Patent Description:
The human eye in its simplest terms functions to provide vision by transmitting and refracting light through a clear outer portion called the cornea, and further focusing the image by way of the lens onto the retina at the back of the eye. The quality of the focused image depends on many factors including the size, shape, and length of the eye, and the shape and transparency of the cornea and lens. When trauma, age, or disease cause the lens to become less transparent, vision deteriorates because of the diminished light which can be transmitted to the retina. This deficiency in the lens of the eye is medically known as a cataract. The treatment for this condition is surgical removal of the lens and implantation of an artificial lens (IOL).

Many cataractous lenses are removed by a surgical technique called phacoemulsification. During this procedure, an opening is made in the anterior capsule of an eye and a phacoemulsification cutting tip is inserted into the diseased lens and vibrated ultrasonically. The vibrating cutting tip liquifies or emulsifies the lens so that the lens may be aspirated out of the eye. The diseased lens, once removed, is replaced with an IOL.

The IOL may be injected into the eye through a small incision, sometimes the same incision used to remove the diseased lens. An IOL injector may be used to deliver an IOL into the eye.

A device according to the preamble of claim <NUM> is known from the document <CIT>.

The present invention relates to an IOL compression device as set forth in the appended claims.

According to a first aspect, an IOL compression device is described. The IOL compression device has a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, and a track disposed on a first side of the housing. The IOL compression device also has a tapered IOL compression channel disposed within the housing and having a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The IOL compression device also has a slidable button movably coupled within the track, the button axially slidable between a proximal position and a first distal position, the track having a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with and adjacent to the tapered IOL compression channel. The slidable button has a pad accessible to a user and adapted to receive an axial force, and an IOL base towing post having a first end coupled to the button and a second end adapted to contact a distal inner edge of an IOL base when the IOL base is in the compression channel. In response to an axial movement of the button toward the distal end of the housing, the IOL base towing post is adapted to axially pull the IOL base through the tapered IOL compression channel toward the distal end of the housing, and in response to contacting an interior surface of the tapered IOL compression channel, the IOL base is adapted to adopt a compressed configuration.

The IOL towing post may include a hinge, the IOL compression channel may include a hard stop disposed within the tapered IOL compression channel at the distal end of the housing and contactable by the IOL base towing post when the button is in the first distal position, the track may include a second distal position distal to the first distal position, and the button may be axially slidable to the second distal position. In response to an axial movement of the slidable button to the second distal position, the IOL base towing post may be adapted to fold at the hinge in response to contacting the hard stop and the IOL base towing post may be thereby configured to exit the tapered IOL compression channel after the IOL base adopts the compressed configuration.

The track may include a second distal position distal to the first distal position, the button may be axially slidable to the second distal position, and a portion of the track between the first distal position and the second distal position may include a ramp having a slope that inclines away from the IOL compression channel. In response to an axial movement of the slidable button along the ramp to the second distal position, the IOL base towing post may be adapted to exit the tapered IOL compression channel after the IOL base adopts the compressed configuration.

The housing may include a recess sized to receive the IOL base towing post, the recess located at the first distal position. The button may include a spring adapted to move the IOL towing post into the recess, the spring having a first end coupled to the button and a second end coupled to the IOL towing post. In response to an axial movement of the slidable button to the first distal position, the IOL towing post may be transversely movable into the recess in response to movement of the spring and thereby exits the IOL compression channel after the IOL base adopts a compressed configuration.

The inner edge of the IOL base may include a groove disposed within the circumference of the inner edge and the second end of the IOL base towing post may have a size and shape adapted to insert into the groove in the distal inner edge of the IOL.

The distal inner edge of the IOL base may include a notch and the second end of the IOL base towing post may have a size and shape adapted to insert into the notch.

The slidable button may include a second post having a first end coupled to a proximal portion of the slidable button, wherein the second post is coupled to the slidable button at a first distance from the IOL base towing post such that when the IOL base towing post contacts the distal inner edge of the IOL base, the second post is proximally adjacent to a trailing haptic of the of the IOL base.

The second post may include a hinge adapted to fold laterally in response to contacting a plunger tip moving axially through the compression channel, the second post thereby configured to exit the tapered compression channel.

The IOL compression device may be adapted to be fixedly disposed within or removably disposed within an IOL injector. The IOL injector may include an injector body including a main body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a nozzle having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the nozzle coupled to the distal end of the main body. The nozzle may have an IOL storage location configured to house an uncompressed IOL, and an IOL dwell location distal to the IOL storage location. The injector body may have a bore having a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end of the main body to the distal end of the nozzle. The IOL injector may include a plunger movably coupled within the injector body and aligned within the bore, the plunger having a plunger tip adapted to contact an IOL.

The IOL compression device may be disposed within the nozzle.

The IOL base may be in an IOL storage location when the button is at the proximal position, and the IOL base may be in the dwell location when the button is at the first distal position.

The tapered IOL compression channel may be coupled to and aligned with the bore, and the plunger may be axially movable through the tapered IOL compression channel.

