(19)

(11)

EP 1 028 666 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 23.08.2000 Bulletin 2000/34 (21) Application number: 97946564.8 (22) Date of filing: 04.11.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 17/64 (86) International application number: PCT/US9720/258 (87) International publication number: WO 9922/661 (14.05.1999 Gazette 1999/19)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (71) Applicant: Smith & Nephew Richards Inc Memphis, Tennessee 38116 (US)	(72) Inventor: ORSAK, James, E. Memphis, TN 38135 (US) (74) Representative: Draggett, Peter Thornton  Group Patents & Trade Marks Dept.,Smith & Nephew Group Research Centre,York Science Park Heslington,York Y010 5DF Heslington,York Y010 5DF (GB)