IP Library Granted Patent US 9,636,217
Granted Patent B2
US 9,636,217 · App. 14/273,279 · Granted May 2, 2017

Equipment and methods used in folding and implanting foldable lenses in the eye

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,636,217
App. No.
14/273,279
Granted
May 2, 2017
Kind
B2
Abstract

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for folding an intraocular lens and inserting an intraocular lens into an eye are disclosed herein. In some instances, a system for folding an intraocular lens may include a folding pin, a guide pin rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the folding pin, and a stage laterally moveable relative to the folding pin. An intraocular lens may be secured between the folding pin and the guide pin and be folded onto the folding pin during rotation of the guide pin. A retention member may be used to hold the folded intraocular lens onto the folding pin.

Claims (15)

1. An intraocular lens folding system comprising:

a folding device comprising:

a body;

a folding pin mounted to the body, the folding pin comprising a first longitudinal axis;

a guide pin mounted to the body adjacent to the folding pin, the guide pin comprising a second longitudinal axis offset from the first longitudinal axis, the guide pin rotatable on the body about a longitudinal axis of the folding pin; and

a stage mounted to the body adjacent to the folding pin, the stage laterally moveable relative to the folding pin.

2. The intraocular lens folding system of claim 1 , wherein the folding pin is rotatable relative to the body about the longitudinal axis.

3. The intraocular lens folding system of claim 1 , wherein the folding pin is removable from the body.

4. The intraocular lens folding system of claim 1 , wherein the guide pin and folding pin are configured to rotate synchronously.

5. The intraocular lens folding system of claim 1 , wherein a rate at which the guide pin rotates and the rate at which the folding pin rotates is the same.

6. The intraocular lens folding system of claim 1 , wherein lateral movement of the stage is synchronized with the rotation of the guide pin.

7. The intraocular lens folding system of claim 1 , wherein a speed of the lateral movement of the stage is the same as a tangential velocity of the guide pin.

8. The intraocular lens folding system of claim 1 further comprising an insertion device, the insertion device comprising:

a housing; and

a plunger moveable within the housing, a distal end of the plunger configured to receive at least a portion of the folding pin.

Assignments (3)
CONFIRMATORY DEED OF ASSIGNMENT EFFECTIVE APRIL 8, 2019 Recorded Dec 10, 2019
From: NOVARTIS AG
To: ALCON INC.
Reel/Frame 051454/0788 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 8, 2014
From: KUNTE, NEELESH
To: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
Reel/Frame 032853/0512 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 8, 2014
From: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
To: NOVARTIS AG
Reel/Frame 032853/0526 →