(19)

(11)

EP 0 981 298 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 01.03.2000 Bulletin 2000/09 (21) Application number: 98923469.5 (22) Date of filing: 15.05.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 17/22, A61M 1/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9810/089 (87) International publication number: WO 9852/478 (26.11.1998 Gazette 1998/47)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 19.05.1997 US 858247 19.05.1997 US 47022 P (71) Applicant: ANGIOSONICS INC. Morrisville, N. Carolina 27560 (US)	(72) Inventors: TAYLOR, Warren Cary, NC 27511 (US) MANHARD, Jack Durham, NC 27713 (US) FOSHEE, David Apex, NC 27502 (US) (74) Representative: Thomas, Philip John Duval  Eric Potter Clarkson,Park View House,58 The Ropewalk Nottingham NG1 5DD Nottingham NG1 5DD (GB)