According to a second aspect, an IOL compression device is described. The IOL compression device has a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, and a beam track disposed on a first side of the housing. The IOL compression device also has a tapered IOL compression channel disposed within the housing and having a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The IOL compression device also has a slidable beam movably coupled within the beam track, the slidable beam axially slidable therein between a proximal position and a first distal position, the beam track having a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with and adjacent to the tapered IOL compression channel. The IOL compression device has an IOL base towing post having a first end coupled to a distal portion of the slidable beam and a second end adapted to contact a distal inner edge of an IOL base when the IOL base is in the compression channel. The IOL compression device also has a second post having a first end coupled to a proximal portion of the slidable beam, wherein the second post is coupled to the slidable beam at a first distance from the IOL base towing post such that when the IOL base towing post contacts the distal inner edge of the IOL base, the second post is proximally adjacent to a trailing haptic of the IOL base. In response to an axial force applied to the second post toward the distal end of the housing, the slidable beam is adapted to slide axially within the beam track toward the distal end of the housing, the IOL towing post is adapted to pull the IOL base through the IOL compression channel toward the distal end of the housing, and in response to contacting an interior surface of the IOL compression channel, the IOL base is adapted to adopt a compressed configuration.

The beam track may include a second distal position distal to the first distal position, the slidable beam may be axially slidable to the second distal position, and a portion of the beam track between the first distal position and the second distal position may include a well sized to receive the slidable beam. In response to a axial movement of the slidable beam to the second distal position, the slidable beam may be adapted to enter the well, and the IOL base towing post and the second post may be configured to exit the tapered IOL compression channel after the IOL base adopts the compressed configuration.

The inner edge of the IOL base may include a groove disposed within the circumference of the inner edge and the second end of the IOL base towing post may have a size and shape adapted to insert into the groove in the distal inner edge of the IOL base.

The IOL compression device may be adapted to be fixedly disposed within or removably disposed within an IOL injector. The IOL injector may include an injector body having a main body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a nozzle having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the nozzle coupled to the distal end of the main body. The nozzle may have an IOL storage location configured to house an uncompressed IOL, and an IOL dwell location distal to the IOL storage location. The IOL injector may also have a bore having a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end of the main body to the distal end of the nozzle, and a plunger movably coupled within the injector body and aligned within the bore, the plunger having a plunger tip adapted to contact an IOL.

The IOL base may be in an IOL storage location when the slidable beam is at the proximal position, and the IOL base may be in a dwell location when the slidable beam is at the first distal position.

The tapered IOL compression channel may be coupled to and aligned with the bore, and the plunger may be axially movable through the tapered IOL compression channel. In response to an axial movement of the plunger toward the distal end of the nozzle, the plunger tip may be adapted to contact the second post; the slidable beam may be adapted to slide axially within the beam track to a first distal position, the IOL towing post may be adapted to pull the IOL base toward the distal end of the nozzle, and in response to contacting an interior surface of the IOL compression channel, the IOL base may be adapted to adopt a compressed configuration.

A portion of the beam track between the first distal position and the second distal position may include a well sized to receive the slidable beam. In response to a further axial movement of the plunger toward the distal end of the nozzle, the slidable beam may be adapted to enter the well, the IOL base towing post and the second post may be adapted to exit the tapered IOL compression channel after the IOL base adopts the compressed configuration, and the plunger tip may be adapted to contact the IOL base, such that the plunger may be adapted to axially advance the IOL to exit the distal end of the nozzle.

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not to scale, and in which:.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to one implementation may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other implementations of the present disclosure.

<FIG> and <FIG> are schematics of an example IOL injector <NUM> that is actuated by manual user application of force. The IOL injector <NUM> includes an injector body <NUM>, a plunger <NUM> adapted to reciprocate through a bore <NUM> formed in the injector body <NUM>. The injector body <NUM> has a main body <NUM> having a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>, and a nozzle <NUM> having a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> is coupled to the distal end <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> has an IOL storage location <NUM> configured to house an uncompressed IOL <NUM>, and an IOL dwell location <NUM> distal to the IOL storage location <NUM>.

The bore <NUM> extends from the proximal end <NUM> of the main body <NUM> to the distal end <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>. A distal portion of the bore <NUM> within the nozzle <NUM> forms a delivery channel <NUM> through which an IOL may be axially advanced, compressed, and delivered into an eye via an opening <NUM> in distal tip <NUM> at distal end <NUM>.

The plunger <NUM> is movably coupled within the injector body <NUM> and aligned within the bore <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> has a plunger tip <NUM> adapted to contact an IOL <NUM>.

The IOL injector <NUM> also includes a longitudinal axis <NUM>. The longitudinal axis <NUM> may extend along the plunger <NUM> and define a longitudinal axis of the plunger <NUM>.

The IOL storage location <NUM> may include a door <NUM> to provide access to the interior of the IOL storage location <NUM>. The door <NUM> may include a hinge <NUM> such that the door <NUM> may be pivoted about the hinge <NUM> to open the IOL storage location <NUM> and, for example, allow the installation of the IOL <NUM>. In other implementations, the IOL storage location <NUM> may exclude a door for installing the IOL <NUM>. In such instances, the IOL <NUM> may be incorporated into the IOL storage location <NUM> at the time of assembly of the IOL injector <NUM>. Thus, in such instances, the IOL injector <NUM> would be a preloaded IOL injector. In such instances, the IOL storage location <NUM> may have a cover that is not configured to open, rather than a door <NUM>. The IOL storage location <NUM> may include a hole <NUM> adapted to allow addition of viscoelastic into the IOL storage location <NUM>.

The injector body <NUM> may also include tabs <NUM> formed at the proximal end <NUM> of the injector body <NUM>. The tabs <NUM> may be manipulated by fingers, thumb, or hand of a user, such as an ophthalmologist, an ophthalmic surgical assistant or nurse, or other medical professional, to advance the plunger <NUM> through the bore <NUM>.

