Patents by Inventor Thomas Silvestrini

Thomas Silvestrini has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10350058
    Abstract: Implantable corneal and intraocular implants such as a mask are provided. The mask can improve the vision of a patient, such as by being configured to increase the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. The mask can include an aperture configured to transmit along an optical axis substantially all visible incident light. The mask can further include a transition portion that surrounds at least a portion of the aperture. This portion can be configured to switch from one level of opacity to another level of opacity through the use of a controllably variable absorbance feature such as a switchable photochromic chromophore within a polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: AcuFocus, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Silvestrini
  • Publication number: 20190099263
    Abstract: A two-part accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) device for implantation in a capsular bag of a patient's eye. The IOL device includes a primary lens assembly and a power changing lens. The primary lens assembly includes a fixed lens and a peripherally disposed centration member. The centration member has a circumferential distal edge and a first coupling surface adjacent the circumferential distal edge. The power changing lens has an enclosed, fluid- or gel-filled lens cavity and haptic system disposed peripherally of the lens cavity. The haptic system has a peripheral engaging edge configured to contact the capsular bag and a second coupling surface. The first and second coupling surfaces are in sliding contact with one another to permit movement of the power changing lens relative to the primary lens assembly and also to maintain a spaced relationship between the fixed lens and the lens cavity during radial compression of the power changing lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel Brady, Thomas Silvestrini, Ramgopal Rao
  • Patent number: 10159564
    Abstract: A two-part accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) device for implantation in a capsular bag of a patient's eye. The IOL device includes a primary lens assembly and a power changing lens. The primary lens assembly includes a fixed lens and a peripherally disposed centration member. The centration member has a circumferential distal edge and a first coupling surface adjacent the circumferential distal edge. The power changing lens has an enclosed, fluid- or gel-filled lens cavity and haptic system disposed peripherally of the lens cavity. The haptic system has a peripheral engaging edge configured to contact the capsular bag and a second coupling surface. The first and second coupling surfaces are in sliding contact with one another to permit movement of the power changing lens relative to the primary lens assembly and also to maintain a spaced relationship between the fixed lens and the lens cavity during radial compression of the power changing lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: LensGen, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Brady, Thomas Silvestrini, Ramgopal Rao
  • Publication number: 20180344453
    Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) can be implanted either alone or as part of a two-part lens assembly. The IOL comprises an optic, a flexible membrane and a peripheral edge coupling the optic and the flexible membrane. The peripheral edge comprises an external circumferential surface having a height and a force transmitting area defined along a portion of the height of the external circumferential surface. A closed volume spaces apart the optic and the flexible membrane. The optic is axially displaced and the flexible membrane changes in curvature about a central axis when a radial compressive force is applied to the force transmitting area. A volume defined by the closed volume remains fixed when the optic is axially displaced and the flexible membrane changes in curvature and/or when the radial compressive force is applied to the force transmitting area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Brady, Thomas Silvestrini, Ramgopal Rao
  • Patent number: 10111745
    Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) comprises an anterior lens, a posterior surface and an articulating member joining the anterior lens and the posterior surface to define an enclosed cavity. The articulating member comprises anterior and posterior arms coupling the anterior lens and the posterior surface, respectively. The articulating member further comprising a peripheral portion. A posterior flex region is disposed about the posterior arm and at a distance from the peripheral portion. The posterior flex region permits the flexible posterior surface to articulate relative to the posterior arm, to decrease the radius of curvature of the posterior surface as the peripheral portions on opposing sides of the IOL move toward one another in a first state and to increase the radius of curvature of the posterior surface as the peripheral portions on opposite sides of the IOL move away from one another in a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: LensGen, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Silvestrini, Ramgopal Rao
  • Publication number: 20180271645
    Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens device is provided. The accommodating intraocular lens device comprises a base assembly and a power lens. The base assembly comprises a first open end, a second end coupled to a base lens, and a haptic surrounding a central cavity. The haptic may comprise an outer periphery, an inner surface and a height between a first edge and a second edge. The power lens is configured to fit within the central cavity. The power lens may comprise a first side, a second side, a peripheral edge coupling the first and second sides, and a closed cavity configured to house a fluid. The first side of the power lens may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the first edge of the haptic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Brady, Thomas Silvestrini, Ramgopal Rao
