chamber has a
proximal end and a distally extending opening. The loading chamber
defines a first lumen and is adapted to receive an intraocular lens
in an unfolded state at the distally extending opening and to fold
the intraocular lens and maintain the intraocular lens folded as
the intraocular lens is placed in the first lumen. The injection
portion defines a second lumen aligned with the first lumen and is
adapted to receive the folded intraocular lens from the first lumen
in the second lumen. The injection portion has an open distal end
through which the folded intraocular lens from the second lumen
passes to be inserted into an eye.
Inventors: |
Brady; Daniel G. (San Juan
Capistrano, CA), Zaleski; Edward R. (Santa Ana, CA),
Lemus; Anthony V. (Yorba Linda, CA) |
Assignee: |
Allergan (Waco, TX)
|
Family
ID: |
22550575 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/400,618 |
Filed: |
September 20, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
382948 |
Feb 1, 1995 |
5562676 |
|
|
|
154240 |
Nov 18, 1993 |
|
|
|
Reissue of: |
681563 |
Jul 29, 1996 |
05810833 |
Sep 22, 1998 |
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/107;
623/6.51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
2/1664 (20130101); Y10S 623/907 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
2/16 (20060101); A61F 009/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;606/107,161,162
;623/6.12,6.51 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2191439 |
|
Dec 1987 |
|
GB |
|
8201646 |
|
May 1982 |
|
WO |
|
8808288 |
|
Nov 1988 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
Microsert II.TM., Model IM002, Directions for Use with the
Chiroflex.TM.II, Chiron IntraOptics, Jul., 1993. .
Folding & Inserting Silicon Intraocular Lens Implants,
Faulkner, Nov. 1987.* .
IOL & Ocular Surgery News, vol. 1, No. 14 (Jul. 1983).* .
Cataract Refract Surg., vol. 15, Mar. 1989, Christ et al Evaluation
of the chemical, optical, and mechanical properties of elastomeric
Intraocular lens materials and their clinical
significance..
|
Primary Examiner: Yu; Justine R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stout, Uxa, Buyan & Mullins,
LLP Uxa; Frank J.
Parent Case Text
This is a division of application Ser. No. 08/382,948 filed Feb. 1,
1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,676, which, in turn, is a
continuation of Ser. No. 08/154,240 now abandoned: filed Nov. 18,
1993.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for insertion of an intraocular lens into a small
incision in an eye, comprising:
a loading chamber having a proximal end, a distal end and a
sidewall including a distally extending through opening which
terminates proximally of said distal end, said loading chamber
defining a first lumen having a cross-section which gradually
decreases at a substantially constant rate from the termination of
said through opening to said distal end and being adapted to
receive an intraocular lens in an unfolded state and to fold said
intraocular lens and maintain said intraocular lens folded as said
intraocular lens is placed in said first lumen; and
an injection portion joined to said loading chamber, defining a
second lumen having a length aligned with and directly adjacent
said first lumen, said second lumen having a cross-section which
gradually decreases at a substantially constant rate distally
throughout said length and being adapted to receive said folded
intraocular lens from said first lumen , said second lumen having a
distal end opening .[.for passing.]. .Iadd.adapted to output
.Iaddend.said folded intraocular lens from said second lumen
.[.directly into an eye.]. .
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said proximal end of said
loading chamber is open and said distally extending through opening
is formed by a distally extending through notch in said sidewall
which extends to said proximal end of said loading chamber.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said distally extending through
notch is configured to facilitate the folding of said intraocular
lens as said intraocular lens is placed in said first lumen.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second lumen has an
elliptical cross-section through said length.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first lumen has a
elliptical cross-section at said distal end.