The plunger <NUM> may include a plunger body <NUM>, a plunger rod <NUM> extending distally from the plunger body <NUM>, and a plunger tip <NUM> formed at the distal end <NUM> of the plunger rod <NUM> and adapted to contact an IOL disposed, for example, with the IOL storage location <NUM> of the IOL injector <NUM>. As the plunger <NUM> is axially advanced and thereby displaced distally within the bore <NUM> in the direction of the arrow <NUM>, the plunger tip <NUM> of the plunger <NUM> is adapted to engage and advance the IOL, such as IOL <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the IOL <NUM> is shown located within the IOL storage location <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> may also include flanges <NUM> formed at proximal end <NUM>, which may be manipulated by the fingers, thumb, or hand of a user to advance the plunger <NUM> through the bore <NUM> by displacing the plunger <NUM> through the bore <NUM> distally in the direction of the arrow <NUM>.

In some implementations, the IOL <NUM> may be a one-piece IOL. That is, in some implementations, the IOL <NUM> may include an optic <NUM> and haptics <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Each of the haptics <NUM> include a tip <NUM>. In some implementations, the optic <NUM> and the haptics <NUM> may be integrally formed out of a single piece of material. In other implementations, the optic <NUM> may be formed out of one piece of material; the haptics <NUM> may be formed out of another piece of material, and the optic <NUM>; and the haptics <NUM> may be coupled together prior to delivery into an eye. In some instances, the optic <NUM> and haptics <NUM> may be fixedly secured to each other prior to insertion into an IOL injector and delivered into an eye.

In other implementations, the IOL <NUM> may be a multi-piece IOL, as shown, for example, in <FIG>. For example, in some implementations, the IOL <NUM> be include two or more separate components. <FIG> is an example IOL <NUM> that includes two removably attached components. As shown in <FIG>, the IOL <NUM> includes an optic <NUM> and a base <NUM> that includes haptics <NUM> and that has a top <NUM> and a bottom <NUM>. The optic <NUM> and the base <NUM> are adapted to be coupled together to form a unitary IOL. For example, in some instances, the optic <NUM> and the base <NUM> are adapted to be coupled together to form a unitary IOL such as prior to implant, or after implant inside an eye. In some instances, the optic <NUM> can be detached from the base <NUM> and be replaced, if desired. In some instances, one or more components of a multi-piece IOL, such as, for example the two-piece IOL <NUM> shown in <FIG>, are separately injectable into a patient's eye. Once in the eye, the components may be assembled into a complete IOL. For example, in the case of the two-piece IOL <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the optic <NUM> and the base <NUM> are separately injectable into an eye. Once injected, the optic <NUM> is adapted to be coupled to the base <NUM> within the groove <NUM> disposed within an inner edge <NUM> of the base <NUM>. In some instances, one or more notches <NUM> are disposed within the outer edge <NUM>. The one or more notches <NUM> may be configured for coupling with the optic <NUM> and thereby orienting assembly of the optic <NUM> onto the base <NUM>. The notches <NUM> may also provide an initiation point for the IOL base <NUM> to begin folding or adopting a compressed conformation. In particular, in some instances, the notches <NUM> are disposed within the inner edge <NUM> such that the IOL base <NUM> adopts a compressed conformation wherein the distal and proximal haptics <NUM> are each respectively maintained in a distal and a proximal position within the IOL injector as the IOL base <NUM> adopts the compressed conformation. In some instances, for example, the base <NUM> can have two notches <NUM>, disposed on opposite sides within the inner edge <NUM>, for example one notch <NUM> disposed within the inner edge <NUM> at a position adjacent to a midpoint of the length of the distal haptic <NUM> and another notch <NUM> disposed within the inner edge <NUM> at a position adjacent to a proximal haptic <NUM>. The notches <NUM> may have other functionality. For example, in some instances, a user may contact the notches <NUM> with a surgical instrument in order to manipulate the base <NUM> position during implantation.

Occasionally, patients may require replacement of an IOL, and a procedure to replace an IOL may result in damage to the eye. With the use of a two-piece IOL, for example, a replacement procedure may involve replacement only of the optic, allowing the base to remain in place within the eye.

As explained above, in some implementations, the IOL <NUM> may be a two-piece IOL wherein the base <NUM> and the optic <NUM> are separately injected into the patient's eye. Accordingly, for two-piece IOLs, the base <NUM> and the optic <NUM> may be contained in separate IOL injectors <NUM> for insertion in the eye. In other implementations, the two components of a two-piece IOL may be inserted into an eye separately using a single IOL injector. For a single piece IOL, the optic <NUM> and haptics <NUM> form a unitary IOL and are inserted into an eye simultaneously with the use of a single IOL injector.

Accordingly, in some implementations, a user may place a one-piece IOL into an IOL injector, for example, by loading an IOL into an IOL storage compartment of the IOL injector, such as the IOL storage location <NUM> of the IOL injector described above. As also explained, the IOL storage location <NUM> may be accessed via a door, such as the door <NUM>.

In the case of a two-piece IOL, in some implementations, a user may load the base, such as base <NUM>, into an IOL storage compartment of an IOL injector, for example, via a door. The optic such as optic <NUM>, may be introduced into the IOL storage compartment of a separate IOL injector, for example, via a door. In some instances, the IOL storage compartment may be accessed through the door such as door <NUM>.

