(19)

(11)

EP 0 977 512 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.02.2000 Bulletin 2000/06 (21) Application number: 98918618.4 (22) Date of filing: 23.04.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 8/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9808/177 (87) International publication number: WO 9847/428 (29.10.1998 Gazette 1998/43)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE DE ES FR GB IT NL SE (30) Priority: 24.04.1997 US 839971 16.07.1997 US 892955 15.10.1997 US 950849 (71) Applicant: WILK PATENT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION New York, NY 10003 (US)	(72) Inventor: WILK, Peter, J. NewYYork, NY 10023 (US) (74) Representative: Forattini, Amelia et al c/o Internazionale BrevettiIngg. ZINI, MARANESI & C. S.r.l.Piazza Castello 1 20121 Milano 20121 Milano (IT)