Patents Assigned to Alcon
  • Vitrectomy probe with adjustable cutter port size
    Patent number: 9005228
    Abstract: Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: John R. Underwood, Jack Robert Auld, John Christopher Huculak
  • Adjustable valve for IOP control with reed valve
    Patent number: 8998838
    Abstract: A drainage device for implantation in an eye of a patient to treat an ocular condition, that includes an implant body portion comprising of a valve portion. The valve portion may comprise a flexible membrane disposed and arranged in a manner to affect flow of aqueous humor through the implant body portion. The device may also include a reed valve disposed downstream of the flexible membrane. The reed valve may be configured to prevent backflow of aqueous humor toward the membrane and configured to stabilize flow by affecting pressure at the flexible membrane. In one aspect, the reed valve is configured to create backpressure at the membrane that affects the rate of flow at the flexible membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Satish Yalamanchili
  • Use of PBO-PEO-PBO block copolymers in ophthalmic compositions
    Patent number: 8999312
    Abstract: The use of poly(oxybutylene)-poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful, for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses, but do not induce foaming when used in conjunction with a peroxide-based contact lens disinfection regimen. Such compounds may also be useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in peroxide-based compositions for disinfecting contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: James W. Davis, Howard Allen Ketelson
  • Guarded surgical knife handle
    Patent number: 8992554
    Abstract: A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory Allen Auchter, Randal Lee Berardi, David Robert Schiff, Seth McCue GaleWyrick
  • Compositions containing moxifloxacin for treating otic infections
    Patent number: 8993636
    Abstract: Ophthalmic, otic and nasal compositions containing a new class of antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin) are disclosed. The compositions preferably also contain one or more anti-inflammatory agents. The compositions may be utilized to treat ophthalmic, otic and nasal conditions by topically applying the compositions to the affected tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Pharamceuticals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerald Cagle, Robert L. Abshire, David W. Stroman, John M. Yanni
  • Laser illumination system
    Patent number: 8992021
    Abstract: An ophthalmic endoillumination system comprises a self-contained power source and a laser light source powered by the self-contained power source to produce light. The system further comprises an elongated member sized for insertion into an eye and for conducting the light produced by the laser light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald T. Smith
  • Corrugated membrane actuators
    Patent number: 8986240
    Abstract: An IOP control valve is disclosed. The IOP control valve comprises a corrugated membrane and a housing including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The corrugated membrane is anchored within the housing to form a reference chamber on a first side of the corrugated membrane and a fluid flow channel on a second opposing side of the membrane. The reference chamber has a reference chamber pressure representative of atmospheric pressure. The fluid flow channel can selectively increase and decrease in size to permit fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The corrugated membrane is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow channel from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet by deflecting in response to pressure differentials of the reference chamber pressure and the fluid flow channel pressure acting on the opposing sides of the corrugated membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cesario P Dos Santos, Robert J Sanchez, Jr., Leslie A Field
  • Integrated OCT-Refractometer System for Ocular Biometry
    Publication number: 20150077705
    Abstract: A Slit-lamp-or-Microscope-Integrated-OCT-Refractometer system includes an eye-visualization system, configured to provide a visual image of an imaged region in an eye; an Optical Coherence Tomographic (OCT) imaging system, configured to generate an OCT image of the imaged region; a refractometer, configured to generate a refractive mapping of the imaged region; and an analyzer, configured to determine refractive characteristics of the eye based on the OCT image and the refractive mapping, wherein the refractometer and the OCT imaging system are integrated into the eye visualization system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander N. Artsyukhovich, Z. Aras Aslan, Lingfeng Yu, Mikhail Boukhny
  • Dual-mode illumination for surgical instrument
    Patent number: 8968347
    Abstract: An illuminated surgical instrument is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention comprises an illuminated vitrectomy probe. The vitrectomy probe has a cutting port disposed at a distal end of a cannula. An array of optical fibers terminates near the cutting port. The array of optical fibers is located adjacent to the cannula and encircling the cannula. The array of optical fibers can comprise two sets of fibers, one for providing illumination in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the vitrectomy probe and another for providing illumination in a direction at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the vitrectomy probe. The light source providing light to each set of fibers can be independently controlled so as to provide illumination cooperatively or singly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher L. McCollam
  • Methods and systems for intelligent visual function assessments
    Patent number: 8967809
    Abstract: A system and method of testing vision performance includes displaying a visual recognition test to a subject and receiving from the subject a response to the visual recognition test. After receiving the response to the visual recognition test, a subsequent visual recognition test is selected based on the response received from the subject, the subsequent visual recognition test is displayed, and a response is received from the subject. The subsequent visual recognition tests are repeated until a predetermined criterion is reached. A vision performance score is determined based on the visual recognition tests displayed and the set of responses received from the subject and output from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Gary Kirschen, Daniel Moses Laby
  • PASSIVE TO ACTIVE STAGED DRAINAGE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20150057596
    Abstract: Described herein is an IOP control system for implantation in an eye of a patient, comprising a drainage device and a control device. The drainage system includes a housing including an inlet port and an outlet port, a fluid flow passageway extending from the inlet port to the outlet port to allow the flow of fluid therethrough, and at least one valve disposed within the housing. The at least one valve includes a first side and an opposing second side, and is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway from the inlet port to the outlet port by moving in response to pressure differentials acting on the opposing sides. The control device comprises an actuator including an activated mode and a deactivated mode, and the actuator in the activated mode is configured to selectively adjust flow through the drainage device in response to changes in intraocular pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Casey Jean Lind, Cesario Pereira Dos Santos
  • TRABECULAR MESHWORK STIMULATION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20150057583
    Abstract: An implantable device for mechanically stimulating the trabecular meshwork is disclosed. The device is implanted in the eye adjacent the trabecular meshwork. The device imparts mechanical stimulating in the form of vibrations or movement to the trabecular meshwork. The imparted mechanical stimulation causes the trabecular meshwork to move in a manner that produces a pumping action to remove aqueous from the anterior chamber of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Nicholas Max Gunn, Andrew David Johnson, Casey Jean Lind, Robert Joseph Sanchez, JR.