In some implementations, the IOL may be pre-loaded into the storage compartment of an IOL injector, for example, during manufacturing or otherwise prior to distribution to an end user. Accordingly, for the one-piece IOL, the one-piece IOL may be pre-loaded into the storage compartment an IOL injector prior to receipt by the end user. For a two-piece IOL, the base may be pre-loaded into a storage compartment of one IOL injector, while the optic may be pre-loaded into the IOL storage compartment of another IOL injector. The term "pre-loaded" as used herein means that an IOL, either in a one-piece or multi-piece configuration (including, for example, a two-piece configuration) is loaded into the IOL injector not by a user, but, rather, the IOL is installed in the IOL injector before and is already contained within the IOL injector when the IOL injector is received by the user. The IOL injector(s) may be packaged within sterile packaging when received by a user.

As would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure, an IOL that is pre-loaded into an IOL injector has advantages over manual installation and folding of an IOL into the IOL injector that is performed by a user. For example, manual installation and folding of an IOL may allow more opportunity for errors, which have the potential to cause unnecessary secondary manipulation or correction during an already complex procedure. For example, manual installation and folding of an IOL may also introduce the possibility of contamination of the IOL, such as by human error or poor sterile technique. Contamination of the IOL may compromise the sterile environment for the patient and risk infection or other harm to the patient.

<FIG> illustrate details of the example nozzle <NUM>. In some instances, the nozzle <NUM> has a tapered exterior surface. Further, the nozzle <NUM> may include a portion of the bore <NUM> forming a delivery channel <NUM> that tapers towards the opening <NUM>. The distal tip <NUM> is adapted for insertion into an eye so that the IOL <NUM> may be implanted. The IOL <NUM> is expelled from the opening <NUM> formed in the distal tip <NUM> into the eye. As shown in <FIG>, delivery channel <NUM> and the distal tip <NUM> may have an elliptical cross section <NUM> having a width W1. Additionally, the distal tip <NUM> may include a beveled tip <NUM>. The IOL storage location <NUM>, delivery channel <NUM>, and opening <NUM> may define a delivery passage. A size of the delivery passage may vary along its length. For example, in some instances, the width W1, a height H1, or both, of the delivery passage may change along a length of the delivery passage. The variation in size of the delivery passage may contribute to the compression of the IOL as it is advanced therealong through the delivery passage.

In some instances, the injector body <NUM> may include an insertion depth guard <NUM>. The insertion depth guard <NUM> may form a flanged surface <NUM> that is adapted to abut an exterior eye surface. The insertion depth guard <NUM> abuts an eye surface and, thereby, limits an amount by which the distal tip <NUM> is permitted to extend into an eye, as described in U. Application <NUM>/<NUM>.

<FIG> are detail views of a portion of the example nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> may include a tapered portion <NUM> and the insertion depth guard <NUM>. The distal tip <NUM> may include a demarcation <NUM> that provides a visual indication of a dwell location <NUM> of a compressed or partially compressed IOL <NUM>. The term "dwell location" as used herein refers to a location adjacent to the distal end <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>. For example, the dwell location <NUM> may be a location <NUM> - <NUM> from the distal end <NUM>. For example, in the example shown in <FIG>, the demarcation <NUM> is a narrow ridge or line that encircles all or a portion of the nozzle <NUM>. In some instances, the demarcation <NUM> may be disposed between the tapered portion <NUM> and the insertion depth guard <NUM>. At least a portion of the injector body <NUM> may be formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material that permits a user to see an IOL within the injector body <NUM>. Particularly, the nozzle <NUM> of the injector body <NUM> may be formed from a transparent material to permit observation of the IOL as it is moved therethrough by the plunger <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a view of the distal end <NUM> of the IOL injector <NUM> with an IOL <NUM> located therein at a dwell position <NUM> in nozzle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the dwell position <NUM> of the IOL <NUM> may be defined as a location where a distal edge of the optic of the IOL <NUM> substantially aligns with the demarcation <NUM>. A haptic <NUM> or a portion thereof may extend beyond the demarcation <NUM>.

In various implementations described herein, the IOL injector <NUM> includes an IOL compression device configured to couple to an uncompressed IOL base <NUM> and axially advance the base <NUM> through a tapered IOL compression channel <NUM> disposed within the IOL compression device, and in response, the uncompressed IOL base <NUM> is adapted to contact an interior surface <NUM> of the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM> and adopt a compressed configuration.

In various implementations, the IOL compression device described herein is contained within an IOL compression device housing <NUM> having a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may form an integral part of an IOL injector body <NUM>, such as fixedly disposed within and forming an integral part of the nozzle <NUM>, the IOL storage location <NUM>, or the main body <NUM>. In other instances, the IOL compression device may be a separate component contained within the housing <NUM>, such as a detachable component that may be removably connected to an IOL injector. The housing <NUM> of the IOL compression device may be adapted to be removably disposed within the injector body <NUM> of an IOL injector <NUM>, such as within the nozzle <NUM>, within the IOL storage location <NUM>, or within the main body <NUM>.

In some implementations, when the IOL compression device is disposed within an IOL injector, such as within the nozzle of an IOL injector, the IOL compression channel <NUM> has a longitudinal axis <NUM> and may be coupled to and aligned with the bore <NUM>, and the plunger <NUM> may be axially movable through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>, thereby allowing axial advancement of a compressed IOL base <NUM> to the distal end <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> and into an eye of a patient.