  • Patent number: 10016301
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for treatment of eye disease such as glaucoma. Implants are described herein that enhance aqueous flow through the normal outflow system of the eye with minimal to no complications. The implant can be reversibly deformed to a first shape, such as a generally linear shape conducive to insertion. Upon insertion, the implant can deform to a second shape, such as a generally non-linear shape conducive to retention within the eye. The shape also improves fluid flow from the anterior chamber and prevents or reduces clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Thomas A. Silvestrini, Steven John, Jose Garcia, Richard S. Lilly
  • Publication number: 20180177639
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the refractive power of a fluid-filled intraocular lens implanted into a patient's eye. The method comprises selecting a pattern to cause a flattening of the intraocular lens or an increase in curvature of the intraocular lens, and ablating the pattern, onto either an optical element of the intraocular lens or a flexible element of the intraocular lens, to alter either one or both of a refractive power and an amplitude of accommodation of the intraocular lens. The ablating occurs while the intraocular lens remains implanted in the patient's eye. The ablating maintains the integrity of a fluid-filled interior cavity defined between the optical element and the flexible element, but causes the flattening of the intraocular lens or the increase in curvature of the intraocular lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Applicant: LensGen, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramgopal Rao, Thomas Silvestrini
  • Patent number: 10004596
    Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) can be implanted either alone or as part of a two-part lens assembly. The IOL comprises an optic, a flexible membrane and a peripheral edge coupling the optic and the flexible membrane. The peripheral edge comprises an external circumferential surface having a height and a force transmitting area defined along a portion of the height of the external circumferential surface. A closed volume spaces apart the optic and the flexible membrane. The optic is axially displaced and the flexible membrane changes in curvature about a central axis when a radial compressive force is applied to the force transmitting area. A volume defined by the closed volume remains fixed when the optic is axially displaced and the flexible membrane changes in curvature and/or when the radial compressive force is applied to the force transmitting area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: LensGen, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Brady, Thomas Silvestrini, Ramgopal Rao
  • Publication number: 20180071143
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for treating eye conditions. Described is an ocular implant including an elongate member having an internal lumen forming a flow pathway, at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway, and at least one outflow port communicating with the flow pathway. The elongate member is adapted to be positioned in the eye such that at least one inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber, at least one outflow port communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid pathway between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space when the elongate member is implanted in the eye. The elongate member has a wall material imparting a stiffness to the elongate member. The stiffness is selected such that after implantation the elongate member deforms eye tissue surrounding the suprachoroidal space forming a tented volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas A. Silvestrini, Eugene de Juan, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170342096
    Abstract: A silicone oil having a mean molecular weight average greater than about 20,000 Daltons, with no more than about 3% to about 4% of the total silicone oil by weight being comprised of components having a molecular weight less than about 15,000 Daltons. In some embodiments, the silicone oil is used in intraocular lens devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: LensGen, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Silvestrini
  • Patent number: 9763828
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for treating eye conditions. Described is an ocular implant including an elongate member having an internal lumen forming a flow pathway, at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway, and at least one outflow port communicating with the flow pathway. The elongate member is adapted to be positioned in the eye such that at least one inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber, at least one outflow port communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid pathway between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space when the elongate member is implanted in the eye. The elongate member has a wall material imparting a stiffness to the elongate member. The stiffness is selected such that after implantation the elongate member deforms eye tissue surrounding the suprachoroidal space forming a tented volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Thomas A. Silvestrini, Eugene de Juan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170156850
    Abstract: Implantable corneal and intraocular implants such as a mask are provided. The mask can improve the vision of a patient, such as by being configured to increase the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. The mask can include an aperture configured to transmit along an optical axis substantially all visible incident light. The mask can further include a transition portion that surrounds at least a portion of the aperture. This portion can be configured to switch from one level of opacity to another level of opacity through the use of a controllably variable absorbance feature such as a switchable photochromic chromophore within a polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas A. Silvestrini
