American Medical Systems Expands Leadership in Prosthetic Urology Market with Launch of AMS 700CXR.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2003

Enhanced device easier to implant and designed for improved fit

for men with erectile dysfunction 

American Medical Systems (Nasdaq:AMMD), the world leader in erectile restoration devices, today announced the U.S. market launch of the AMS 700CXR(TM) Penile Prosthesis, an advanced solution designed for the most challenging surgical cases and re-insertion procedures.

With the addition of the CXR to the AMS 700(TM) series of penile prostheses, American Medical Systems offers surgeons the most comprehensive portfolio of products to treat the nearly 100 million men worldwide who suffer from ED.

"The CXR is offered with AMS' exclusive InhibiZone antibiotic surface treatment and therefore offers surgeons the best solution for the most complicated implantation surgeries," said Douglas W. Kohrs, president and chief executive officer of American Medical Systems. "We are excited to be offering physicians another product to improve the lives of their patients. While we already offer the broadest range of erectile restoration implants, this new product extends the benefit of our technology to even more men."

"The CXR is ideal for the most difficult surgical cases," said L. Dean Knoll, M.D., medical director at the Center for Urological Treatment and Research in Nashville, TN. "The solid proximal tip, which adds rigidity, is specifically designed for the patient with extensive scarring in the penile erectile bodies."

"The CXR benefits both the patient and the physician because the device's reconfigured tip may actually reduce the total time of the surgery and eliminate associated reconstructive procedures," added Dr. Knoll. "In addition, the CXR's fabric enables a controlled expansion, resulting in increased girth and improved aesthetic result for the patient and his partner. This device offers a definitive solution for every patient suffering from impotence."

A penile implant is the only option that actually cures ED, particularly valuable for men who are impotent as a result of diabetes or prostate cancer surgery. Penile implants regularly receive a greater than 90 percent satisfaction rate among ED treatments. A recent study in the Journal of Urology found that men with penile implants reported a patient satisfaction rate of 94 percent, nearly double that of Viagra and other therapies. More information on ED can be found at www.cure-ed.org.

The AMS 700 CXR joins the AMS 700CX(TM), AMS 700CSM(TM) and the AMS 700 Ultrex(R) in the AMS 700 Series.

More than 200,000 men have experienced improved relationships and a better quality of life with American Medical System's erectile restoration devices since the company's first penile implant was introduced in 1973.

About American Medical Systems

American Medical Systems (Nasdaq:AMMD), headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, is a world leader in medical devices and procedures to cure incontinence, excessive uterine bleeding, erectile dysfunction (ED), and urinary obstructions caused primarily by benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) or strictures. Although not life threatening, these disorders can significantly diminish one's quality of life and profoundly affect social relationships. In recent years the number of people seeking treatment has increased markedly as a result of longer lives, higher quality-of-life expectations, and greater awareness of new treatment alternatives. More information about the company and its products can be found at its website www.AmericanMedicalSystems.com and in its SEC filings.