(19)

(11)

EP 0 885 021 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 23.12.1998 Bulletin 1998/52 (21) Application number: 97904113.0 (22) Date of filing: 05.02.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61L 27/ 00( . ) A61L 27/ 50( . ) A61L 27/ 36( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/001526 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/027886 (07.08.1997 Gazette 1997/34)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB (30) Priority: 05.02.1996 US 19960595402 31.07.1996 US 19960690661 (71) Applicant: ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC. St. Paul, MN 55117 (US)	(72) Inventors: SCHROEDER, Richard, F. Oakdale, MN 55128 (US) OGLE, Matthew, F. St. Paul, MN 55105 (US) (74) Representative: Wakerley, Helen Rachael  Reddie & Grose, 16 Theobalds Road London WC1X 8PL London WC1X 8PL (GB)