(19)

(11)

EP 1 216 002 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 26.06.2002 Bulletin 2002/26 (21) Application number: 99925826.2 (22) Date of filing: 25.05.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 17/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9911/530 (87) International publication number: WO 0071/037 (30.11.2000 Gazette 2000/48)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT (71) Applicant: Chinn, Douglas O. Arcadia, CA 91006 (US)	(72) Inventor: Chinn, Douglas O. Arcadia, CA 91006 (US) (74) Representative: Wagner, Karl H., Dipl.-Ing.  WAGNER & GEYERPatentanwälteGewürzmühlstrasse 5 80538 München 80538 München (DE)