SRS Medical Purchases Influence In-Flow Continence Device from American Medical Systems.

Business/Technology Editors and Health/Medical Writers

BURLINGTON, Mass.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 7, 2001

SRS Medical Systems, Inc. today announced an agreement whereby it purchased all rights to the Influence In-Flow(TM) continence device from American Medical Systems, Inc. (AMS) (NASDAQ:AMMD).

The In-Flow product is an intraurethral device for use by women with incontinence related to atonic bladder, a condition that results in loss of bladder sensation and control. Over 250,000 U.S. women suffer from atonic bladder, usually as a consequence of multiple sclerosis, stroke or other neurological disorders. Most women with atonic bladder use intermittent or indwelling urinary catheters, although catheter use is associated with an increased risk of infection. The In-Flow device allows its users or their caregivers to control the timing of urinary voiding without the need for catheters or drainage bags.

The In-Flow device consists of a miniature valve-pump assembly in a silicone housing. Typically, a nurse or other caregiver inserts a device into the user's urethra, where it occludes the flow of urine to provide continence. To void, the user or her caregiver holds a remote control over the lower pelvic area and presses a button. This activates the pump, resulting in flow-rate comparable to normal micturition.

Kevin M. Connolly, President and CEO of SRS Medical states, "The In-Flow technology is truly transformational, with a unique ability to empower many women with atonic bladder. SRS Medical is pleased to be assuming responsibility for this device and we are committed to making it widely available."

Douglas Kohrs, President and CEO of American Medical Systems, shares Mr. Connolly's sentiment, "I am pleased that an appropriate home has been found for the In-Flow product. A company like SRS Medical, who will work with patients and providers to ensure the product's presence and success in the incontinence marketplace, is truly a victory for all of the patients who have benefited and will, in the future, benefit from the solution that the In-Flow product offers."

The In-Flow device was developed by Influence Medical Technologies Ltd., an Israeli manufacturer who was subsequently acquired by AMS. Key design aspects, including its magnetic activation, etc. are patented worldwide. The In-Flow device has received CE Mark approval. (The CE Mark is the symbol used to indicate that a particular product complies with the relevant European regulatory requirements and has achieved a satisfactory level of safety, and thus may be freely marketed throughout the European Community.) Although it is not yet approved for sale in the U.S., FDA clinical trials have recently been completed.

SRS Medical offers a comprehensive set of proprietary products for the non-invasive treatment of incontinence, a condition that significantly affects the quality-of-life of over 16,000,000 Americans. SRS Medical's corporate offices are located in Burlington, Massachusetts. Their sales and manufacturing facilities are located in Redmond, Washington. For additional information on SRS Medical or its products, visit http://www.srsmedical.com

American Medical Systems, headquartered in Minneapolis, is a medical technology company dedicated to surgeon-choice urologic solutions for male and female incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and obstructions related to prostate disease. For additional information on AMS or its products, visit http://www.visitams.com