6. A method for inserting an intraocular lens into a small incision
in an eye, comprising:
placing an intraocular lens in an apparatus as defined in claim 1,
said injection portion of said apparatus having a distal end
portion;
placing said distal end portion of said injection portion in close
relation to an eye; and
causing said intraocular lens to pass out of said distal end
opening of said injection portion and into the eye.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said causing step comprises at
least one of pushing and pulling said intraocular lens out of said
distal end opening.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein said intraocular lens in an
unfolded state is grasped by a forceps and is placed in said first
lumen of said loading chamber.
9. An apparatus for insertion of an intraocular lens into a small
incision in an eye, comprising:
a loading chamber defining a first lumen and having a distal end
and an open proximal end which includes a distally extending
through notch in said loading chamber terminating proximally of
said distal end, said first lumen having a cross-section which
gradually decreases at a substantially constant rate from said
termination of said through notch to said distal end, said loading
chamber being adapted to receive an intraocular lens at said open
proximal end and to fold said intraocular lens and maintain said
intraocular lens folded as said intraocular lens is passed into and
through said first lumen; and
an injection portion defining a second lumen contiguous with said
first lumen, having a length and a cross-section which gradually
decreases at a substantially constant rate distally throughout said
length and being adapted to receive said folded intraocular lens
from said first .[.lumen.]. .Iadd.lumen, .Iaddend.said injection
portion having a distal end opening for .[.pushing.].
.Iadd.outputting .Iaddend.said folded intraocular lens from said
second lumen .[.directly into an eye.]. , said loading chamber and
said injection portion being a unitary structure terminating
proximally at said open proximal end.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said injection portion is
biocompatible.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said injection portion has a
distal end sized to pass into a 3.2 mm or smaller incision in an
eye.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said open proximal end defines
an opening sized and configured to facilitate folding an
intraocular lens, passing through said open proximal end into said
first lumen.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said opening has a
non-circular configuration.
14. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said distally extending
through notch is configured to facilitate the folding of said
intraocular lens passing through said open proximal end into said
first lumen.
15. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said injection portion
includes a distal end portion adapted to be placed in the eye when
said intraocular lens in said injection portion is inserted into
the eye.
16. A method for inserting an intraocular lens into a small
incision in an eye, comprising:
placing an intraocular lens in an apparatus as defined in claim 6,
said injection portion of said apparatus having a distal end
portion;
placing said distal end portion of said injection portion in close
relation to an eye; and
causing said intraocular lens to pass out of said distal end
opening of said injection portion and into the eye.
17. An apparatus for insertion of an intraocular lens into a small
incision in an eye, comprising:
a loading chamber defining a first lumen having an open proximal
end, a distal end and a sidewall with a distally extending through
opening therein which terminates proximally of said distal end,
said open proximal end and said distally extending through opening
together defining a proximal opening, said first lumen having a
cross-section which gradually decreases at a substantially constant
rate from the termination of said distally extending through
opening to said distal end, said loading chamber being adapted to
receive an intraocular lens in an unfolded state at said open
proximal end and to fold said intraocular lens and maintain said
intraocular lens folded as said intraocular lens is passed into and
through said first lumen, said proximal opening is non-circular and
is sized and configured to facilitate folding said intraocular lens
passing through said proximal opening; and
an injection portion joined to said loading chamber, defining a
second lumen having a length aligned with and directly adjacent
said first lumen, said second lumen having a cross-section which
gradually decreases at a substantially constant rate distally
throughout said length and being adapted to receive an intraocular
lens in a folded state from said first .[.lumen.]. .Iadd.lumen,
.Iaddend.and having a distal end opening through which said folded
intraocular lens from said second lumen passes .[.to be directly
inserted into an eye.]. .
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said injection portion
includes a distal end portion adapted to be placed in the eye when
said intraocular lens in said injection portion is inserted into
the eye.
19. A method for inserting an intraocular lens into a small
incision in an eye, comprising:
placing an intraocular lens in an apparatus as defined in claim 17,
said injection portion of said apparatus having a distal end
portion;
placing said distal end portion of said injection portion in close
relation to an eye; and
causing said intraocular lens to pass out of said distal end
opening of said injection portion and into the eye.
