John Andrew Swanson

US Patent:

6560472, May 6, 2003

Filed:

Jun 21, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/886322

Inventors:

Norman M. Hill - Bothell WA
Andreas N. Hadjicostis - West Linn OR
John W. Swanson - Portland OR

Assignee:

MicroHelix, Inc. - Portland OR

International Classification:

A61B 50478

US Classification:

600378, 607116

Abstract:

A bio-probe having a base and a tip, and comprising a core of substantially rigid, high-strength material, said core tapering inwardly from the base to the tip and a set of conductors extending longitudinally about said core. In addition, dielectric material, substantially electrically isolates each conductor from its surroundings. Also, a set of apertures is defined by the dielectric material to the set of conductors, thereby defining a set of electrodes.

US Patent:

6892438, May 17, 2005

Filed:

May 5, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/429652

Inventors:

Norman M. Hill - Bothell WA, US
Andreas N. Hadjicostis - West Linn OR, US
John W. Swanson - Portland OR, US

Assignee:

Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. - Portland OR

International Classification:

H01S004/00

US Classification:

295921, 29825, 29846, 29852, 29847, 600378, 600116

Abstract:

A method of producing a bio-probe that begins with the step of providing a tapering core of substantially rigid material. The core is then coated with dielectric material and this dielectric material is coated with a first layer of conductive material. The conductive material is then divided into longitudinal traces, extending from the base into proximity to said tip. The conductive material is then coated with a second layer of dielectric material. Finally, portions of the second layer of dielectric material are removed to form apertures to the conductive material, thereby forming electrodes.

US Patent:

58005005, Sep 1, 1998

Filed:

May 20, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/858473

Inventors:

Francis A. Spelman - Seattle WA
Ben M. Clopton - Bainbridge Island WA
Arne Voie - Seattle WA
Claude N. Jolly - Axams, AT
Ky Huynh - Tigard OR
Jerome Boogaard - Forest Grove OR
John W. Swanson - Portland OR

Assignee:

PI Medical Corporation - Portland OR
University of Washington - Seattle WA

International Classification:

A61N 105

US Classification:

607137

Abstract:

A multi-electrode cochlear implant is taught in which approximately twenty or more insulated metal wires are wound around a flexible tube. These wires are held in place with a further layer of dielectric insulating material. The insulation is selectively removed with a laser beam to form electrodes. Two or more layers or valences of wires can be used, with the inner layer of wires terminating distal to the outer layers to provide a stepwise approximation of the tapering of the scala tympani. A shape memory material core may be introduced into the tube, so that the implant will retain an effective shape after implantation. In a preferred embodiment, electrical conductors are connected to the shape memory material to permit the select warming of the shape memory material by the passing of an electric current through it. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the shape memory material is warmed by adjacent heating elements.