(19)

(11)

EP 0 996 376 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 03.05.2000 Bulletin 2000/18 (21) Application number: 98933801.7 (22) Date of filing: 15.07.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 17/39 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9802/080 (87) International publication number: WO 9903/407 (28.01.1999 Gazette 1999/04)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT (30) Priority: 18.07.1997 GB 9715197 19.12.1997 GB 9726952 07.07.1998 GB 9814727 (71) Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED Cardiff CF3 0LT (GB)	(72) Inventors: GOBLE, Nigel Mark Castleton,Nr Cardiff CF3 8SB (GB) GOBLE, Colin Charles Owen Penarth,South Glamorgan CF64 1AT (GB) SYROP, Alan Nigel Llandaff CF5 2lD,Cardiff (GB) (74) Representative: Pratt, David Martin et al Withers & Rogers,Goldings House,2 Hays Lane London SE1 2HW London SE1 2HW (GB)