(19)

(11)

EP 1 011 430 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 28.06.2000 Bulletin 2000/26 (21) Application number: 97917730.0 (22) Date of filing: 31.03.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 5/02, A61B 5/0215, A61B 5/022, A61B 5/026, A61B 5/0275 (86) International application number: PCT/US9705/222 (87) International publication number: WO 9737/589 (16.10.1997 Gazette 1997/44)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 04.04.1996 US 14864 P 28.08.1996 GB 9617950 27.02.1997 US 38307 P (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventor: SHEN, You-Tang Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Hiscock, Ian James  European Patent Department,Merck & Co., Inc.,Terlings Park,Eastwick Road Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR (GB)