ArthroCare Announces Shareholder Approval of Two-For-One Stock Split.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--June 6, 2000

ArthroCare Corporation (Nasdaq:ARTC) today announced that at the company's annual meeting, held June 5, 2000, stockholders approved a previously announced two-for-one split of the company's common stock. ArthroCare's Board of Directors had approved the split in March, 2000 subject to stockholder approval of an increase in authorized common stock which would allow the company to complete the stock split. At the meeting, shareholders approved an increase in authorized shares of ArthroCare's common stock to 75 million shares.

The stock spilt is payable to holders of record as of June 19, 2000. ArthroCare expects its common stock to begin trading on a post-split basis on July 5, 2000.

ArthroCare's products allow surgeons to operate with a high level of precision and control, limiting damage to surrounding tissue and thereby potentially reducing pain and speeding recovery for the patient. The company's products operate at lower temperatures than traditional electrosurgical or laser surgery tools and enable surgeons to remove, shrink or sculpt soft tissue and to seal bleeding vessels.

ArthroCare is a medical device company that develops, manufactures and markets products based on its patented Coblation technology. ArthroCare's soft-tissue surgery systems consist of a controller unit and an assortment of single-use disposable devices that are specialized for specific types of surgery. The company believes its Coblation technology can replace the multiple surgical tools traditionally used in soft-tissue surgery with one multi-purpose surgical system. Coblation technology is applicable across many soft-tissue surgical markets. The company's strategy includes applying its patented Coblation technology to a broad range of soft-tissue surgical markets, including arthroscopic surgery, cosmetic surgery, ear, nose and throat surgery, spinal surgery, neurosurgery, general surgery, and various cardiology applications.

Except for historical information, this press release includes forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the company's fundamental position, continued success of certain product lines and strategies, the strength of the company's market position, and other statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including ArthroCare's Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2000 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2000. Forward-looking statements are indicated by words or phrases such as "anticipates", "estimates", "projects", "believes", "intends", "expects", and similar words and phrases. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations. The company disclaims any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.