(19)

(11)

EP 1 087 698 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 04.04.2001 Bulletin 2001/14 (21) Application number: 98943383.4 (22) Date of filing: 25.08.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 6/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9817/597 (87) International publication number: WO 9965/394 (23.12.1999 Gazette 1999/51)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT (30) Priority: 16.06.1998 US 97931 (71) Applicant: Banerjee, Bhaskar Columbia, MO 65203 (US)	(72) Inventor: Banerjee, Bhaskar Columbia, MO 65203 (US) (74) Representative: Crawford, Andrew Birkby et al A.A. Thornton & Co.235 High Holborn London WC1V 7LE London WC1V 7LE (GB)