Punctum plug insertion device and device packaging

摘要

A punctum dilating and plug inserting system includes an inserter and a protective cover defining a dilator. The inserter includes a longitudinal body, and a handle. The handle has a rounded stationary member and a trigger rotatably connected to the handle by a living hinge. A mounting wire extends through the body and is connected to the trigger. When the trigger is activated, the wire is retracted and a plug mounted on a distal end of the wire is released. A packaging is provided for receiving, protecting, and handling at least a portion of the entire inserter until ready for use. An end of the packaging includes a dilator dip for dilating the punctum in advance of receiving the punctum plug.

主权项

1. A punctum plug insertion system for inserting and releasing a punctum plug into a punctal opening of an eye, comprising:
a) a longitudinally extending body having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a pathway between said proximal and distal ends; b) a handle having a stationary member fixed to said proximal end of said body, and a trigger, said stationary member disc-like in shape, having a circumference, and defining a diameter across said disc-like stationary member, and said trigger having a first end and a free second end, said handle further having a living hinge rotatably connecting said first end of said trigger to said stationary member; and c) a plug mounting wire extending from beyond said distal end of said body, through said pathway, and to said trigger, said wire having a distal end onto which the punctum plug can be mounted, and a proximal end retained relative to said trigger, said wire defining a wire axis, said wire axis and said diameter of said stationary member extending in a common plane and parallel to each other,
said body, handle and wire together defining an inserter for the plug,wherein when a user holds said stationary member and rotates said free second end of said trigger away from said wire axis, said wire is displaced relative to said stationary member such that said distal end of said mounting wire is retracted relative to said distal end of said body to release the plug.