(19)

(11)

EP 1 006 891 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 14.06.2000 Bulletin 2000/24 (21) Application number: 97940672.5 (22) Date of filing: 28.08.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 17/20 (86) International application number: PCT/US9715/182 (87) International publication number: WO 9808/445 (05.03.1998 Gazette 1998/09)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT (30) Priority: 29.08.1996 US 25498 P 26.09.1996 US 721391 (71) Applicant: Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Inc. Rochester,New York 14604-2701 (US)	(72) Inventors: McCARY, Brian, Douglas St. Louis, MO 63122 (US) METZLER, Michael, Eugene St. Louis, MO 63122 (US) (74) Representative: Bowman, Paul Alan  LLOYD WISE, TREGEAR & CO.,Commonwealth House,1-19 New Oxford Street London WC1A 1LW London WC1A 1LW (GB)