Patent issued for Iridex probes

Mountain View, CA-The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent to Iridex Corp. that applies to a group of laser handpieces used in invasive ophthalmic surgical procedures, according to the company.

The patent, numbered 7,909,816 and titled “Directional Probe Treatment Apparatus,” applies to a number of consumable medical devices already in the company’s product line and known by a collective name (Stepped Angled EndoProbe laser handpieces).

“This is an important patent for us because our . . . probes are the best-selling product line within our consumable product portfolio,” said Theodore A. Boutacoff, Iridex president and chief executive officer. “This patent helps us further differentiate our products from our competitors and creates new barriers for competition.”

Boutacoff said the company intends to expand its product line with additional versions of the handpieces. Currently, the devices are available in 20, 23, and 25 gauges.