ArthroCare to Launch CAPSure Arthroscopic Surgical Device; New Technology Enables Faster, Safer Treatment of Shoulder Instability.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--June 17, 1999--

ArthroCare Corporation (Nasdaq:ARTC) will introduce the CAPSure(TM) arthroscopic disposable surgical device based on the company's novel, proprietary PORT(TM) technology at the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) meeting on June 19, 1999.

The CAPSure device is designed for treatment of shoulder instability, the fastest growing subset of the arthroscopic surgical market. Shoulder instability results from a stretching of tissue in the shoulder joint which leaves interconnecting bones loose to slide against each other. The condition has conventionally been repaired in an open surgical procedure but is increasingly being treated arthroscopically.

"ArthroCare's CAPSure surgical device, the first to use our novel PORT tip design, represents the next generation in tissue shrinkage technology," said Michael A. Baker, ArthroCare's president and chief executive officer. "The CAPSure device combines the speed and aggressiveness of a monopolar device with the control and safety of ArthroCare's proven bipolar technology."

ArthroCare's new, proprietary PORT bipolar technology uses low level radio-frequency (RF) energy to create precisely controlled temperatures in soft tissue, causing collagen fibers to realign without causing tissue necrosis. The bipolar modality of the technology also precisely controls the depth of energy penetration by drawing current back to the tool before it has penetrated too deeply, further protecting collateral soft tissue from thermal damage.

In addition, the long handle and malleable shaft of the CAPSure disposable tool offer enhanced access in a variety of surgical situations.

ArthroCare has developed a broad technology platform for operating on soft tissue. In addition to the newly introduced PORT technology, ArthroCare's platform also includes a patented tissue removal technology, called Coblation(TM). Coblation and PORT technologies use radio frequency (RF) energy to remove or shrink tissue more precisely and safely than with traditional electro- or laser-surgery.

Surgery assisted with these technologies has the potential to improve operative precision and efficiency compared with many standard surgical techniques and thereby reduce pain and speed recovery.

ArthroCare Corporation is a medical device company redefining the standard in soft tissue surgery by developing, manufacturing, and marketing patented Coblation(TM) and PORT technologies that allow surgeons to operate with increased precision and accuracy, with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. The company's systems are being used to perform many types of closed joint surgery, and have recently been introduced for use in cosmetic surgery and ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery.

ArthroCare's long-term strategy includes applying its patented platform technology to a broad range of other soft tissue surgical markets including various cardiology applications and the fields of urology, gynecology, and oral and general surgery. ArthroCare's web site can be found at www.arthrocare.com.

Except for historical information, this press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the uncertainty of FDA approval, timing of product launch, uncertainty of product acceptance by physicians, and risks as detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including ArthroCare's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 1999. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations.