Alcon has been granted a patent for microsurgical instruments with variable stiffness for ophthalmic procedures. The instrument includes a probe and stiffener assembly that can be adjusted for better control during surgery. The actuation mechanism allows the stiffener to move along the probe’s length. GlobalData’s report on Alcon gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Alcon, Prosthetic cardiac valves was a key innovation area identified from patents. Alcon's grant share as of May 2024 was 49%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Variable stiffness microsurgical instrument for ophthalmic surgical procedures
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11998483B2) discloses a novel surgical instrument featuring a base unit designed for user handling, a probe extending through the base unit's distal end, and a stiffener assembly. The stiffener assembly includes a hollow tubular member surrounding a portion of the probe, with an actuation mechanism enabling movement of the stiffener along the probe's length. This mechanism comprises a biasing device applying force against the stiffener in a distal direction, housed within the base unit to separate it from the inner cavity and inner surface of the unit. By sliding the stiffener towards the probe's distal end, the instrument's rigidity can be increased, while applying an opposing force in the proximal direction retracts the stiffener back into the base unit.
Furthermore, the patent details variations in the actuation mechanism, such as the use of a compression spring within the biasing device and the inclusion of a flange at the stiffener's proximal end to prevent excessive sliding. The self-adjusting stiffener assembly ensures precise control over the instrument's rigidity, with the biasing device's material ranging from compressible polymers to pneumatic or hydraulic pistons. The housing of the actuation mechanism within the base unit maintains separation from the inner components, enhancing the instrument's functionality and user experience. This innovative design offers a versatile and efficient solution for surgical procedures, catering to the need for adaptable and reliable instruments in medical settings.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