In various implementations, the IOL compression device described herein is configured to axially advance the IOL base <NUM> by "towing" the IOL base <NUM> axially through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>. Accordingly, in certain implementations, the IOL compression device described herein utilizes a different principle of operation from that of traditional plungers, which typically compress an IOL by contacting the IOL at a proximal outer edge <NUM> and/or a proximal outer edge of a trailing haptic <NUM> and axially "push" an IOL through the bore <NUM> by applying an axial force to the proximal outer edge <NUM>/<NUM> of an IOL and/or trailing haptic thereof. The term "trailing haptic" as used herein refers to a haptic of an IOL or an IOL base that is closer to the proximal end of an IOL compression device or an IOL injector when the IOL or IOL base is disposed within an IOL compression device or IOL injector.

As would be understood by skilled persons upon reading the present disclosure, the terms "tow" or "towing" as used herein generally refer to contacting or coupling a first component to one or more additional components, such that the one or more additional components may be pulled by the first component, upon movement of the first component. In particular, as used herein, the present disclosure relates to certain embodiments of an IOL compression device that utilizes a component, such as a slidable button or a slidable beam adapted to contact or couple to and tow an IOL <NUM> such as an IOL base <NUM> at through an IOL compression channel <NUM>.

By utilizing the towing mechanism described herein, the IOL compression device described herein can prevent "bunching" of an IOL within an IOL injector. The term "bunching" as used herein refers to unwanted axial folding or compression in the longitudinal axis of an IOL <NUM> that may sometimes occur when a traditional plunger is used to advance the IOL <NUM> through the delivery channel of an IOL injector. In particular, the bunching may sometimes occur when using a traditional plunger to advance an IOL <NUM> through the tapered delivery channel <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>, such as from a storage location <NUM> to a dwell location <NUM>.

<FIG> are schematics of example IOL compression devices having a slidable button. In some implementations, the IOL compression device has a slidable button <NUM> movably coupled within a track <NUM> adapted to allow axial sliding movement of the slidable button <NUM> therein. The track <NUM> is disposed on a first side of the housing <NUM>, such as an upper side of the housing <NUM>. The button is axially slidable therein, such as between a proximal position <NUM> and a first distal position <NUM>. The track <NUM> has a longitudinal axis <NUM> substantially aligned with and adjacent to the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>. The slidable button <NUM> has a pad <NUM> accessible to a user and adapted to receive an axial force, such as applied by a finger or a thumb of a user. The slidable button <NUM> has an IOL base towing post <NUM> having a first end coupled to the button <NUM> and a second end adapted to contact or couple to a distal inner edge <NUM> of an IOL base <NUM>. In general, the IOL compression device of the present disclosure is suitable for use with IOLs having a structure that provides a distal point of contact or coupling with an IOL, similar to the distal inner edge <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example distal inner edge <NUM> of an IOL base <NUM>. As would be understood, the distal inner edge <NUM> is the inner edge of the IOL base <NUM> when placed in the IOL compression device that is closer to the distal end <NUM> of the IOL compression device. For example, when the IOL compression device is disposed within an IOL injector, the distal inner edge <NUM> is the inner edge of the IOL base <NUM> that is closer to the distal end <NUM> of the injector body <NUM>.

The IOL compression device is configured such that, in response to an axial movement of the button <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the IOL base towing post <NUM> is adapted to axially pull the IOL base <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In response to contacting an interior surface <NUM> of the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>, the IOL base <NUM> is adapted to adopt a compressed configuration. For example, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show the IOL base <NUM> within the IOL compression device disposed within an IOL injector, prior to the IOL base towing post <NUM> pulling the IOL base <NUM> through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>. <FIG>, and <FIG> show the IOL base <NUM> within the IOL compression device disposed within an IOL injector, as the IOL base towing post <NUM> pulls the IOL base <NUM> through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>. As shown for example in <FIG>, the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM> may have a cross section such as an elliptical cross section 120a. A size of the cross section of the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM> may vary along its axial length. For example, in some instances, a width W1, a height H1, or both, of the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM> may change along the axial length of the tapered delivery channel <NUM>. The variation in size of the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM> may contribute to the compression of the IOL base <NUM> as the IOL base <NUM> is advanced therealong through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>.

For example, <FIG> shows a top down view <NUM> of an IOL base <NUM> within the IOL compression device disposed within an IOL injector, prior to the IOL base towing post <NUM> pulling the IOL base <NUM> through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>. A side view of the same IOL base <NUM> within the IOL compression device disposed within an IOL injector, prior to the IOL base towing post <NUM> pulling the IOL base <NUM> through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>, is shown below the top-down view <NUM>.

For example, <FIG> shows a top down view <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM> within the IOL compression device disposed within an IOL injector, as the IOL base towing post <NUM> pulls the IOL base <NUM> through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>. A side view of the same IOL base <NUM> within the IOL compression device disposed within an IOL injector, as the IOL base towing post <NUM> pulls the IOL base <NUM> through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM> is shown below the top-down view <NUM>.

In some implementations, for example when the IOL compression device is disposed within the nozzle <NUM> of an IOL injector, the IOL compression device may be configured such that the IOL base <NUM> is in the IOL storage location <NUM> when the button <NUM> is at the proximal position <NUM>, and the IOL base <NUM> is in the dwell location <NUM> when the button <NUM> is at the first distal position <NUM>. For example, <FIG> shows in schematic form example locations within the IOL injector <NUM> of the proximal position <NUM>, the first distal position <NUM>, and a second distal position <NUM>, as further described below.

