(19)
(11) EP 2 401 968 B8

(12) CORRECTED EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION
Note: Bibliography reflects the latest situation

(15) Correction information:
Corrected version no 1 (W1 B1)

(48) Corrigendum issued on:
15.03.2017 Bulletin 2017/11

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
30.03.2016 Bulletin 2016/13

(21) Application number: 11002496.5

(22) Date of filing: 30.12.2003
(27) Previously filed application:
 30.12.2003 PCT/US03/41853
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A61B 17/04(2006.01)
A61B 17/068(2006.01)
A61B 17/88(2006.01)
 A61B 17/064(2006.01)
A61B 17/34(2006.01)

(54)

Surgical instruments

Chirurgische Instrumente

Instruments chirurgicales

(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

(30) Priority: 31.12.2002 US 335491

(43) Date of publication of application:
04.01.2012 Bulletin 2012/01

(62) Application number of the earlier application in accordance with Art. 76 EPC:
03815022.3 / 1578283

(73) Proprietor: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
Memphis, TN 38116 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Harvie, Fraser
    St. Leonards, East Kilbride Glasgow, G74 2EQ (GB)
  • Smith, Graham
    Plaistow New Hampshire 03865 (US)
  • Sample, Phillip B.
    Arlington Massachusetts 02474 (US)
  • McCarthy, Gary R.
    East Bridgewater Massachusetts 02333 (US)
  • James, Adam
    Talbot Green - RCT South Wales, CF 72 8JE (GB)
  • Richardson, Peter
    Oakham Rutland, LE15 8QU (GB)
  • Carter, Sally L.
    N.Attleboro Massachusetts 02761 (US)

(74) Representative: Smith & Nephew 
Group Research Centre York Science Park Heslington
York YO10 5DF
York YO10 5DF (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
WO-A-02/00119
 WO-A-97/13461
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).