(19)

(11)

EP 1 119 301 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 01.08.2001 Bulletin 2001/31 (21) Application number: 99954763.1 (22) Date of filing: 06.10.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 17/32 (86) International application number: PCT/US9923/302 (87) International publication number: WO 0019/919 (13.04.2000 Gazette 2000/15)

(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: 06.10.1998 US 103295 P (71) Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Irvine, CA 92614 (US)	(72) Inventors: SCHNUT, Robert, H. Carmel, NY 10512 (US) PERNA, William, P. Monroe, CT 06484 (US) (74) Representative: Baker, Colin John  Eric Potter ClarksonPark View House58 The Ropewalk Nottingham NG1 5DD Nottingham NG1 5DD (GB)