  • Patent number: 9603704
    Abstract: Implantable corneal and intraocular implants such as a mask are provided. The mask can improve the vision of a patient, such as by being configured to increase the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. The mask can include an aperture configured to transmit along an optical axis substantially all visible incident light. The mask can further include a transition portion that surrounds at least a portion of the aperture. This portion can be configured to switch from one level of opacity to another level of opacity through the use of a controllably variable absorbance feature such as a switchable photochromic chromophore within a polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: AcuFocus, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Silvestrini
  • Patent number: 9554941
    Abstract: Described herein are delivery devices and methods of using the devices for delivering an ocular implant into a suprachoroidal space without use of a goniolens. The delivery device includes a handle including a channel extending from a proximal end of the handle to a distal end of the handle, an applier coupled to the handle, the applier including a blunt distal tip and an elongate, flexible wire insertable through a fluid channel of an ocular implant, and a fiber optic image bundle reversibly inserted through the channel such that the fiber optic image bundle extends to a region proximal to the blunt distal tip of the applier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Thomas A. Silvestrini, Richard S. Lilly
  • Patent number: 9549845
    Abstract: Described herein is a delivery device and methods for delivering an ocular implant into an eye. The delivery device includes a proximal handle portion; a distal delivery portion coupled to a distal end of the handle portion and configured to releasably hold an ocular implant and includes a sheath positioned axially over a guidewire; and a metering system configured to provide visual guidance regarding depth of advancement of an implant positioned on the guidewire into an anatomic region of the eye. Also disclosed is a device and method for loading an implant onto the delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Eugene de Juan, Jr., Steven John, Jose Garcia, Richard S. Lilly, Thomas A. Silvestrini
  • Patent number: 9549846
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for use in treating eye conditions with implantable drug delivery devices. One method includes introducing an implant into the suprachoroidal space, wherein the interior volume of the implant is plugged with a drug-release material comprising at least one active agent that elutes through at least one opening in the implant, wherein the drug-release material degrades from the interior volume of the implant over a period time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NOVARTIS AG
    Inventors: Luke Clauson, Thomas A. Silvestrini, Tsontcho Ianchulev, Steven John
  • Publication number: 20160317287
    Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) device comprising a first lens, a second lens and a circumferential haptic. The first lens comprises a pair of opposing and deformable surfaces and a cavity defined therebetween. The first lens has a first lens diameter. The second lens has a second lens diameter. The circumferential haptic has an outer peripheral edge and couples the first lens and the second lens. A main IOL cavity is defined by the circumferential haptic, the first lens and the second lens. The IOL device is resiliently biased to an unaccommodated state, characterized by the IOL device having a first diameter d1 in the absence of radial compressive forces exerted on the outer peripheral edge. The IOL device actuates to an accommodated state being characterized by a second diameter d2 in response to radial compressive forces exerted on the outer peripheral edge, wherein d1>d2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Applicant: LensGen, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas SILVESTRINI, Daniel BRADY, Ramgopal Rao
  • Publication number: 20160317286
    Abstract: A two-part accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) device for implantation in a capsular bag of a patient's eye. The IOL device includes a primary lens assembly and a power changing lens. The primary lens assembly includes a fixed lens and a peripherally disposed centration member. The centration member has a circumferential distal edge and a first coupling surface adjacent the circumferential distal edge. The power changing lens has an enclosed, fluid- or gel-filled lens cavity and haptic system disposed peripherally of the lens cavity. The haptic system has a peripheral engaging edge configured to contact the capsular bag and a second coupling surface. The first and second coupling surfaces are in sliding contact with one another to permit movement of the power changing lens relative to the primary lens assembly and also to maintain a spaced relationship between the fixed lens and the lens cavity during radial compression of the power changing lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Applicant: LensGen, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel BRADY, Thomas SILVESTRINI, Ramgopal Rao
  • Publication number: 20160175152
    Abstract: Described herein are delivery devices and methods of using the devices for delivering an ocular implant into a suprachoroidal space without use of a goniolens. The delivery device includes a handle including a channel extending from a proximal end of the handle to a distal end of the handle, an applier coupled to the handle, the applier including a blunt distal tip and an elongate, flexible wire insertable through a fluid channel of an ocular implant, and a fiber optic image bundle reversibly inserted through the channel such that the fiber optic image bundle extends to a region proximal to the blunt distal tip of the applier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas A. Silvestrini, Richard S. Lilly