In some implementations, after the IOL base <NUM> has adopted a compressed conformation within the IOL compression channel <NUM>, the IOL compression device described herein may be configured to have a collapsible, bendable, foldable or hinged towing post <NUM>, or otherwise be configured such that the towing post <NUM> is adapted to exit the IOL compression channel <NUM>. For example, when the IOL compression device is disposed within an IOL injector, the IOL compression device may be adapted such that the plunger <NUM> may axially move through the IOL compression channel <NUM>; accordingly, the towing post <NUM> may be adapted to exit the IOL compression channel thereby allowing a clear path for the plunger <NUM> to axially advance the IOL base <NUM> through the delivery passage, and be delivered to an eye of a patient through the opening <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>.

Accordingly, in some implementations, for example as shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the IOL towing post <NUM> may have a hinge <NUM> configured to allow the towing post <NUM> to fold, and thereby move out of the IOL compression channel <NUM> after the IOL base <NUM> has adopted a compressed conformation within the IOL compression channel <NUM>. In some implementations, the IOL compression channel <NUM> may include a hard stop <NUM> contactable by the IOL base towing post <NUM>, such as when the button <NUM> is in the first distal position <NUM>. <FIG> - <FIG> shows an example hard stop within the IOL compression channel <NUM>. Accordingly, in some implementations, the track <NUM> may further include a second distal position <NUM> distal to the first distal position <NUM>, such that, in response to further axial movement of the slidable button <NUM> to the second distal position <NUM>, the IOL base towing post <NUM> is adapted to fold, such as at the hinge <NUM>, for example as shown by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>, causing the IOL base towing post <NUM> to exit the IOL compression channel <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>, after the IOL base <NUM> has adopted the compressed configuration as shown in <FIG>. For example, when the IOL compression device is disposed within the nozzle <NUM> of an IOL injector <NUM>, the plunger <NUM> may then be advanced axially such that the plunger tip <NUM> contacts the compressed IOL base <NUM> and advances the compressed IOL base <NUM> axially through the opening <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>.

In some implementations, for example as shown in <FIG>, a portion of the track <NUM>, such as between the first distal position <NUM> and the second distal position <NUM> may include a ramp <NUM> having a slope that inclines away from the IOL compression channel <NUM>. In such implementations, the towing post <NUM> may not include a hinge <NUM> to fold the towing post <NUM> out of the IOL compression channel <NUM>, but rather, in response to an axial movement of the slidable button <NUM> along the ramp <NUM>, for example to the second distal position <NUM>, the IOL base towing post <NUM> may exit the IOL compression channel <NUM> after the IOL base <NUM> adopts the compressed configuration for example as shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrate an example operation of an IOL compression device of the present disclosure having a ramp <NUM> configured such that the IOL towing post <NUM> is adapted to move out of the IOL compression channel <NUM>. For example, when the IOL compression device is disposed within the nozzle <NUM> of an IOL injector <NUM>, the plunger <NUM> may then be advanced axially such that the plunger tip <NUM> contacts the compressed IOL base <NUM> and advances the compressed IOL base <NUM> axially through the opening <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>.

In other implementations, the IOL compression device may include a spring mechanism configured to move the towing post <NUM> out of the IOL compression channel <NUM> after the IOL base <NUM> has adopted a compressed configuration. For example, <FIG> show in schematic form an example IOL compression device, in which the IOL compression device includes a recess <NUM> sized to receive the IOL base towing post <NUM>. For example, the recess <NUM> may be located at the first distal position <NUM>. The button <NUM> may further include a spring <NUM> adapted to move the IOL towing post <NUM> into the recess <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may have a first end coupled to the button <NUM> and a second end coupled to the IOL towing post <NUM>, such that in response to an axial movement of the slidable button <NUM> to the first distal position <NUM>, the IOL towing post <NUM> is movable, such as transversely movable, into the recess <NUM> in response to movement of the spring <NUM> and thereby exits the IOL compression channel <NUM> after the IOL base <NUM> adopts a compressed configuration. For example, the spring <NUM> in <FIG> is a compression spring that is compressed and has stored elastic energy in <FIG>. In response to an axial movement of the slidable button <NUM> to the first distal position <NUM>, the IOL towing post <NUM> is transversely movable into the recess <NUM> in response to release of the stored elastic energy of the spring <NUM>, such as elongation of the compression spring as shown in <FIG>, and thereby exits the IOL compression channel <NUM> after the IOL base <NUM> adopts a compressed configuration. For example, when the IOL compression device is disposed within the nozzle <NUM> of an IOL injector <NUM>, the plunger <NUM> may then be advanced axially such that the plunger tip <NUM> contacts the compressed IOL base <NUM> and advances the compressed IOL base <NUM> axially through the opening <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>.

In some implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the inner edge <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM> may include a groove <NUM> disposed within the circumference of the inner edge <NUM>. Accordingly, the second end of the IOL base towing post <NUM> may have a size and shape adapted to insert into the groove <NUM> in the distal inner edge <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM>, thereby providing a more stable contact or coupling between the second end of the towing post <NUM> and the IOL base <NUM>. The groove <NUM> therefore has utility for the assembly of the optic <NUM> onto the base <NUM>, as described above, and also synergistic and/or unexpected function allowing the contact or coupling of the towing post <NUM> to the IOL base <NUM> in accordance with the use of the IOL compression device of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in some implementations, the distal inner edge <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM> may include a notch <NUM> and the second end of the IOL base towing post <NUM> has a size and shape adapted to insert into the notch <NUM>, also providing a more stable contact or coupling between the second end of the towing post <NUM> and the IOL base <NUM>. Similarly, the notch <NUM> therefore also has utility for the assembly of the optic <NUM> onto the base <NUM>, as described above, and also synergistic and/or unexpected function allowing the contact or coupling of the towing post <NUM> to the IOL base <NUM> in accordance with the use of the IOL compression device of the present disclosure. The notch <NUM> may provide control for compression of the base <NUM>, keeping the base <NUM> in an axial configuration as it becomes compressed and moves axially within the bore <NUM>, and maintaining the haptics <NUM> in a consistent position.

