(19)

(11)

EP 1 773 217 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 18.04.2007 Bulletin 2007/16 (21) Application number: 05755397.6 (22) Date of filing: 29.06.2005

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 17/435(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/GB2005/002536 (87) International publication number: WO 2006/010878 (02.02.2006 Gazette 2006/05)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR (30) Priority: 30.07.2004 GB 0417006 12.08.2004 GB 0417944 (71) Applicant: Smiths Group plc London, NW11 8DS (GB)	(72) Inventors: DABROWSKI, Philip Wimbeldon, London SW19 7HP (GB) HINGLEY, Richard Hythe, Kent CT21 6JU (GB) (74) Representative: Flint, Jonathan McNeill  765 Finchley Road London NW11 8DS London NW11 8DS (GB)