CEO of Minimally Invasive Surgery Corp. Presents Scientific Paper at Annual Meeting of American Back Society; More Than 500 Medical Specialists in Attendance.

CAMARILLO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 28, 1998--Minimally Invasive Surgery Corp. (OTC BB:BACK) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John C. Chiu, M.D., participated as a faculty member, speaker and presenter at the annual meeting of the American Back Society in Las Vegas, Dec. 10-12, 1998.

As a leading practitioner and researcher in the field of minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS), Chiu presented his surgical techniques, along with the results of hundreds of surgical cases, utilizing Endoscopic Thormodiscoplasty, an outpatient procedure he has refined for patients suffering from severe back pain.

In many instances, this short outpatient "Band-Aid" procedure has proven to relieve serious back pain and the need for major spinal surgery, which is traditionally more expensive and has significantly longer and more painful recovery with less consistent results.

On behalf of the ABS, Chiu presented the results of a survey of the membership on MISS of the American Back Society. This scientific survey was intended to evaluate the attitudes among professionals and future trends in back care in the United States. By nearly 100 percent consensus on MISS, the following conclusions were drawn from the survey regarding the future of MISS in the United States:

-- "The consensus is that MISS will become the method of choice for

spinal-surgical treatment"; -- "More financial resources should be provided for developing and

promoting MISS"; -- "Formal training of qualified MISS professionals and the

development of regional MISS centers are recommended."

The survey results firmly reinforced the goals and strategies of Minimally Invasive Surgery Corp. to establish itself as a leader in the field of MISS and pain management.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Corp. is the parent of Chiu Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Inc. (CMIS), a Practice Equity Expansion (PEX) company specializing in the development of a national network of MISS and pain management/rehabilitation centers.

Chiu stated: "Our goal is to create a new system of comprehensive regional specialty medical centers, without walls and without beds. We intend to grow by acquiring the assets of existing neuro and orthopedic spinal-surgery practices and develop CMIS centers within these practices in conjunction with long-term management agreements.

"The network will be built upon the foundation of these established surgical/medical and rehabilitation practices. We will respond to the growing demand for minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS), and intend to establish CMIS as a leader in this field."

Except for the descriptions of historical facts contained herein, statements in this news release concerning future results, performance or expectations are forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or developments could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those described from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere, including the company's limited operating history; risks associated with combined operations; risks relating to acquisitions and managing growth; dependence on affiliated physicians; dependence on managed-care organizations and risks associated with capitated arrangements, including potential reductions in reimbursement; competition, regulatory risks, risks relating to credit facility and substantial leverage; and other risks.