20. An inserter for folding and inserting a flexible intraocular
lens through a small incision into the eye comprising:
a loading chamber having a generally tubular body providing a first
lumen with a proximal end and a distal end adapted to receive an
unfolded intraocular lens at said proximal end;
said loading chamber having a longitudinal axis and said first
lumen having a cross-sectional area at any point on said
longitudinal axis measured perpendicular to such axis, said
cross-sectional area gradually decreasing from said proximal end to
said distal end to effectuate a folding of the intraocular lens as
the intraocular lens is passed therethrough;
the body of said loading chamber having a distally extending
opening at said proximal end to facilitate the folding of the
intraocular lens as the intraocular lens is loaded in said proximal
end, said distally extending opening terminating proximally of said
distal end, said cross-sectional area gradually decreasing at a
substantially constant rate from the termination of the distally
extending opening to said distal end; and
an injector portion providing a second lumen contiguous with said
first lumen, said second lumen having a length and a
cross-sectional area measured perpendicular to said longitudinal
axis which gradually decreases at a substantially constant rate
distally throughout said length for passing said folded intraocular
lens from said distal end of said first lumen through said second
lumen .[.directly into the eye.]. .
21. The inserter of claim 20 wherein said distally extending
opening is a non-circular proximal opening which terminates
proximally of said distal end..Iadd.
22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said distal end opening of
said second lumen Is adapted to output said folded intraocular lens
from said second lumen into an eye..Iaddend..Iadd.
23. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said distal end opening of
said second lumen is adapted to output said folded intraocular lens
from said second lumen directly into an eye..Iaddend..Iadd.
24. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said distal end opening of
said injection portion outputs said folded intraocular lens from
said second lumen into an eye..Iaddend..Iadd.
25. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said distal end opening of
said injection portion outputs said folded intraocular lens from
said second lumen directly into an eye..Iaddend..Iadd.
26. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said folded intraocular lens
passes through said distal end opening to be inserted into an
eye..Iaddend..Iadd.
27. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said folded intraocular lens
passes through said distal end opening to be inserted directly into
an eye..Iaddend..Iadd.
28. The inserter of claim 20 wherein said injector portion is
adapted to pass said folded intraocular lens from said second lumen
directly into the eye..Iaddend..Iadd.
29. An inserter for folding and inserting a flexible intraocular
lens through a small incision into the eye comprising:
a loading chamber having a generally tubular body providing a first
lumen with a proximal end and a distal end adapted to receive an
unfolded intraocular lens at said proximal end;
said loading chamber having a longitudinal axis and said first
lumen having a cross-sectional area at any point on said
longitudinal axis measured perpendicular to such axis, said
cross-sectional area gradually decreasing from said proximal end to
said distal end to effectuate a folding of the intraocular lens as
the intraocular lens is passed therethrough;
the body of said loading chamber having a distally extending open
said proximal end to facilitate the folding of the intraocular lens
as the intraocular lens is loaded in said proximal end, said
distally extending opening terminating proximally of said distal
end, said cross-section area gradually decreasing at a
substantially constant rate from the termination of the distally
extending opening to said distal end; and
an injector portion providing a second lumen contiguous with said
first lumen, said second lumen having a length and a
cross-sectional area measured perpendicular to said longitudinal
axis which gradually decreases at a substantially constant rate
distally throughout said length and adapted to allow passage of
said folded intraocular lens from said distal end of said first
lumen through said second lumen..Iaddend..Iadd.
30. The inserter of claim 29 wherein said second lumen is adapted
to allow passage of said folded intraocular lens from said distal
end of said first lumen through said second lumen and into the
eye..Iaddend..Iadd.
31. The inserter of claim 29 wherein said second lumen is adapted
to allow passage of said folded intraocular lens from said distal
end of said first lumen through said second lumen and directly into
the eye..Iaddend..Iadd.