In some implementations, the slidable button <NUM> may further include a second post 18a having a first end coupled to a proximal portion of the slidable button <NUM>. The second post 18a is coupled to the slidable button <NUM> at a first distance from the IOL base towing post <NUM> such that when the IOL base towing post <NUM> contacts the distal inner edge <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM>, the second post 18a is proximally adjacent to a trailing haptic <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM>.

In some implementations, the second post 18a is adapted to guide the trailing haptic <NUM>, preventing the trailing haptic <NUM> from extending proximally away from the IOL base <NUM> and dragging behind the IOL base <NUM>, thereby maintain the trailing haptic <NUM> in contact with the IOL base <NUM> to adopt an optimal compressed configuration.

<FIG> is a schematic of an example slidable button <NUM> having a second post 18a. In some implementations, such as shown in <FIG>, the second post 18a may include a hinge 9a configured to allow the second post 18a to fold laterally, such as in the direction of arrow <NUM> in <FIG>, such that the second post 18a exits the path of the plunger rod <NUM> through the compression channel <NUM>, and thereby does not block axial movement of the plunger rod <NUM> through the compression channel <NUM>. For example, in some implementations, the hinge 9a is configured to allow the second post 18a to fold laterally, in response to being contacted by the plunger tip <NUM> upon axial plunger <NUM> advancement, as the plunger <NUM> moves axially through the compression channel <NUM>, after the IOL base <NUM> has adopted the compressed conformation. Accordingly, following the exit of the second post 18a from the path of the plunger rod <NUM> within the compression channel <NUM>, the plunger <NUM> may further axially advance the IOL base <NUM> through the nozzle <NUM> to implant in an eye of a patient.

In some implementations, such as shown in <FIG>, the plunger tip <NUM> may be adapted such that it has a second post contact knob <NUM> adapted to contact the second post 18a during axial advancement of the plunger <NUM> as the plunger tip <NUM> moves axially through the compression channel, and upon contact causes the second post <NUM> to fold laterally out of the path of the plunger <NUM> within the compression channel <NUM>. The second post contact knob <NUM> may be a distally extending structure shaped, such as curved or tapered, and of a size such that during advancement of the plunger <NUM>, the knob <NUM> smoothly pushes the second post 18a causing the second post 18a to fold about the hinge 9a thereby causing the second post 18a to fold out of the path of the plunger <NUM> axial advancement within the compression channel <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, in some implementations, the IOL compression device may be configured such that, when disposed within an IOL injector, the IOL compression device has an IOL towing post movable in response to an axial force applied to the plunger <NUM>, rather than in response to a slidable button <NUM>. Accordingly, for example as shown in <FIG>, in some implementations, the IOL compression device may have a slidable beam <NUM> movably coupled within a beam track <NUM> disposed within the housing <NUM>. The slidable beam <NUM> is axially slidable within the beam track <NUM>, such as between a proximal position <NUM> and a first distal position <NUM>, and further slidable axially to a second proximal position <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>. The beam track <NUM> has a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with and adjacent to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the IOL compression channel <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the beam track <NUM> may be disposed within the housing <NUM> below the IOL compression channel <NUM>, such that the slidable beam <NUM> may slide axially below the IOL compression channel <NUM>. Other configurations are possible, such as having the beam track <NUM> disposed within the housing <NUM> of the IOL compression device above the IOL compression channel <NUM> or disposed laterally to the IOL compression channel <NUM> within the housing <NUM> of the IOL compression device.

In some implementations, the slidable beam <NUM> has an IOL base towing post <NUM> having a first end coupled to a distal portion of the slidable beam <NUM> and a second end adapted to contact or couple to a distal inner edge <NUM> of an IOL base <NUM>. The slidable beam <NUM> also has a second post <NUM> having a first end coupled to a proximal portion of the slidable beam <NUM>. The second post <NUM> is coupled to the slidable beam <NUM> at a first distance from the IOL base towing post <NUM> such that when the IOL base towing post <NUM> contacts the distal inner edge <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM>, the second post <NUM> is proximally adjacent to a trailing haptic <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM>.

Accordingly, in some implementations, in response to an axial force applied to the second post <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the slidable beam <NUM> is adapted to slide axially within the beam track <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the IOL towing post <NUM> is adapted to pull the IOL base <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and in response to contacting the interior surface <NUM> of the IOL compression channel <NUM>, the IOL base <NUM> is adapted to adopt a compressed configuration.

In some implementations, when the IOL compression device is disposed within an IOL injector, the IOL compression device is configured such that, in response to an axial force applied to the plunger, such as applied to the flanges <NUM>, upon an axial movement of the plunger <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM> of the IOL injector body <NUM>, the plunger tip <NUM> is adapted to contact the second post <NUM>, thereby pushing the slidable beam <NUM> axially along the beam track <NUM>. As the slidable beam <NUM> slides axially within the beam track <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM> of the IOL injector <NUM>, the IOL towing post <NUM> is adapted to contact or couple to the distal inner edge <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM>, and thereby tow the IOL base <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>. As the IOL base <NUM> moves axially within the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>, in response to contacting an interior surface <NUM> of the IOL compression channel <NUM>, the IOL base <NUM> is adapted to adopt a compressed configuration.

