(19)

(11)

EP 0 984 813 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 15.03.2000 Bulletin 2000/11 (21) Application number: 98922282.3 (22) Date of filing: 13.05.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61M 39/02, A61M 5/142, A61M 5/30, A61M 15/00, A61B 17/39 (86) International application number: PCT/US9809/840 (87) International publication number: WO 9851/369 (19.11.1998 Gazette 1998/46)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT SE (30) Priority: 13.05.1997 US 46356 16.05.1997 US 46729 (71) Applicant: Edwards, Stuart D. Portola Valley, CA 94028 (US)	(72) Inventor: Edwards, Stuart D. Portola Valley, CA 94028 (US) (74) Representative: Haines, Miles John et al D. Young & Co.21 New Fetter Lane London EC4A 1DA London EC4A 1DA (GB)