Computer Motion -- World's First Baby Born Following Robotically Assisted Surgery.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 28, 1999--

Computer Motion's ZEUS(TM) Robotic Surgical System Assists Surgeons in

Performing Fully Endoscopic Fallopian Tube Reconnection Surgery

Computer Motion Inc. (Nasdaq:RBOT), the world leader in medical robotics, Tuesday announced the successful delivery of the first baby born as a result of a robotically assisted fallopian tube reconnection operation.

The fallopian tube reconnection procedure (tubal reanastomosis) was performed last July by Tommaso Falcone, MD, head of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Section at the Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland), using Computer Motion's ZEUS(TM) Robotic Surgical System as part of an FDA-approved clinical trial.

The patient, a 38-year-old woman, and her healthy 10-day-old son are both in excellent condition and have returned to their Cleveland-area home. The mother had originally undergone a tubal ligation sterilization operation in her twenties. She and her fiance later wished to have a child together and began preparing for a reversal operation.

The patient saw an advertisement for the ZEUS study and consulted with Falcone, the investigational trial leader. She was informed of the investigational protocol and agreed to have the robotically assisted procedure.

A traditional tubal reanastomosis procedure is typically performed through a large surgical incision; however, the ZEUS System enabled this operation to be performed fully endoscopically through a few incisions, each smaller than the diameter of a pencil.

The benefits of having the sterilization reversal procedure performed with ZEUS include minimal invasion of the body through significantly smaller incisions and shorter recovery periods, as well as less pain and scarring.

Falcone stated: "The ZEUS System allowed me to perform the delicate reconnection of the fallopian tubes with a high level of confidence, effectiveness and safety. All 10 trial patients now have the ability to conceive, with four pregnancies to date. We are excited to offer a minimally invasive surgical option to more women and look forward to continued positive outcomes. I think robotic surgery will make a large impact in the way surgery will be performed."

"One of the truly gratifying aspects of Computer Motion's leadership work in medical robotics is our ability to play a key role in both saving and creating new lives," said Robert W. Duggan, chairman and chief executive officer of Computer Motion. "We congratulate Dr. Falcone and his patient on the successful delivery of a healthy baby boy."

Based on the safety and efficacy demonstrated in the clinical trials, the FDA has approved an extension for Cleveland Clinic to perform 20 more robotically assisted tubal reanastomoses.

Yulun Wang, Ph.D., founder and chief technical officer of Computer Motion, commented: "We have been pursuing clinical applications in a step-wise fashion to maximize patient safety, OR-readiness and clinical utility of our ZEUS technology platform. We are pleased with the FDA's approval for this extension and look forward to demonstrating additional applications of the ZEUS System.

"For these next 20 cases, ZEUS will be used throughout the procedure for cutting and dissecting, in addition to reconnecting the sterilized fallopian tubes."

Computer Motion is creating the cornerstone technologies and products for tomorrow's Intelligent Operating Room(TM). The company develops, manufactures and markets proprietary computer-enhanced and robotic surgical systems that enhance surgeons' capabilities, improve outcomes and reduce costs.

In addition to the ZEUS System, Computer Motion markets the AESOP(R) 3000, a voice-controlled endoscope positioning system, and the HERMES(TM) Control Center, a centralized system that enables the surgeon to voice control a network of "smart" medical devices. The ZEUS System is currently under an FDA-approved investigational device exemption and is CE Marked for commercial sale in Europe.

ZEUS is being co-marketed by Computer Motion and Medtronic (NYSE:MDT). The company's Internet Web site is www.ComputerMotion.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the company's business and products. Actual results may differ materially depending on a number of risk factors, including the risks of competition and competing technologies; duration or suspension of clinical studies; regulatory clearances and approvals; and physician, hospital and payor acceptance of the company's products. These factors and other risks inherent in the company's business are described from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K. The company undertakes no obligation to revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.