Patents Assigned to Alcon
  • RNAi-MEDIATED INHIBITION OF HIF1A FOR TREATMENT OF OCULAR ANGIOGENESIS
    Publication number: 20120245217
    Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of HIF1A mRNA expression for treating patients with ocular angiogenesis, particularly for treating retinal edema, diabetic retinopathy, sequela associated with retinal ischemia, posterior segment neovascularization (PSNV), and neovascular glaucoma, and for treating patients at risk of developing such conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jon E. Chatterton, David P. Bingaman
  • Gilled phacoemulsification irrigation sleeve
    Patent number: 8267891
    Abstract: A phacoemulsification irrigation sleeve includes an elongated, resilient, tubular body section configured to surround a portion of a shaft of a phacoemulsification needle, the tubular body section having a distal end and a proximal end, and an inner surface and an outer surface. An enlarged section formed on the proximal end of the tubular body portion surrounds a hub of the phacoemulsification needle and connects the irrigation sleeve to a phacoemulsification handpiece. The irrigation sleeve further comprises at least one slitted irrigation port formed adjacent to the distal end of the body section and configured to splay in response to a drop in pressure between the inner surface and the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ramon Dimalanta, Grace Liao
  • Optical system for ophthalmic surgical laser
    Patent number: 8267925
    Abstract: An ophthalmic laser system includes a laser source, to generate a pulsed laser beam, an XY scanner, to receive the pulsed laser beam, and to output an XY-scanning beam, scanned in two directions essentially transverse to an optical axis, and a multi-functional Z scanner, to receive the XY-scanning beam, to output an XYZ-scanning beam, having a numerical aperture NA and a focal spot in a target region, and to modify the numerical aperture NA essentially independently from scanning a Z focal depth of the focal spot along the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventors: Ferenc Raksi, Jesse Buck
  • Self preserved aqueous pharmaceutical compositions
    Patent number: 8268299
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of multi-dose, self-preserved ophthalmic compositions. The compositions possess sufficient antimicrobial activity to satisfy USP preservative efficacy requirements, as well as similar preservative standards (e.g., EP and JP), without requiring the presence of conventional anti-microbial preservative agents, such as benzalkonium chloride. The compositions are effectively preserved by a balanced ionic buffer system containing zinc ions at a concentration of 0.04 to 0.9 mM, preferably 0.04 to 0.4 mM. One aspect of the balanced buffer system is limitation of the amount of buffering anions present to a concentration of 15 mM or less, preferably 5 mM or less. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions also contain borat or, most preferably, one or more borate/polyol complexes. The use of propylene glycol as the polyol in such complexes is strongly preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bhagwati P. Kabra, Masood A. Chowhan, L. Wayne Schneider, Wesley Wehsin Han
  • Low density lipoprotein receptor-mediated siRNA delivery
    Patent number: 8268798
    Abstract: The invention provides interfering RNA molecule-ligand conjugates useful as a delivery system for delivering interfering RNA molecules to a cell in vitro or in vivo. The conjugates comprise a ligand that can bind to a low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) or LDLR family member. Therapeutic uses for the conjugates are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jon E. Chatterton
  • Optical system for ophthalmic surgical laser
    Patent number: 8262647
    Abstract: A laser system for ophthalmic surgery includes a laser source, to generate a pulsed laser beam, an XY scanner, to receive the pulsed laser beam, and to output an XY-scanning beam, scanned in two directions transverse to a Z axis, a Z scanner, to receive the XY-scanning beam, and to output an XYZ-scanning beam, scanned in addition along the Z axis, the Z scanner including a first lens group to output a beam having an intermediate focal plane, and a movable lens group to receive the beam through the intermediate focal plane and to collimate the beam in a variable manner, and an objective to receive the collimated beam from the Z scanner and to focus the beam into a focal spot in a target region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventors: Ferenc Raksi, Jesse Buck
  • Gradient search integrated with local imaging in laser surgical systems
    Patent number: 8265364
    Abstract: Techniques and systems for gradient search are provided based on sensing or measuring at selected locations of a target object without performing full-field sensing or measuring over the entire field of the target object. Search methods are provided to include determining a coordinate of a boundary of a region in relation to a loop in a proximity of a first location, determining a direction of a gradient of the coordinate corresponding to the first location, and selecting a second location based on the determined direction. A search system can be implemented to include an imaging system to determine a coordinate of a feature of an object on a loop in a proximity of a first location, and a controller, coupled to the imaging system, to determine a direction of a gradient of the coordinate corresponding to the first location, and to select a second location based on the determined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventor: Ferenc Raksi
  • Use of bradykinin and related B2R agonists to treat ocular hypertension and glaucoma
    Patent number: 8263555
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating and/or preventing ocular disorders associated with increased intraocular pressure comprising administering a bradykinin B2 receptor agonist to a patient in need thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Najam A. Sharif
  • Intraocular pressure sensor with external pressure compensation
    Patent number: 8257295
    Abstract: An intraocular pressure sensor system has a first pressure sensor located in an anterior chamber of an eye and a remote pressure sensor located remotely from the first pressure sensor. The remote pressure sensor measures or approximates atmospheric pressure. A difference between readings from the first pressure sensor and the remote pressure sensor approximates intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew Rickard, Robert Sanchez, Jr.
