(19)

(11)

EP 0 873 086 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 28.10.1998 Bulletin 1998/44 (21) Application number: 96944833.0 (22) Date of filing: 19.12.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 18/ 12( . ) A61B 17/ 00( . ) A61B 18/ 14( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1996/020021 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/023169 (03.07.1997 Gazette 1997/29)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 22.12.1995 US 19950577598 (71) Applicants: Advanced Closure Systems, Inc. Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (US) Issa, Muta M. Atlanta, GA 30305 (US)	(72) Inventor: ISSA, Muta, M. Atlanta, GA 30305 (US) (74) Representative: Holmes, Miles Keeton, et al  D. YOUNG & CO., 21 New Fetter Lane London EC4A 1DA London EC4A 1DA (GB)