Appeal No. 1998-2830
Application No. 08/558,006
coronary artery.” Contrary to the view of the examiner, it is
our opinion that this recitation constitutes functional
limitations upon the claimed structure that cannot be ignored
as being directed to intended use.
EPO ‘366 discloses a catheter formed into “the
conventional J-shape” (column 3, line 52). Insofar as the
coronary arteries are concerned, the disclosed shape would
appear to limit the use of this catheter to removable lodging
in the left coronary artery only, and we find no explanation
in the disclosure that would indicate otherwise. This being
the case, the reference does not anticipate the structure
recited in claim 11, which requires that the catheter be
capable of lodging in the ostium of the right coronary artery
while impinging against the opposite wall of the aorta.
The rejection therefore cannot be sustained.
REMAND TO THE EXAMINER
Beginning on page 5 of the specification, the appellant
discusses the “Arani-type Double Loop” guide catheter, which
is shown in the drawings in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C. As is
evident from Figure 2B, the Arani catheter is adapted to
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