Patents Assigned to Alcon
  • Precise Targeting Of Surgical Photodisruption
    Publication number: 20140188093
    Abstract: Techniques, apparatus and systems for laser surgery including imaging-guided surgery techniques, apparatus and systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: ALCON LENSX, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Kurtz, Ferenc Raksi, Michael Karavitis
  • Multi-spot laser surgical probe using faceted optical elements
    Patent number: 8764261
    Abstract: An optical surgical probe includes a handpiece, a light guide within the handpiece, and a multi-spot generator at a distal end of the handpiece. The handpiece is configured to optically couple to a light source. The light guide is configured to carry a light beam from the light source to a distal end of the handpiece. The multi-spot generator includes a faceted optical element with a faceted end surface spaced from a distal end of the light guide. The faceted end surface includes at least one facet oblique to a path of the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald T. Smith
  • Laser-induced protection shield in laser surgery
    Patent number: 8764736
    Abstract: Techniques, apparatus and systems for laser surgery are described to provide protection of sensitive tissues from surgical laser pulses. For example, an ophthalmic surgical method may include determining a surgical target region in an eye, selecting a protection region between the surgical target region and a photosensitive tissue, estimating a damage-threshold of the photosensitive tissue and a protection-threshold of the protection region, applying preliminary laser-pulses to the protection region with parameters between the damage-threshold and the protection threshold to form a protection barrier, and applying surgical laser pulses to the surgical target region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald M. Kurtz
  • Guarded surgical knife handle
    Patent number: 8764781
    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: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory Allen Auchter, Randal Lee Berardi, David Robert Schiff, Seth McCue GaleWyrick
  • Precise targeting of surgical photodisruption
    Patent number: 8764737
    Abstract: Techniques, apparatus and systems for laser surgery including imaging-guided surgery techniques, apparatus and systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Kurtz, Ferenc Raksi, Michael Karavitis
  • FUNCTIONALIZED POLYPEPTIDES
    Publication number: 20140178386
    Abstract: The invention provides functionalized polypeptides, especially therapeutic polypeptides (e.g., scFv), comprising a linker sequence that can be rapidly and specifically functionalized by the addition of one or functional moieties (e.g., PEG) or binding specificities (e.g., an amino acid sequence with a particular binding specificity). Such functionalized polypeptides are advantageous in that they have improved pharmacokinetic properties (e.g., improved in vivo half-life, tissue penetration and tissue residency time) over non-functionalized polypeptides. Methods for the rapid and reproducible generation of functionalized polypeptides are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: ESBATECH, AND ALCON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH UNIT LLC
    Inventor: David Urech
  • GRIN FIBER MULTI-SPOT LASER PROBE
    Publication number: 20140180264
    Abstract: A surgical probe includes a cannula assembly, having a graded index (GRIN) fiber that is configured to receive a multi-spot light beam at a proximal end and to emit the multi-spot light beam at a distal end ; an adapter, having a distal end, configured to receive the cannula assembly, with the proximal end of the GRIN fiber, a proximal end, configured to couple to a light guide via a connector and to receive a light delivered by the light guide from a laser source to the adapter, and an interface, configured to couple the light delivered by the light guide to the proximal end of the GRIN fiber; wherein a length of the GRIN fiber is sufficiently long that the interface is outside a patient's eye during a photocoagulation procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Chenguang Diao, Ronald T. Smith
  • CASSETTE CLAMP MECHANISM
    Publication number: 20140178215
    Abstract: A surgical cassette clamping system includes a mounting plate having a first side and a second side. A bracket system may be disposed adjacent the first side of the mounting plate. A clamp motor may be disposed adjacent the mounting plate and fixed relative to the mounting plate. The clamp motor may be operably connected to the bracket system to displace the bracket system relative to the mounting plate. The system may also include a plurality of pivot arms pivotably connected to the bracket system and extending adjacent the second side of the mounting plate. An engagement portion may be attached to each of the plurality of pivot arms that cooperatively engages the second side of the mounting plate, the engagement portion being operable to pivot the pivot arms when the bracket system moves relative to the mounting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Vincent A. Baxter, Daniel J. Wilson
  • Optical sensing system including electronically switched optical magnification
    Patent number: 8760637
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary optical sensing system including at least one light source for emitting light in a first wavelength range and light in a second wavelength. An image sensor is provided for detecting light emitted from the at least one light source. The optical sensing system also includes a first optical filter disposed in a first optical path extending between the light source and the image sensor, the first optical filter configured to pass light emitted in the first wavelength range, and to substantially block light emitted in the second wavelength range. A second optical filter is disposed in a second optical path extending between the light source and the image sensor, the second optical filter configured to pass light emitted from the at least one light source in the second wavelength range, and to substantially block light emitted in the first wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alexander N. Artsyukhovich
  • Wearable User Interface for Use with Ocular Surgical Console
    Publication number: 20140171959
    Abstract: An ocular surgical system includes a surgical console having a fluidics subsystem, an input pedal subsystem, and a phacoemulsification subsystem. It also includes a wearable user interface in communication with the console. The wearable user interface comprising an interface display having a centrally disposed surgical viewing area and having a peripheral data display region configured to display data relating to the surgery or the console. The peripheral data display region may display information received from the surgical console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthew David Yacono
  • MEMS Check Valve
    Publication number: 20140166140