  • Guarded surgical knife handle
    Patent number: 8256330
    Abstract: A guarded surgical knife handle includes a lower handle portion, an upper handle postion, and a button. The lower handle portion includes a blade holder, a proximal pair of lateral shelves, and a distal pair of lateral shelves. The upper handle portion includes a guard portion, a proximal post between the proximal pair of shelves with a first widened post portion wider than the lateral spacing between the shelves, and a distal post between the distal pair of shelves with a second widened post portion wider than the lateral spacing between the shelves. The button has a button waist narrower than the second lateral spacing and a widened button portion below the button waist wider than the second lateral spacing. A bias member connected to the button and at least one of the handle portions provides an upward force on the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory Allen Auchter, Randal Lee Berardi, Edwin Warren Blatt, Jeffrey Kirk Landis, David Robert Schiff, Seth McCue GaleWyrick
  • Guarded surgical knife handle
    Patent number: 8256331
    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: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory Allen Auchter, Randal Lee Berardi, David Robert Schiff, Seth McCue GaleWyrick
  • Method of controlling a surgical system based on a load on the cutting tip of a handpiece
    Patent number: 8257307
    Abstract: A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines an approximate temperature of the eye using an irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikhail Boukhny, Raphael Gordon, Michael D. Morgan, Ann Yadlowsky
  • Viscous fluid extraction
    Patent number: 8251980
    Abstract: An extraction sleeve assembly for use in extracting a viscous fluid from the posterior segment of an eye during vitreoretinal surgery is disclosed. The extraction sleeve assembly includes a luer lock fitting and a flexible, tubular extraction sleeve. The extraction sleeve assembly facilitates a shorter extraction time for the viscous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael A. Zica, Matthew E. Bazydlo, Steven T. Charles
  • Bradykinin receptor agonists and uses thereof to treat ocular hypertension and glaucoma
    Patent number: 8252793
    Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing ocular disorders associated with increased intraocular pressure. In particular, the compounds are bradykinin agonists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Alcon Research, Ltd., Astellas Pharma Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Combrink, Suchismita Mohapatra, Mark R. Hellberg, Najam A. Sharif, Ganesh Prasanna, Iok-Hou Pang, Bryon Severns, Hwang-Hsing Chen, Abdelmoula Namil
  • Implantable punctal plug
    Patent number: 8235053
    Abstract: A punctal plug is disclosed, wherein the punctal plug includes a body portion and a retaining portion. The body portion is defined by an open distal end, an open proximal end and a wall portion. The wall portion further includes at least one window extending therethrough. The retaining flange is configured to have an outer periphery that is larger than the outer periphery of the body portion. A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient using a punctal plug is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr., Casey Jean Lind
  • Methods for identifying immunobinders of cell-surface antigens
    Patent number: 8227199
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying immunobinders, such as scFv antibodies, capable of specifically binding to cell surface antigens, and compositions identified according to said methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: ESBATech, an Alcon Biomedical Research Unit, LLC
    Inventors: David Urech, Valerie Hulmann-Cottier
  • RNAi-mediated inhibition of histamine receptor H1-related conditions
    Patent number: 8222227
    Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of histamine receptor H1 mRNA expression, in particular, for treating patients having an HRH1-related condition or at risk of developing an HRH1-related condition such as allergic conjunctivitis, ocular inflammation, dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, or allergy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: John M. Yanni, Jon E. Chatterton, Daniel A. Gamache, Steven T. Miller
  • RNAi-Mediated Inhibition of RHO Kinase for Treatment of Ocular Disorders
    Publication number: 20120178794
    Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of Rho kinase mRNA expression for treating patients with ocular disorders, particularly for treating intraocular pressure, ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Rho kinase mRNA targets include mRNA for ROCK1 and ROCK2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Jon E. Chatterton, Abbot F. Clark
  • MULTI-SLEEVED SURGICAL ULTRASONIC VIBRATING TOOL SUITED FOR PHACOEMULSIFICATION IN A MANNER THAT PREVENTS THERMAL INJURY TO OCULAR TISSUE
    Publication number: 20120172786
    Abstract: A multi-sleeve handpiece for performing phacoemulsification with a vibratory, ported needle and for cooling an exterior of an incision. The vibratory, ported needle breaks up and aspirates broken eye tissue. The handpiece has at least one inner sleeve that guides irrigation fluid to the eye and/or reduces friction between the vibrating tool and the surrounding rigid sleeve or tissues. The handpiece has an outer, cooling sleeve that is concentric with the inner sleeve and the needle and whose distal end has peak and valley formations. The cooling sleeve is collapsible to engage incision tissue with the peak formations and allow the cooling fluid to flow across the valley formations to cool the tissue via heat transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH LTD.
    Inventor: Richard James MACKOOL
  • Low viscosity, highly flocculated triamcinolone acetonide suspensions for intravitreal injection
    Patent number: 8211880
    Abstract: Triamcinolone acetonide suspension compositions are disclosed. The suspension compositions have a relatively low viscosity and are easy to extrude through a 27- or 30-guage needle but are highly flocculated and easily redispersed. The compositions are particularly suitable for intravitreal injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bhagwati P. Kabra, Ruma Sarkar