Intraocular Lens Injector Subassembly
An IOL injector subassembly, comprising a lens cartridge, an IOL, and a fastener connected to the lens cartridge arranged to maintain the IOL in a position disposed over at least a portion of the first lumen segment and over at least the second lumen segment. A method for facilitating loading of an IOL injector, comprising removing the fastener, and rotating the first portion relative to the second portion to fold the IOL.
1 . An IOL injector subassembly, comprising:
(A) a lens cartridge comprising
(i.) a first portion comprising a first lumen segment, and
(ii.) a second portion comprising a second lumen segment, the second portion being rotatably connected to the first portion;
(B) an IOL; and
(C) a fastener connected to the lens cartridge arranged to maintain the IOL over the first lumen segment and over the second lumen segment.
2 . The subassembly of claim 1 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to be capable of forming a first lumen, the sub-assembly further comprising a proximal portion fixedly coupled to the second portion and having a second lumen therethrough, the first lumen being aligned with a distal end of the second lumen.
3 . The subassembly of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the second lumen is funnel-shaped.
4 . The subassembly of claim 1 , wherein the fastener is connected to the cartridge at two locations.
5 . The subassembly of claim 1 , wherein the fastener is connected to the cartridge at four locations.
6 . The subassembly of claim 1 , wherein the cartridge comprises an injector tip configured for entry into an incision in an eye.
7 . The subassembly of claim 1 , in a combination with a container, wherein the sub-assembly is disposed in the container.
8 . The combination of claim 7 , wherein the container includes a cover to seal the subassembly in the container.
9 . An IOL injector cartridge, comprising:
a first portion comprising a first lumen segment, and a second portion comprising a second lumen segment, the second portion being rotatably connected to the first portion, the first portion and the second portion forming a first lumen therebetween upon rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion;
a proximal portion fixedly coupled to the second portion and having a second lumen therethrough, the first lumen being aligned with the second lumen.
10 . The cartridge of claim 9 , wherein the proximal end of the second lumen is funnel-shaped.
11 . The cartridge of claim 9 , wherein the cartridge comprises an injector tip configured for entry into an incision in the eye.
12 . A method for facilitating loading of an IOL injector, comprising:
(A) providing an IOL injector subassembly, the subassembly comprising
(I) a lens cartridge comprising,
(i.) a first portion comprising a first lumen segment, and
(ii.) a second portion comprising a second lumen segment, the second portion being rotatably connected to the first portion,
(II) an IOL, and
(III) a fastener connected to the lens cartridge arranged to maintain the IOL in a position over the first lumen segment and over the second lumen segment;
(B) removing the fastener; and
(c) rotating the first portion relative to the second portion to fold the IOL.
13 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising loading the cartridge into a distal body portion of the injector.
14 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising attaching the distal body portion to a proximal body portion of the injector.
15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the step of loading the cartridge into a distal body portion of the injector comprises loading the cartridge into the distal body portion using a handle removably attached to the cartridge.
16 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising steps of removing the handle and attaching the distal body portion to a proximal body portion of the injector.