    Abstract: A MEMS check valve includes a supporting portion having a first perforation therethrough sized to permit fluid flow and includes a displaceable portion having a second perforation therethrough sized to permit fluid flow. The displaceable portion may be moveable relative to the supporting portion between a closed position inhibiting fluid flow through the valve and an open position permitting fluid flow through the valve. The first and second perforations are offset to inhibit fluid flow when the displaceable portion is in the first position, and fluid may flow through the first and second perforations when the displaceable portion is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cesario Dos Pereira Santos, Leslie A. Field
  • Vitrectomy Probe with Integral Valve
    Publication number: 20140171995
    Abstract: A vitrectomy apparatus for performing an ocular surgery may include a vitrectomy probe body graspable by a user and a cutter extending from the body and comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube may be moveable relative to the outer tube. The apparatus also may include an actuator within the body and configured to actuate the inner tube relative to the outer tube. A valve may be carried by the body and may be configured to selectively direct a pressurized fluid to the actuator to actuate the inner tube relative to the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian William McDonell
  • STABLE AND SOLUBLE ANTIBODIES INHIBITING TNF ALPHA
    Publication number: 20140171634
    Abstract: The present invention relates to particularly stable and soluble scFv antibodies and Fab fragments specific for TNF?, which comprise specific light chain and heavy chain sequences that are optimized for stability, solubility, in vitro and in vivo binding of TNF?, and low immunogenicity. Said antibodies are designed for the diagnosis and/or treatment of TNF?-related disorders. The nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expression of the recombinant antibodies of the invention, methods for isolating them and the use of said antibodies in medicine are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ESBATech, an Alcon Biomedical Research Unit LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Ewert, Alcide Barberis, David M. Urech, Adrian Auf Der Maur, Peter Lichtlen
  • RNAi-MEDIATED INHIBITION OF PHOSPHODIESTERASE TYPE 4 FOR TREATMENT OF cAMP-RELATED OCULAR DISORDERS
    Publication number: 20140171487
    Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 4 mRNA expression for treating patients with a cAMP-related ocular disorder. Phosphodiesterase type 4 mRNA targets include mRNA for 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D phosphodiesterase isoforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: John M. Yanni, John E. Chatterton, Daniel A. Gamache, Steven T. Miller
  • Burst Mode Vitrectomy System
    Publication number: 20140171996
    Abstract: A vitrectomy surgical system includes a vitrectomy probe having a cutting portion comprising an inner tube, an outer tube, and an aspiration port. The inner tube may be movable relative to the outer tube to cut vitreous fibers. The system also includes a controller associated with the vitrectomy probe and configured to control movement of the inner tube by generating control signals corresponding to a cutting scheme including a plurality of series of cuts with each cut being evenly spaced in time, the plurality of series of cuts separated by a recovery period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian William McDonell, Venkatesh Vasudevan
  • Osmotically Actuated Fluidic Valve
    Publication number: 20140172090
    Abstract: An implantable fluidic valve actuated by osmotic pressure gradient and methods of operating it are provided. The valve includes: an input fluid channel; an output fluid channel in fluid communication with the input fluid channel at an aperture; and a semi-permeable membrane forming a portion of a sealed chamber. The semi-permeable membrane may have an outer surface forming a wall of the input fluid channel, and an inner surface forming a wall of the sealed chamber, the membrane being configured to allow diffusion of a solvent into and out of the sealed chamber; and a first electrode and a second electrode disposed within the sealed chamber configured to receive a voltage. A pump including the above elements and a check valve is provided. An ocular implant including an inlet tube sized to receive aqueous humor and an intra-ocular pressure control system having a fluidic valve as above is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nicholas Max Gunn
  • Systems and Methods for Priming an Intraocular Pressure Sensor in an Intraocular Implant
    Publication number: 20140171777
    Abstract: An IOP monitoring device for implantation in an eye of a patient may include a first tube having a first opening, the first tube being configured to extend into the anterior chamber. An intraocular pressure sensing (IOP) device for implantation in an eye of a patient may include a pressure sensor, a pressure sensor cap, and a tube coupled to a chamber inlet. The pressure sensor cap may include a recess having an inner surface, the recess configured to receive the pressure sensor such that a chamber is formed by the pressure sensor and the inner surface and a chamber inlet permitting a fluid to communicate with the chamber and be primed in a bubble-free manner. The tube may be coupled to the chamber inlet to allow fluid communication between an anterior chamber of the eye and the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Sanchez, Michael Morelli, Alex G. Fermin, Michael LeRoy Gelvin
  • FINE MEMBRANE FORCEPS WITH INTEGRAL SCRAPING FEATURE
    Publication number: 20140172010
    Abstract: Membrane forceps for performing an ILM or ERM peel procedure include a handle, a tube extending from the handle, and forceps jaws extending from the tube. The forceps jaws may be configured to grasp an ILM or ERM, and may include an outer surface having a roughened surface. The roughened surface may be structurally configured to aid in gaining an edge of the ILM or ERM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventor: Guido Vezzu
  • Control of Automated Intraocular Lens Injectors
    Publication number: 20140171957
    Abstract: A system for implanting an intraocular lens in the lens capsule of an eye to treat an ocular condition includes a housing, a plunger, and an electric motor configured to cause longitudinal translation of the plunger. A cartridge mount may accommodate a removable insertion cartridge so that an intraocular lens disposed in the insertion cartridge is displaced from the insertion cartridge as the plunger is translated. A controller electrically communicates with the electric motor and powers the electric motor to translate the plunger and displace the intraocular lens. The controller may be configured to detect motor current feedback in the control circuit and may be configured to compare the detected motor current feedback to a stored current profile and to stop translation of the plunger when the current level deviates from the stored current profile by a pre-stored amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Anthony McNeela, Mikhail Boukhny, Kurt D. Leukanech
  • Capsulorhexis handpiece
    Patent number: D707818
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research Ltd.
    Inventor: Ziad R. Ghannoum