32. An inserter for folding and inserting a flexible intraocular
lens through a small incision into the eye comprising:
a loading chamber having a generally tubular body providing a first
lumen the first lumen having a proximal end and a distal end and
being adapted to receive an unfolded intraocular lens at said
proximal end;
said loading chamber having a longitudinal axis and said first
lumen having a cross-sectional area at any point on said
longitudinal axis measured perpendicular to such axis, said
cross-sectional area gradually decreasing from said proximal end to
said distal end to effectuate a folding of the intraocular lens as
the intraocular lens is passed therethrough;
the body of said loading chamber having a distally extending
opening at said proximal end to facilitate the folding of the
intraocular lens as the intraocular lens is loaded in said proximal
end, said distally extending opening terminating proximally of said
distal end, said cross-sectional area gradually decreasing at a
substantially constant rate from the termination of the distally
extending opening to said distal end; and
an injector portion having a proximal injector end and a distal
injector end, said injector portion providing a second lumen
contiguous with said first lumen, said second lumen having a length
and a cross-sectional area measured perpendicular to said
longitudinal axis which gradually decreases at a substantially
constant rate distally throughout said length, said injector
portion adapted to pass said folded intraocular lens from said
distal end of said first lumen through said proximal injector end,
through said second lumen, through said distal injector end and
into the eye..Iaddend..Iadd.
33. The inserter of claim 32 wherein said injector portion is
adapted to pass said folded intraocular lens from said distal end
of said first lumen, through said proximal injector end through
said second lumen through said distal injector end and directly
into the eye..Iaddend..Iadd.
34. An inserter for folding and inserting a flexible intraocular
lens through a small incision into the eye comprising:
a loading chamber having a generally tubular body providing a
first-lumen with a proximal end and a distal end adapted to receive
an unfolded intraocular lens at said proximal end;
said loading chamber having a longitudinal axis and said first
lumen having a cross-sectional area at any point on said
longitudinal axis measured perpendicular to such axis, said
cross-sectional area gradually decreasing from said proximal end to
said distal end to effectuate a folding of the intraocular lens as
the intraocular lens is passed therethrough;
the body of said loading chamber having a distally extending
opening at said proximal end to facilitate the folding of the
intraocular lens as the intraocular lens is loaded in said proximal
end, said distally extending opening terminating proximally of said
distal end, said cross-sectional area gradually decreasing at a
substantially constant rate from the termination of the distally
extending opening to said distal end; and
an injector portion providing a second lumen contiguous with said
first lumen, said second lumen having a length and a
cross-sectional area measured perpendicular to said longitudinal
axis which gradually decreases at a substantially constant rate
distally throughout said length said injector portion adapted to
pass said folded intraocular lens from said distal end of said
first lumen through said second lumen and then from said injector
portion into the eye..Iaddend..Iadd.
35. The inserter of claim 34 wherein said injector portion is
adapted to pass said folded intraocular lens from said distal end
of said first lumen through said second lumen and then from said
injector portion directly into the eye. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for inserting a
deformable or foldable lens into an eye. More particularly, the
invention relates to such an apparatus constructed so as to fold
the intraocular lens and to be proximally loaded with the
intraocular lens to be inserted.
An intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in the eye, for example, as
a replacement for the natural crystalline lens after cataract
surgery or to alter the optical properties of (provide vision
correction to) an eye in which the natural lens remains. IOLs often
include an optic, and preferably at least one flexible fixation
member or haptic that extends from the optic and becomes affixed in
the eye to secure the lens in position. The optic normally includes
an optically clear lens. Implantation of such IOLs into the eye
involves making an incision in the eye. It is advantageous, to
reduce trauma and speed healing, to have the incision sized as
small as possible.
