(19)
(11)
EP 0 921 762 A1
(12)
(43)
Date of publication:
16.06.1999
Bulletin 1999/24
(21)
Application number:
98907606.0
(22)
Date of filing:
24.02.1998
(51)
International Patent Classification (IPC):
A61B
18/
00
( . )
A61B
17/
00
( . )
A61B
17/
32
( . )
A61B
19/
00
( . )
(86)
International application number:
PCT/US1998/003580
(87)
International publication number:
WO 1998/037819
(
03.09.1998
Gazette 1998/35)
(84)
Designated Contracting States:
DE ES FR GB IT NL
(30)
Priority:
28.02.1997
US 19970808273
(71)
Applicant:
ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
Cincinnati, OH 45242-2839 (US)
(72)
Inventors:
SMITH, Paul
West Kingston, RI 02892 (US)
ESTABROOK, Brian
Foxboro, MA 02035 (US)
(74)
Representative:
Mercer, Christopher Paul
Carpmaels & Ransford 43, Bloomsbury Square
London WC1A 2RA
London WC1A 2RA (GB)
(54)
PREVENTING REUSE OF SURGICAL DEVICES