(19)

(11)

EP 1 971 254 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 24.09.2008 Bulletin 2008/39 (21) Application number: 06718147.9 (22) Date of filing: 12.01.2006

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 5/00(2006.01) A61M 25/00(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2006/001036 (87) International publication number: WO 2007/081333 (19.07.2007 Gazette 2007/29)

(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 LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR (71) Applicant: Minnesota Medical Development Inc. Plymouth, MN 55447 (US)	(72) Inventor: NUSS, Stephen Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305 (US) (74) Representative: Charig, Raymond Julian  Potter Clarkson LLP Park View House 58 The Ropewalk Nottingham NG1 5DD Nottingham NG1 5DD (GB)