IOLs are known which are foldable (deformable) so that the IOL can
be inserted through a smaller incision into the eye. A substantial
number of instruments have been proposed to aid in inserting such a
foldable lens in the eye. Many of these instruments involve
pre-folding the lens before the lens is placed in the insertion
device. While this hand folding allows the lens to be inserted
through a relatively small incision, it is time consuming and the
added handling can damage the lens.
Many of the prior art IOL insertion systems load and/or fold the
IOL at the distal end, that is at the end closest to the eye or the
end inserted into the eye. Such "distal loading" systems often
disadvantageously include a space consuming loading component at or
near the distal end of the system which causes the distal end to be
relatively large. This relatively large distal end makes inserting
the IOL through a small incision more difficult, if not impossible.
Also, the IOL itself may structurally compromise the distal end of
the inserter as a result of the distal end loading operation.
Systems which fold and load the IOL proximally of the distal end
provide certain advantages, such as reduced stress on the IOL
and/or inserter, relative to "distal loading" systems.
Mazzocco U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,998 discloses a number of IOL
insertion devices. One of these, in which the IOL is loaded
proximally, provides that the unfolded IOL is maintained in a
suitable liquid medium in a chamber integral with the insertion
tube. Fluid pressure is used to cause the unfolded IOL to pass from
the chamber into the insertion tube or cannula and then into the
eye. Using fluid pressure to move the IOL from the chamber through
the cannula into the eye can result in exposing the eye to
relatively high fluid pressures which can damage the eye. The
construction of this device, particularly proximally of the
chamber, makes folding the IOL in the chamber by mechanical means,
such as by using forceps, very difficult, if not impossible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
New apparatus and methods useful for surgically inserting a
foldable IOL into an eye have been discovered. The present
invention allows the use of a relatively small incision in the eye
for IOL insertion purposes. In addition, the present apparatus can
be proximally loaded with the IOL at the time of the surgery. This
allows the surgeon to inspect the IOL, in its unfolded state,
immediately before insertion. Further, this proximal loading of the
IOL is done with a reduced amount of stress on the lens. Thus, the
IOL has a reduced chance or probability of being damaged during the
loading process. Moreover, the loading process is performed very
speedily and reliably. The present apparatus are straightforward in
construction and can be produced and used in a number of forms to
suit the individual needs of the surgical application involved
and/or the likes and dislikes of the surgeon. Using the present
apparatus, the surgeon can easily and controllably place an IOL
into a patient's eye.
In one broad aspect of the present invention, apparatus for
insertion of an IOL into a small incision of an eye are provided
and comprise a loading chamber and an injection cone. In one
embodiment, the loading chamber has a proximal end and a distally
extending opening, preferably a distally extending proximal end
opening. The loading chamber defines a first lumen and is adapted
to receive an IOL, preferably in an unfolded state, at the distally
extending opening and to fold the IOL and maintain the IOL folded
as the IOL is placed in the first lumen. In another embodiment, the
loading chamber defines a first lumen and includes an open proximal
end defining a non-circular proximal opening in communication with
the first lumen. The loading chamber is adapted to receive an IOL,
preferably in an unfolded state, at the open proximal end and to
fold the IOL and maintain the IOL folded as the IOL is passed into
and through the first lumen. The injection portion defines a second
lumen aligned, preferably contiguous, with the first lumen. The
injection portion is adapted to receive the folded IOL from the
first lumen in the second lumen. The injection portion has an open
distal end through which the folded IOL from the second lumen
passes to be inserted into an eye.
The inclusion of a distally extending opening or a non-circular
proximal opening in the loading chamber provides important
advantages. The distally extending opening or the non-circular
proximal opening acts to facilitate the folding of the IOL as the
IOL is placed in the first lumen. The loading chamber can thus be
considered to be foldable about the IOL in that the distally
extending opening or the non-circular proximal opening of the
loading chamber is sized and configured to facilitate the folding
of the IOL passing through the distally extending opening or the
non-circular proximal opening into the first lumen defined by the
loading chamber.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the loading
chamber has an open proximal end and defines a first lumen, and the
injection portion is as described previously. The open proximal end
of the loading chamber is the proximal terminus of the first lumen.
