Patent Application
20080097379
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Reference is now made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
In the embodiment shown in
Shaft 253 connects separating member 232, lock mechanism 235, support 250, and plunger 256. Separating member 232, lock mechanism 235, and support 250 are slidably disposed in actuation chamber 230. Separating member is fluidly sealed to an interior surface of actuation chamber 230. Spring 244 is attached to an interior surface of actuation chamber 230 and to lock mechanism 235.
Dispensing member 265 is connected to actuation chamber 230 via optional luer 267. Plunger 256 is slidably disposed in dispensing member 265 and fluidly sealed to an interior surface of dispensing member 265. The substance to be injected into the eye is located in dispensing member 265 above plunger 256.
Input control 205 is typically a foot switch or other mechanism that can be operated by a medical professional performing the ophthalmic injection. A foot switch is a useful means of actuating the ophthalmic injection system because it leaves the professional's hands free to manipulate the ophthalmic injection system. However, input control 205 may be any type of switch or actuation device to provide an input to the control logic over interface 214.
Control logic 208 is typically one or more integrated circuits that are capable of performing logic functions. Control logic 208 may also be a microprocessor or other similar structure. Control logic 208 receives an input from input control 205 over interface 214 and provides a signal that actuates valve 223 over interface 217. Interfaces 214 and 217 are common electrical or data connectors.
Pressurized gas source 211 provides pressurized gas, such as air or nitrogen, to the system. A manifold or tube 220 allows pressurized gas to travel from pressurized gas source 211 to valve 223. Valve 223 controls the delivery of pressurized gas through tubing or manifold 226 to port 229 and into actuation chamber 230. Valve 223 may be an isolation type valve, proportional type valve, or other type of valve designed to control the flow of pressurized gas from pressurized gas source 211 to port 229.
Actuation chamber 230 is made of a nonpermeable material such as a metal or polymer. Actuation chamber 230 is typically in the shape of a cylinder, though it may be any other shape that has an interior surface. Pressurized gas is introduced into actuation chamber 230 through port 229. Port 229 is located on one end of actuation chamber 230 and is designed to couple with tubing or manifold 226.
Separating member 232 is fluidly sealed to the interior surface of actuation chamber 230 such that pressurized gas entering actuation chamber 230 through port 229 presses against separating member 232 creating a force tending to move separating member 232. If the pressurized gas creates sufficient force against separating member 232, then separating member 232 will slide upward (toward dispensing member 265) in actuation chamber 230.
In
Lock mechanism 235 is rigidly connected to separating member 232 by a shaft 253. Lock mechanism 235 has a beveled cross section as shown. Lock mechanism travels in actuation chamber 230 in a direction along an axis formed by shaft 253. Lock mechanism 235 is generally perpendicular to shaft 253. Lock mechanism 235 is designed to engage and pass over lock stops 238, 241. In this manner, lock mechanism 235 slides in actuation chamber 230 over lock stops 238, 241 to a position on the dispensing member side of the ophthalmic injection system. When in this position, lock mechanism 235 cannot return to its original position on the port side of actuation chamber 230. In other words, lock mechanism 235 slides over lock stops 238, 241 from a position on the port side of actuation chamber 230 to a position on the dispensing member side of actuation chamber 230. When lock mechanism 235 is in this position (on the dispensing member side of lock stops 238, 241), it cannot travel in a reverse direction to a position on the port side of actuation chamber 230 below lock stops 238, 241. In this manner, lock stops 238, 241 prevent lock mechanism 235 from retracting back once it travels past lock stops 238, 241.
Spring 244 provides a biasing or resistive force that pushes against lock mechanism 235. Spring 244 may be replaced with any other means of resistive or biasing force to resist the travel of separating member 232 and lock mechanism 235.
