(19)

(11)

EP 1 087 704 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 25.01.2001 (43) Date of publication: 04.04.2001 Bulletin 2001/14 (21) Application number: 00914904.8 (22) Date of filing: 09.03.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 17/22 (86) International application number: PCT/US0006/259 (87) International publication number: WO 0056/230 (28.09.2000 Gazette 2000/39)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 19.03.1999 US 273311 (71) Applicant: Boston Scientific Limited St. Michael (BB)	(72) Inventors: HIRST, Paul, A. Liberty Lake, WA 99019 (US) HIBLAR, Tom Everett, WA 98205 (US) WENTZEL, David Issaquah, WA 98027 (US) (74) Representative: Harrison, David Christopher et al MEWBURN ELLISYork House23 Kingsway London WC2B 6HP London WC2B 6HP (GB)