(19)

(11)

EP 1 006 894 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 14.06.2000 Bulletin 2000/24 (21) Application number: 97941377.0 (22) Date of filing: 28.08.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 17/20 (86) International application number: PCT/US9715/197 (87) International publication number: WO 9808/448 (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. Claremont, CA 91711 (US)	(72) Inventors: COCHRAN, Bruce, Robert St. Charles, MO 63304 (US) EBERHARDT, Christopher, Michael Fort Worth, TX 76132 (US) PAINTER, John, A. Bridgeton, MO 63044 (US) (74) Representative: Bowman, Paul Alan  LLOYD WISE, TREGEAR & CO.,Commonwealth House,1-19 New Oxford Street London WC1A 1LW London WC1A 1LW (GB)