(19)

(11)

EP 1 041 923 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 11.10.2000 Bulletin 2000/41 (21) Application number: 98960018.4 (22) Date of filing: 15.12.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 5/00, A61B 5/024 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9803/757 (87) International publication number: WO 9932/030 (01.07.1999 Gazette 1999/26)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT NL (30) Priority: 22.12.1997 GB 9727085 10.06.1998 GB 9812540 (71) Applicant: BTG INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (Company No. 2664412) London EC4M 7SB (GB)	(72) Inventors: SMITH, Peter Richard Loughborough,Leicestershire LE11 3JR (GB) HAYES, Matthew James Loughborough,Leicestershire LE11 6NG (GB) (74) Representative: Buttrick, Richard  BTG International Limited,10 Fleet Place London EC4M 7SB London EC4M 7SB (GB)