For example, <FIG> shows a top down view <NUM> of an IOL base <NUM> within the IOL compression device disposed within an IOL injector, prior to the IOL base towing post <NUM> pulling the IOL base <NUM> through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>. A side view of the same IOL base <NUM> within the IOL compression device disposed within an IOL injector, prior to the IOL base towing post <NUM> pulling the IOL base <NUM> through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>, is shown above the top-down view <NUM>.

For example, <FIG> shows a top down view <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM> within the IOL compression device disposed within an IOL injector, as the IOL base towing post <NUM> pulls the IOL base <NUM> through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>. A side view of the same IOL base <NUM> within the IOL compression device disposed within an IOL injector, as the IOL base towing post <NUM> pulls the IOL base <NUM> through the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>, is shown above the top-down view <NUM>.

In some implementations, when the IOL compression device is disposed within an IOL injector, the IOL compression device having the slidable beam <NUM> may be configured such that the IOL base <NUM> is in the IOL storage location <NUM> when the slidable beam <NUM> is at the proximal position <NUM> and the IOL base <NUM> is in the dwell location <NUM> when the slidable beam <NUM> is at the first distal position <NUM>.

<FIG> are schematics of an example IOL compression device of the present disclosure disposed within an IOL injector and having a well 19a or 19b configured such that the IOL towing post <NUM> coupled to the slidable beam <NUM> is adapted to move out of the IOL compression channel <NUM> after the IOL base <NUM> adopts the compressed configuration, for example as shown in <FIG>, thereby allowing the plunger tip <NUM> to contact the IOL base <NUM> and move the IOL base <NUM> axially through the delivery passage. In some implementations, for example as shown in <FIG>, a portion of the beam track <NUM> further includes a second distal position <NUM> distal to the first distal position <NUM> and the slidable beam <NUM> is further axially slidable to the second distal position <NUM>. In some implementations, such as shown in <FIG>, a portion of the beam track <NUM> between the first distal position <NUM> and the second distal position <NUM> may have a well 19a having a slope that inclines away from the tapered IOL compression channel <NUM>. Accordingly, in response to a further axial movement of the slidable beam <NUM>, such as in response to further axial movement of the plunger <NUM>, the slidable beam <NUM> is adapted to slide to the second distal position <NUM> along the well 19a. The IOL base towing post <NUM> and the second post <NUM> accordingly are adapted to exit the IOL compression channel <NUM> after the IOL base <NUM> adopts the compressed configuration. After the second towing post <NUM> exits the deliver channel, the plunger tip <NUM> is adapted to contact the IOL base <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> may then be further advanced axially to deliver the IOL base <NUM> through the opening <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>.

In some implementations, for example as shown in <FIG>, a portion of the beam track <NUM>, such as between the first distal position <NUM> and the second distal position <NUM> may include a well 19b sized to receive the slidable beam <NUM>. Accordingly, in response to further axial movement of the plunger <NUM>, the slidable beam <NUM> is adapted to slide to the second distal position <NUM> and enter the well 19b. The IOL base towing post <NUM> and the second post <NUM> are thereby configured to exit the IOL compression channel <NUM> after the IOL base <NUM> adopts the compressed configuration. After the second towing post <NUM> exits the IOL compression channel <NUM>, the plunger tip <NUM> is adapted to contact the IOL base <NUM> and/or the trailing haptic <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> may then be further advanced axially to deliver the IOL base <NUM> through the opening <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>.

In some implementations, the inner edge <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM> may include a groove <NUM> disposed within the circumference of the inner edge <NUM> and the second end of the IOL base towing post <NUM> of the slidable beam <NUM> may have a size and shape adapted to insert into the groove <NUM> in the distal inner edge <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM>. In some implementations, the distal inner edge <NUM> of the IOL base <NUM> further includes a notch <NUM> and the second end of the IOL base towing post <NUM> has a size and shape adapted to insert into the notch <NUM>.

In some implementations, the second post <NUM> of the slidable beam <NUM> is adapted to guide the trailing haptic <NUM>, preventing the trailing haptic <NUM> from extending proximally away from the IOL base <NUM> and dragging behind the IOL base <NUM>, thereby maintain the trailing haptic <NUM> in contact with the IOL base <NUM> to adopt an optimal compressed configuration.

Claim 1:
An IOL compression device, comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having a proximal end and a distal end, and a track (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed on a first side of the housing (<NUM>);
a tapered IOL compression channel (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed within the housing and having a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end;
a slidable component (<NUM>, <NUM>) movably coupled within the track, the slidable component axially slidable between a proximal position and a first distal position, the track having a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with and adjacent to the tapered IOL compression channel;
characterized by:
the slidable component (<NUM>, <NUM>) having:
an IOL base towing post (<NUM>) having a first end coupled to the slidable component and a second end adapted to contact a distal inner edge of an IOL base (<NUM>) when the IOL base is in the tapered IOL compression channel (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein in response to an axial movement of the slidable component (<NUM>, <NUM>) toward the distal end of the housing (<NUM>):
the IOL base towing post (<NUM>) is adapted to axially pull the IOL base (<NUM>) through the tapered IOL compression channel (<NUM>, <NUM>) toward the distal end of the housing ; and
in response to contacting an interior surface of the tapered IOL compression channel, the IOL base is adapted to adopt a compressed configuration.