(19)
(11) EP 0 932 365 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication:
04.08.1999 Bulletin 1999/31

(21) Application number: 97910105.0

(22) Date of filing: 16.10.1997
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A61B 18/ 00( . )
A61B 17/ 00( . )
A61B 17/ 32( . )
(86) International application number:
PCT/US1997/018543
(87) International publication number:
WO 1998/016157 (23.04.1998 Gazette 1998/16)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE ES FR GB IT NL

(30) Priority: 17.10.1996 US 19960733128
20.12.1996 US 19960770319
03.03.1997 US 19970810360

(71) Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • DAVISON, Thomas, W.
    North Attleboro, MA 02760 (US)
  • DiMATTEO, Stephen
    Seehonk, MA 02771 (US)

(74) Representative: Mercer, Christopher Paul 
Carpmaels & Ransford 43, Bloomsbury Square
London WC1A 2RA
London WC1A 2RA (GB)

   


(54) METHODS AND DEVICES FOR IMPROVING BLOOD FLOW TO THE HEART OF A PATIENT