Systems, methods, and devices for cannula insertion

Abstract

A cannula insertion system configured to divide a cannula insertion process into a two-step process. The first step advances a needle portion a first distance and the second step advances the needle portion a second distance. The first step and the second step may be at different angles. At least one of the angles may be less than 90°. At least one of the steps may be mechanically assisted.

1 . A method of implanting a cannula in an eye of a patient, the method comprising:
 positioning a cannula insertion system at a first angle relative to a surface of the eye, the first angle being less than 90°;   distally advancing a trocar-cannula pair into the eye at the first angle, the trocar-cannula pair comprising a needle portion and a cannula;   positioning the cannula insertion system at a second angle relative to the surface of the eye, the second angle being 90°; and   distally advancing the trocar-cannula pair further into the eye at the second angle.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein distally advancing the trocar-cannula pair into the eye at the first angle comprises distally advancing a slide inserter. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein distally advancing the trocar-cannula pair into the eye at the first angle comprises pressing a flexible trigger button. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein distally advancing the trocar-cannula pair further into the eye at the second angle comprises pressing a flexible trigger button. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein pressing a flexible trigger button comprises allowing a spring to decompress. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising retracting the needle portion of the trocar-cannula pair out of the eye. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising positioning a second trocar-cannula pair for positioning in the eye of the patient. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein positioning the second trocar-cannula pair comprises rotating the second trocar-cannula pair. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein rotating the second trocar-cannula pair comprises rotating a guiding trail tube having a longitudinal axis aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cannula insertion system. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein rotating the second trocar-cannula pair comprises rotating a revolver chamber having a longitudinal axis radially offset from a longitudinal axis of the cannula insertion system. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein positioning the second trocar-cannula pair comprises horizontally advancing the second trocar-cannula pair transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cannula insertion system. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first angle is 45°. 
     
     
         13 .- 23 . (canceled)