World's First Series of Robotically Assisted Surgeries Performed to Treat ``Sweaty Palm Syndrome''.

Business Editors

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 2000

ZEUS(TM) Robotic Surgical System Expands Into Minimally Invasive

Thoracic Surgeries for Improved Patient Outcomes

Computer Motion Inc. (Nasdaq:RBOT), the pioneer and leader in medical robotics, today announced that two leading surgeons from L'Institut Mutualiste Montsouris (Paris, France) have performed the world's first series of robotically assisted sympathetomy procedures to surgically treat palmar hyperhidrosis, commonly known as "sweaty palm syndrome."

Dr. Dominique Gossot first performed the procedure on an 18-year-old male. Professor Francois Laborde, M.D., a pediatric cardiac surgeon, followed his success performing the same procedure on a 14-year-old female. In this minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon severs the sympathetic trunk inside the thorax (chest) between the second and fourth sympathetic ganglions.

Severe hyperhidrosis is diagnosed in patients who experience excessive sweating above and beyond any normal physiologic needs. "This can result in great social embarrassment and can also interfere with many occupations," said Gossot. "The thoracoscopic sympathetomy has proven very effective in controlling hyperhidrosis with minimal complications and good long-term results. This minimally invasive treatment did not gain widespread acceptance until the early 1990's. With the development of a less invasive, thoracoscopic procedure, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of patients referred for surgical sympathetomies."

Gossot continued: "The ZEUS System was very effective in this procedure -- both in surgical performance and ease of integration. The operating room staff can set up the entire ZEUS System in less than 15 minutes, and my standard surgical protocol can be followed. To date, I have completed three procedures and plan to continue using this technology in patients with similar indications. In the near future, I expect to evolve to performing more advanced thoracoscopic surgery procedures with the ZEUS System."

Dr. Laborde, who has used the ZEUS system to perform a series of minimally invasive pediatric procedures in addition to the sympathetomy, explained: "The voice-controlled robotic visualization of the ZEUS System allows the surgeon to maintain direct control over the operative view and to provide predictable scope movements. Simple voice commands make controlling the robot very natural and seamless. The advanced ZEUS robotic instruments easily allow endoscopic manipulations in operative fields that would otherwise be difficult to reach. The ergonomic design of the system delivers comfortable working conditions with the surgeon seated and arms well supported."

Robert W. Duggan, chairman and CEO of Computer Motion, commented: "To be successful with advanced endoscopy, the surgeon and staff must take a gradient approach to learning new surgical techniques and procedures. Computer Motion developed the EVOLVE(TM) Surgical Continuum to facilitate a safe and quick pathway for surgical teams to become familiarized with robotics in their standard minimally invasive techniques, which will lead them to new minimally invasive procedures with the ZEUS Robotic Surgical System. We are proud to have L'Institut Mutualiste Montsouris demonstrating the effectiveness of the EVOLVE Surgical Continuum and to see their world-class surgeons pioneering new robotic surgical treatments for their patients," Duggan added.

Computer Motion is a high-tech medical device company evolving surgical practices to enhance patient lives. The company develops, manufactures and markets proprietary computer-enhanced and robotic surgical systems, which enhance surgeons' capabilities, improve outcomes and reduce costs. Computer Motion's products include the voice-controlled AESOP(R) endoscope positioning system; the HERMES(TM) Control Center, a centralized system which enables the surgeon to voice control a network of "smart" medical devices; and the ZEUS(TM) Robotic Surgical System for new minimally invasive microsurgery procedures, such as endoscopic, beating heart bypass surgery. The ZEUS System is CE-Marked for commercial sale in the European Community and is co-marketed by Computer Motion and Medtronic (NYSE:MDT). Computer Motion has completed an FDA-approved Phase 1 Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) coronary bypass study and has initiated an IDE mitral valve surgery and general laparoscopic studies with the ZEUS System. Also, the company has begun the second phase of its tubal reanastomosis study. The company's Web site is www.ComputerMotion.com.

This press 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.