The loading chamber is adapted to receive an IOL, preferably in an
unfolded state, at the open proximal end and to fold the IOL and
maintain the IOL folded as the IOL is passed into and through the
first lumen. In this embodiment, the loading chamber and the
injection portion are a unitary or integral structure which
structure proximally terminates at the open proximal end of the
loading chamber. This structure is designed to facilitate the use
of mechanical means, such as a forceps and the like, to insert the
IOL into and through the open proximal end of the loading chamber.
In so doing, the IOL is folded and is maintained folded in the
first lumen of the loading chamber. The use of a forceps and the
like to fold the IOL in the first lumen has substantial advantages,
for example, enhanced safety, relative to the system employed by
the above-noted Mazzocco patent which uses fluid pressure to pass
the unfolded IOL into a tube for folding.
The present systems are preferably packaged in sterile condition.
Also, since the injection portion may be inserted into the eye, it
is preferred that the injection portion be made of a material which
is biocompatible. Further, it is preferred that the distal end of
the injection portion be sized to pass into a 3.2 mm or smaller
incision in an eye.
The diameter of at least one of the first lumen and the second
lumen, preferably both of such lumens, gradually decreases in the
distal direction along its length. This preferred tapering
facilitates folding of the IOL and/or maintaining the IOL folded as
it passes through the first lumen and the second lumen.
The present invention further includes methods for inserting an IOL
into an eye, preferably through a small incision into an eye. Such
methods comprise placing an IOL in a insertion apparatus, as
described above; placing the distal end of the injection portion of
the insertion apparatus in proximity to an eye or into an eye; and
causing the folded IOL to pass out of the distal end opening of the
injection portion and into the eye. This causing may comprise
pushing or pulling, preferably pushing, the IOL out of the distal
end opening of the injection portion. If the injection portion is
placed into the eye, after the IOL is passed into the eye the
injection portion is withdrawn from the eye. The IOL in its
unfolded state remains in the eye. The present methods can be
performed, with various modifications, using the various
embodiments of the insertion apparatus set forth herein. An
incision is made in the eye prior to inserting the IOL into the
eye. Once the IOL has been inserted into the eye, the incision can
be mended.
The foldable IOLs insertable in the eye using the present apparatus
and methods may be of any configuration suitable to perform the
desired function in the eye. Such lenses often include a lens body
or optic which has optical properties in the eye. Such lens body is
foldable as set forth herein. In many instances the lens body, is
generally circular. However, other configurations are also useful.
In addition, the IOLs may, and preferably do, include at least one
flexible fixation member which is secured or attached to the optic.
This flexible fixation member acts to fix the IOL in position in
the eye. Examples of flexible fixation members include flexible
haptics which are preferably radially resilient and extend
outwardly from the periphery of the lens body. Specific examples of
such flexible haptics include those commonly known as J-loops and
C-loops. Such haptics engage appropriate circumferential eye tissue
adjacent the iris or within the capsular bag to fix the lens in
position in the eye. A very useful IOL includes a plurality of,
especially two, such flexible haptics.
The lens body may be made of any suitable material such as
polymethamethacrylate, silicone, hydrogel or other well known
materials for foldable IOL instruction. Preferably the optic also
includes an ultraviolet light absorber. The flexible fixation
member or members may be made of any suitable material such as
polymethamethacrylate, prolene polypropylene, nylon, silicone or
other materials suitable for implantation into the eye.
As used herein, the terms "foldable" and "deformable" mean that an
IOL and in particular the lens body or optic of an IOL, can be
temporarily reshaped so as to pass through a smaller incision
relative to the incision required if the IOL was not temporarily
reshaped.
