(19)

(11)

EP 1 017 311 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/28 (21) Application number: 98949360.6 (22) Date of filing: 17.09.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 5/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9819/378 (87) International publication number: WO 9915/074 (01.04.1999 Gazette 1999/13)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE (30) Priority: 23.09.1997 US 59749 P (71) Applicant: Mallinckrodt Inc. St. Louis, MO 63134 (US)	(72) Inventor: RALSTON, William, H. St. Charles, MO 63304 (US) (74) Representative: Jones, Alan John et al CARPMAELS & RANSFORD43 Bloomsbury Square London, WC1A 2RA London, WC1A 2RA (GB)