(19)

(11)

EP 0 873 214 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 28.10.1998 Bulletin 1998/44 (21) Application number: 95944312.0 (22) Date of filing: 01.12.1995

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 17/ 16( . ) A61B 17/ 00( . ) B23B 31/ 107( . ) A61C 1/ 14( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1995/015723 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/020653 (12.06.1997 Gazette 1997/25)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (71) Applicants: Mednext Inc. West Palm Beach,, FL 33407 (US) Mickel, Thomas J. Jupiter, FL 33478 (US) Willason, Stewart W. Jupiter, FL 33477 (US)	(72) Inventors: MICKEL, Thomas, J. Jupiter, FL 33478 (US) WILLASON, Stewart, W. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (US) (74) Representative: Allman, Peter John, et al  MARKS & CLERK, Sussex House, 83-85 Mosley Street Manchester M2 3LG Manchester M2 3LG (GB)