(19)

(11)

EP 0 776 227 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 04.06.1997 Bulletin 1997/23 (21) Application number: 95933888.0 (22) Date of filing: 07.09.1995

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 17/ 22( . ) A61M 25/ 00( . ) A61F 2/ 958( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1995/012021 (87) International publication number: WO 1996/007445 (14.03.1996 Gazette 1996/12)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB (30) Priority: 09.09.1994 US 19940303427 (71) Applicant: APPLIED MEDICAL RESOURCES CORPORATION Laguna Hills, CA 92653 (US)	(72) Inventors: CHI SING, Eduardo Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (US) ASHBY, Mark, P. Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (US) (74) Representative: Enskat, Michael Antony Frank, et al  Saunders & Dolleymore, 9, Rickmansworth Road Watford, Hertfordshire WD1 7HE Watford, Hertfordshire WD1 7HE (GB)