These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention are
set forth in the following detailed description and claims,
particularly when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which like parts bear like reference numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the positioning of a
forceps and an IOL to be inserted using an apparatus in accordance
with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the IOL in the grasp of the
forceps being inserted through the distal end opening of one
embodiment of the present IOL insertion apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG.
2.
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration showing the IOL insertion
apparatus shown in FIG. 3 being used to insert an IOL in the
eye.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG.
4.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the embodiment of the present
IOL insertion apparatus shown in FIG. 2 coupled to a hand tool for
use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND DRAWINGS
FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 show, in general, an IOL insertion apparatus 10
which includes a loading chamber 12 and an injection portion
14.
Loading chamber 12 includes a proximal end 16, a distally extending
proximal end opening 18 and a first lumen 20. This first lumen 20
extends from the distally extending proximal end opening 18 to the
distal end 22 of loading chamber 12 and is contiguous with second
lumen 24 defined by injection portion 14. The cross-sections of
loading chamber 12 and of first lumen 20 decrease from the proximal
end 16 to the distal end 22 of the loading chamber. The distally
extending proximal end opening 18, which is non-circular, is
defined by a generally V-shaped through notch 19 which is formed in
the sidewall 21 of loading chamber 12.
Injection portion 14 defines a second lumen 24 and includes a
distal end opening 26 which is generally elliptical in
cross-section, although other configurations, such as a circular
cross-section, may be employed. The cross-sections of injection
portion 14 and second lumen 24 decrease gradually from the proximal
end 25 to the distal end opening 26 of the injection portion.
IOL insertion apparatus 10 is made, for example, molded, as a
single or unitary structure which terminates proximally at the
proximal end 16 of loading chamber 12. Although the apparatus 10
can be made of any suitable material of construction, a preferred
material is a transparent polymeric material, such as
polypropylene. The use of a transparent material is advantageous in
that the exact location in apparatus 10 of the IOL to be inserted
is more readily ascertained by looking through apparatus 10. In
addition, the apparatus 10 is made of a biocompatible material so
as to cause no undue detrimental effect on the eye into which the
injection portion 14 is placed. The apparatus 10 may be made of a
sterilizable material so that it can be conveniently reused, for
example, many times. Examples of sterilizable materials from which
apparatus 10 can be made include metals, such as stainless steel,
titanium and the like.
The distally extending proximal and opening 18 of loading chamber
12 is configured to facilitate the folding of an IOL as it passes
through this opening into the first lumen 20. In addition, the
distal tapering of first lumen 20 assists in effecting and
maintaining a controlled folding of an IOL passing
therethrough.
Insertion apparatus 10 is sized and configured to fold an IOL
carried by a forceps or similar grasping device passing through the
distally extending proximal end opening 18 of loading chamber 12
into the first lumen 20. As the folded IOL passes from the loading
chamber 12 into the injection portion 14, a rod 30, or forceps or
similar pushing device may be employed to push the folded lens
through the second lumen 22 and out the distal opening 26 of
injection portion 14. The pushing device, for example, rod 30, can
have any suitable cross-sectional configuration and tip shape. For
example, the tip of rod 30 which is placed in contact with the
folded IOL 40 may be blunt or have a concave configuration or other
shape effective to facilitate passing the folded IOL through the
second lumen 24 without damaging the IOL. Alternately, a forceps or
similar device may be used to grasp the folded IOL in the second
lumen and to pull (or carry) the folded IOL through the second
lumen 22 and out of the distal opening 26 of injection portion 14.
This forceps or similar device enters the second lumen 22
proximally. The forceps or similar device preferably releases the
IOL after the IOL exits the second lumen.
