(19)

(11)

EP 0 873 087 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 28.10.1998 Bulletin 1998/44 (21) Application number: 96945440.0 (22) Date of filing: 30.12.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 18/ 12( . ) A61B 18/ 00( . ) A61B 18/ 14( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1996/020864 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/024074 (10.07.1997 Gazette 1997/30)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT (30) Priority: 29.12.1995 US 19950581244 08.04.1996 US 19960628941 (71) Applicants: Microgyn, Inc. Newton, MA 02159 (US) MEDICAL SCIENTIFIC, INC. Taunton, MA 02780 (US)	(72) Inventors: ISAACSON, Keith Newton, MA 02159 (US) NARDELLA, Paul, C. Wareham, MA 02571 (US) CVINAR, John Winchester, MA 01890 (US) WRUBLEWSKI, Thomas, A. Sharon, MA 02067 (US) TRAUB, Craig Andover, MA 01810 (US) (74) Representative: Greenwood, John David, et al  Graham Watt & Co. Riverhead Sevenoaks Kent TN13 2BN Sevenoaks Kent TN13 2BN (GB)