Biopsys Medical Introduces 11-Gauge Probe And MicroMark Clip.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 1996--Biopsys Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIOP) today announced that it has introduced two new products to augment the performance of its Mammotome(R) Biopsy System.

These products include the new 11-gauge Mammotome probe and MicroMark(TM) Clip, which will enable physicians to take larger breast biopsy tissue samples and mark the biopsy site for subsequent follow-up.

"We are excited about the addition of these new products to the Biopsys family, introduced on schedule," said Steven L. Gex, president and chief executive officer. "Both the 11-gauge probe and the MicroMark Clip will further enhance our leadership position in the introduction of innovative products for the diagnosis of breast cancer."

The 11-gauge probe, which expands upon the capabilities of the original 14-gauge probe, allows a physician performing breast biopsy to thoroughly sample the mammographic evidence of microcalcifications and certain lesions. The new probe also includes three pathology cassettes, facilitating easier collection, identification and tracking of the samples.

The probe can be utilized on any of the approximate 280 Mammotome Systems currently installed throughout the country.

The MicroMark Clip is used with the 11-gauge probe. Once tissue has been extracted by the probe, the surgical clip, a tiny piece of alloy measuring 1 mm by 2 mm, is inserted into the breast through the inner channel of the Mammotome probe. The clip forms a staple and marks the location of the lesion that was sampled. It can be readily spotted on X-rays and indicates the area of orientation of the lesions that were biopsied.

Placement of the MicroMark Clip facilitates radiologic monitoring of biopsy locations that were shown to be benign. In the case of cancerous lesions, the clip makes it easier for the surgeon to return to the site of lesions and surgically remove the cancerous tissue.

According to Dr. Phil Israel, a noted breast surgeon at The Breast Center in Atlanta, "It will be easier for surgeons to adapt to the 11-gauge, because they are accustomed to excising a lesion rather than just sampling it."

Dr. Israel added that the 11-gauge probe is part of a major trend in which "surgeons are moving toward the minimally invasive method for evaluating microcalcifications. The 11-gauge allows us to accurately sample by removing the calcifications, which is a great comfort to patients, and it makes follow-up a little easier when the calcifications are benign, because there are no remaining calcifications to monitor."

Biopsys Medical, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of products for the diagnosis and management of breast cancer. Through its principal product, the Mammotome Biopsy System, the Company offers a less-invasive, cost-effective alternative to open surgical biopsy.

CONTACT: Biopsys Medical, Inc.

Steve Naber, 714/460-7800

or

Morgen-Walke Associates, Inc.

Doug Sherk/Jenifer Kirtland/Jon Squire, 415/296-7383

Elissa Grabowski/Emily Dupree, 212/850-5600