  • MEMS CHECK VALVE CHIP AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20150057592
    Abstract: A MEMS check valve chip is described. The chip comprises a first side and an opposing second side, an outlet port extending from the first side to the second side, and a flexible outlet membrane anchored to the first side to overlie the outlet port. The flexible outlet membrane includes an outlet aperture and a sealing portion, and the sealing portion is movable between a closed position inhibiting fluid flow through the outlet aperture and an open position wherein the sealing portion displaces into the outlet port to permit fluid flow through the outlet aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: Nicholas Max Gunn
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRIMING A MICROFLUIDIC CHAMBER
    Publication number: 20150057593
    Abstract: An intraocular device for implantation in an eye of a patient is provided. The intraocular device includes an inlet tube, an outlet tube, and a microfluidic chamber. The microfluidic chamber includes a chamber inlet coupled to the inlet tube, a chamber outlet coupled to the outlet tube, and one or more fluidic barriers. Each fluidic barrier is configured such that, as a fluid is injected into the microfluidic chamber, a front of the fluid coincides with the fluidic barrier before any of the fluid passes beyond the fluidic barrier. Associated methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Andrew David Johnson, Nicholas Max Gunn
  • PRESSURE-BASED FLOW RATE MEASUREMENT FOR OCULAR IMPLANTS
    Publication number: 20150057595
    Abstract: Described herein is an IOP control device for implantation in an eye of a patient, comprising a drainage tube, a pressure-driven flow system, and a flow rate measurement system. The drainage tube includes a drainage lumen in fluid communication with an anterior chamber of the eye. The flow system is in fluid communication with the drainage lumen, and is configured to control the flow of fluid through the drainage tube. The flow rate measurement system is disposed distal to the flow system, and comprises a flow tube including a known hydraulic resistance to flow, a proximal pressure sensor disposed at the proximal end of the flow tube, and a distal pressure sensor disposed at the distal end of the flow tube. The flow tube includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween that is configured to be in fluid communication with the drainage lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Nicholas Max Gunn, Andrew David Johnson
  • EXTERNALLY ADJUSTABLE PASSIVE DRAINAGE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20150057597
    Abstract: Described herein is an IOP control device for implantation in an eye of a patient, comprising a housing including an inlet port and an outlet port, a fluid flow passageway configured to allow the flow of fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port, and at least one valve anchored within the housing. The at least one valve includes a first side and an opposing second side, and is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway from the inlet port to the outlet port by moving in response to pressure differentials acting on the opposing first and second sides. The at least one valve is remotely adjustable between an active condition increasing resistance to the flow of fluid within the fluid flow passageway and an inactive condition decreasing resistance to the flow of fluid within the fluid flow passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Andrew David Johnson, Cesario Pereira Dos Santos, Casey Jean Lind
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRIMING AN INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE SENSOR CHAMBER
    Publication number: 20150057523
    Abstract: An intraocular pressure monitoring and sensing device for implantation in an eye of a patient may include a substrate having a pressure sensor disposed on a top surface thereof and a pressure sensor cap disposed on the substrate over the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor cap may include a wall structure extending from the top surface of the substrate, the wall structure laterally surrounding the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor cap may further include a cap top situated above the pressure sensor, the cap top and wall structure together forming an interior chamber, and a chamber inlet providing fluid access to the interior chamber. At least one of the cap top and the wall structure includes a semi-permeable surface to aid in priming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: Nicholas Max Gunn
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTRA-OPERATIVE EYE BIOMETRY OR REFRACTIVE MEASUREMENT
    Publication number: 20150057524
    Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing intraoperative biometry and/or refractive measurements include a sensor or valve associated with the eye and configured to detect a pressure of the eye. The system also includes an intra-op diagnostics device including a control unit arranged to actuate the intra-op diagnostics device to capture the intraoperative biometry and/or refractive measurements when the sensor or valve detects pressure within a predetermined pressure range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd
    Inventors: Alexander N. Artsyukhovich, Lingfeng Yu, Z. Aras Aslan
  • BUBBLE-FREE MICROFLUIDIC VALVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20150057594
    Abstract: A microfluidic valve for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed. The valve may include a chamber formed between a substrate and a flexible membrane. The valve may also include a boss disposed in the chamber and having a top edge in selective contact with the flexible membrane. The top edge includes a relief portion and a non-relief portion, with the relief portion being structurally arranged so that a pressure required to separate the membrane from the relief portion is less than a pressure required to separate the membrane from the non-relief portion. The valve also may include an inlet extending through the boss and the substrate through which fluid enters the chamber and an outlet configured to allow fluid to exit the chamber. Methods for priming a microfluidic valve are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Nicholas Max Gunn, Andrew David Johnson
  • Surgical foot pedal
    Patent number: D727498
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Creed, John Koontz, David A. Thoe, Jeremy Robert Roth, David Weston, Patrick K. Hassett, William Monteleone