(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