Shaft 253 may be a single integrated part or it may be made up of two or more parts linked together. For example, shaft 253 may be one rigid member. In another embodiment, shaft 253 may be made up of separate smaller rods that are connected together with linkages. In this case, shaft 253 may consist of a first rod connecting separating member 232 to lock mechanism 235, a second rod connecting lock mechanism 235 to support 250, and a third rod connecting support 250 to plunger 256. These three rods may be connected with linkages to form shaft 253.
Support 250 is affixed to shaft 253 or a part thereof. Support 250 has two bearings, such as bearing 251. Support 250 slides inside actuation chamber 230 and provides support for shaft 253. Support 250 may be made of any suitable material.
Dispensing member 265 is typically a needle that consists of a trocar at its terminal end and a cannula for carrying a substance to be injected into an eye. Dispensing member 265 may also be a catheter, lumen or other structure that can facilitate the deposition of a substance into an eye. The terminal or trocar end of dispensing member 265 is open. This allows substance 259 to pass out of the terminal or trocar end of dispensing member 265. Vent 262 in dispensing member 265 is optional. Optional luer 267 connects dispensing member 265 to the remainder of the ophthalmic injection system.
Plunger 256 is located in dispensing member 265. Plunger 256 forms a substantially complete fluid seal with an interior surface of dispensing member 265. In this manner, plunger 256 and dispensing member 265 are very much like a standard syringe.
Substance 259 is typically a drug for treatment of an eye disease or disorder. The drug may be in liquid, partially solid, viscous, or solid form at room temperature.
In operation, a surgeon or medical professional activates input control 205. A signal is sent from input control 205 to control logic 208 via interface 214. Control logic 208 sends a signal to valve 223 via interface 217. This signal causes valve 223 to open allowing pressurized gas from pressurized gas source 211 to pass through tubing or manifold 220, valve 223, tubing or manifold 226, port 229, and into actuation chamber 230. The pressurized gas remains in actuation chamber 230 below separating member 232. As noted, separating member is fluidly sealed to an interior surface of actuation chamber 230 with an o-ring 233 or similar structure. Therefore, pressurized gas builds up in the volume on the port side of separating member 232 bounded by the interior surface of actuation chamber 230 and separating member 232.
When a sufficient force Is applied, separating member 232 is displaced or moved upward and away from port 229. Since separating member 233 is connected to lock mechanism 235 and plunger 256, a displacement of separating member results in a displacement of lock mechanism 235 and plunger 256.
The pressure behind and resulting force necessary to displace separating member 232 is dependent on the resistive or biasing force provided by spring 244. Spring 244 provides a force acting in a direction opposite to the force applied on separating member 232 by the pressurized gas. The force provided by spring 244 is dependent on its spring constant. The spring 244 or other source of resistive or biasing force assists in the control and smooth operation of the ophthalmic injection system. This resistive or biasing force helps to provide a smooth and steady movement of plunger 256 thus allowing a smooth and steady placement of substance 259 into an eye.
Pressurized gas is applied until the separating member 232, lock mechanism 235, and plunger 256 travel a distance sufficient to deliver substance 259 into an eye. This is more clearly shown in
When the source of pressurized gas is no longer applied to port 229, spring 244 provides a force that would tend to move lock mechanism 235 and separating member 232 downward and away from the dispensing member end of ophthalmic injection system 200. As shown in
The operation of the ophthalmic injection system allows for precise volumes of a substance to be injected into the eye. It also prevents the substance 259 from being retracted back into the dispensing member 265. The distance that the plunger travels depends on the dosage of the substance 259. The more substance 259 included in dispensing member 265, the further plunger 256 must travel to fully expel the substance. The rate at which the substance 259 is delivered into the eye can be precisely controlled by controlling the pressurized gas and selecting a spring 244 with an appropriate spring constant.
From the above, it may be appreciated that the present invention provides an improved system and methods for delivering precise volumes of a substance into an eye. The present invention prevents reflux when the dispensing member is removed by using a lock mechanism and lock stops. The present invention is illustrated herein by example, and various modifications may be made by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
