BOSTON SCIENTIFIC FIRST QTR 2004 NET INCOME INCREASES 100%.

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX), Natick, Mass., has announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2004, as well as preliminary information related to U.S. sales of its TAXUS(TM) Express2(TM) paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent systems in April.

Net sales for the first quarter were $1.082 billion as compared to $807 million for the first quarter of 2003, an increase of 34 percent. Excluding the favorable impact of $58 million of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales were $1.024 billion, an increase of 27 percent.

Reported net income for the quarter increased 100 percent to $194 million, or $0.23 per share (diluted), as compared to $97 million, or $0.11 per share, in the first quarter of 2003. Net income for the prior year included net special charges of $20 million, or $0.03 per share.

The company received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on March 4th to market its TAXUS system in the United States, and it recorded its first commercial sale on March 8th. Net sales of its TAXUS system in the United States for the first quarter were $98 million. Worldwide net sales of all coronary stent systems during the first quarter were $284 million, of which $216 million were TAXUS systems.

"This quarter saw the achievement of a major milestone for Boston Scientific with the successful launch of TAXUS in the U.S.," said Jim Tobin, president and CEO of Boston Scientific. "Our rollout continues to proceed smoothly - with unconstrained supply - and we continue to receive positive feedback from physicians on the performance of this revolutionary technology. The successful launch of TAXUS helped drive us to our first billion-dollar quarter, which was marked by double-digit growth across all our businesses and regions."

Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties.

The company discloses non-GAAP or pro forma financial information that excludes certain items. Non-GAAP financial information may exclude such items as charges related to purchased in-process research and development and certain litigation. Management uses this financial information to establish operational goals, and believes that non-GAAP financial information may assist investors in analyzing the underlying trends in the company's business over time. Investors should consider this non-GAAP financial information in addition to, not as a substitute for, or as superior to, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

For more information, call 508/650-8569 or visit http://www.bostonscientific.com.