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American Medical Systems Achieves Unprecedented Milestone in Men's Health

Posted on: Wednesday, 22 February 2006, 12:00 CST

American Medical Systems Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMMD) announced today the 100,000th implant of the AMS 800(TM) Urinary Control System, the industry standard for the treatment of severe urinary incontinence in men worldwide.

Urinary incontinence, or the inability to control urine flow, affects more than 52 million men worldwide. The most severe cases of urinary incontinence are caused by damage to or scarring of the urinary sphincter, rendering men incapable of closing off the urethra and resulting in urine leakage. Often this damage to the sphincter muscle is the result of prostate cancer surgery. A man's quality of life is greatly diminished as the result of urinary incontinence.

"The AMS 800 is the leading surgical treatment option for moderate to severe urinary incontinence in males because of its safety, efficacy and high level of patient satisfaction," stated Martin J. Emerson, President and CEO of American Medical Systems. "Reaching the landmark of 100,000 implants demonstrates that physicians across the globe recognize its benefits and superior clinical outcomes. Urologists continue to utilize our portfolio of surgical and therapeutic solutions with confidence to restore men's health, build self-esteem and improve their patients' quality of life."

The AMS 800 utilizes an innovative, fully implanted technology to restore normal sphincter function by opening and closing the urethra under patient control, thereby offering patients the opportunity to achieve continence. An independent study of the AMS 800 showed that 96 percent of patients would recommend the device to a friend.

Steve Will had the procedure after recovering from prostate cancer. "My quality of life was dramatically improved thanks to my AMS device. It absolutely liberated me and enabled me to train for and complete the San Diego Marathon. I had wanted to do this for quite some time. Thanks to this device, I was able to achieve this dream."

Mr. Emerson added, "Our physician partners around the world have made the AMS 800 the gold standard for treatment for men with moderate to severe urinary incontinence. The physicians implanting the AMS 800 are industry leaders and they demand a "best in class" solution."

"On behalf of AMS, I would like to thank the physicians around the world who have restored the quality of life for thousands of men who have received the AMS 800. These patients, their family and friends are the focus of the employees of the global AMS team as we work to provide superior pelvic health solutions every day."

About the AMS 800

The AMS 800 Urinary Control System is an implant that places an inflatable cuff around the urethra, giving the patient optimal sphincter control.

About American Medical Systems

American Medical Systems, headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota is a diversified supplier of medical devices and procedures to cure erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, incontinence, menorrhagia, prolapse and other pelvic disorders in men and women. These disorders can significantly diminish one's quality of life and profoundly affect social relationships. In recent years, the number of people seeking treatment has increased markedly as a result of longer lives, higher quality-of-life expectations and greater awareness of new treatment alternatives. American Medical Systems' products reduce or eliminate the incapacitating effects of these diseases, often through minimally invasive therapies. The Company's products were used to provide approximately 170,000 patient solutions in 56 countries during 2005.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements about the Company's future product availability and sales are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties including the timing and success of new product introduction; physician acceptance, endorsement, and use of the Company's products; regulatory matters; competitor activities; changes in and adoption of reimbursement rates; potential product recalls and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2005 and its other SEC filings. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

More information about the Company and its products can be found at its website www.AmericanMedicalSystems.com and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2004 and its other SEC filings.

Source: Business Wire

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