Insertion apparatus 10 operates as follows. When it is desired to
insert an IOL into an eye, an IOL 40, shown in the unfolded state
in FIGS. 1 and 2, is grasped by a forceps 42. The IOL 40 includes a
optic 44 and two filament type haptics 46 and 48. Insertion
apparatus 10, which is typically packaged in sterile condition, is
removed from its packaging and is ready for use. With IOL 40 in the
grasp of forceps 42, the surgeon can make a final inspection of the
IOL, for example, for structural damage. A lubricant, such as
sodium hyaluronate and the like ophthalmically acceptable
lubricants, may be applied to IOL 40 and/or the first lumen 20 and
second lumen 24 to facilitate the passing of the IOL into and
through the first and second lumens.
With particular reference to FIG. 2, IOL 40, grasped by forceps 42,
is passed through distally extending proximal end opening 18 into
the first lumen 20 of loading chamber 12. This passing causes the
optic 44 of IOL 40 to fold upon itself so that it conveniently fits
in the first lumen 20. The IOL 40, still in the grasp of forceps 42
is carried distally as far as possible. This results in the optic
44 of the IOL 40 being located at approximately the distal end 22
of loading chamber 12. At this point, the forceps 42 is withdrawn.
Push rod 30 is then inserted to come in contact with the folded IOL
40. This push rod 30 is used to push folded IOL 40 through the
second lumen 24 of injection portion 14. At this point, the IOL 40
and insertion apparatus 10 are ready to insert the IOL 40 into the
eye.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the IOL 40 is to be placed in eye 50 into
an area formally occupied by the natural lens of the eye. FIG. 4
shows the sclera 52 of the eye 50 having an incision through which
the distal portion 54 of injection portion 14 may be inserted.
Alternately, the incision can be made through both the cornea and
sclera or only through the cornea. Distal portion 54 has a
sufficiently small cross-section to pass into the eye 50 through a
3.2 mm incision in the sclera 52. The injection portion 14 is
manipulated within eye 50 until it is positioned so that IOL 40 can
be properly positioned in eye 50, that is in the anterior chamber,
the posterior chamber, the capsular bag 56 or in the sulcus, after
being released from insertion apparatus 10. Thus, the surgeon is
able to controllably position injection portion 14 before releasing
IOL 40. Once injection portion 14 is so positioned, the push rod 30
is moved distally so that IOL 40 passes through distal end opening
26 into eye 50. Insertion apparatus 10 is then withdrawn from the
eye 50. If needed, the position of IOL 40 can be adjusted by a
small, bent needle or similar toot inserted into the same
incision.
Once the IOL 40 is properly placed in eye 50 and insertion
apparatus 10 is withdrawn from the eye, the incision in the sclera
52 may be mended, for example, using conventional techniques. After
use, insertion apparatus 10 is preferably disposed of.
Alternately, with particular reference to FIG. 6 and with the IOL
40 located in a folded position in the second lumen 24, the
apparatus 10 is removably secured to one end 58 of a hand tool 60
so that the surgeon, holding the handle or housing 62 of the hand
tool, can conveniently manipulate apparatus 10, for example, in eye
50. Also, other types of insertion systems may be used in
conjunction with apparatus 10. For example, apparatus 10 may be
used as a cartridge in the barrel of a lens inserter. In this
embodiment, the injection portion 14 may or may not be inserted in
the eye during lens insertion. However, the principles set forth
herein apply whether the injection portion 14 is inserted in the
eye or passes the folded IOL 40 to another lumen from which the IOL
eventually is passed into the eye.
The present IOL insertion apparatus are straight-forward in
construction and use. Such apparatus are proximally loaded with an
IOL to be inserted into an eye to avoid undue stress on the lens
and/or on the insertion apparatus itself. The configuration of the
apparatus facilitates the folding of the IOL for insertion. At the
same time, the loading chamber is structured and has sufficient
size so that a forceps or similar grasping device can be used to
pass the IOL into and at least partially through the lumen defined
by the loading chamber. Moreover, the preferred one piece
construction of the present apparatus facilitates its easy and
effective use.
While this invention has been described with respect to various
specific examples and embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited thereto and that it can be variously
practiced within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *