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American Medical Systems to Significantly Expand GreenLight(TM) Laser Therapy in Europe

Posted on: Wednesday, 21 March 2007, 09:03 CDT

American Medical Systems Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMMD) is using the occasion of the 2007 EAU Congress in Berlin, Germany to introduce the addition of GreenLight laser therapy to its portfolio of pelvic health solutions in Europe. The Congress will also witness the European launch of the GreenLight High-Performance System (HPS), the latest technical innovation designed to increase the range of treatable gland sizes and reduce surgical time.

"The acquisition of GreenLight laser therapy is a truly strategic investment for AMS," said American Medical Systems' President and Chief Executive Officer, Martin J. Emerson. "For over 30 years, our singular vision has always been to provide innovative pelvic health solutions to physicians and their patients. The global reach of AMS enables us to bring the benefits of GreenLight, which is becoming the new gold standard for BPH treatment, to more patients than ever before." AMS acquired GreenLight as part of its recent purchase of Laserscope, and the laser therapy business has been fully integrated into AMS.

More than one million men worldwide seek surgical treatment each year for obstructive benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a natural and non-cancerous condition where the prostate grows and obstructs ordinary urethral function requiring tissue removal for patient relief. GreenLight laser therapy has been rapidly adopted as an alternative to more invasive surgical procedures, such as TURP, by physicians around the world for its efficacy, safety and patient comfort.

"I have treated over 600 patients using GreenLight laser therapy," said Dr. Fernando Gomez Sancha of Instituto de Cirugia Urologica Avanzada in Madrid, "and after our outstanding results, we decided to stop using the traditional surgical treatments of TURP and open prostatectomy. It is so evident that GreenLight is superior in many ways. This laser is reshaping prostatic surgery in the same way lithotripsy reshaped stone surgery." Adds Mr. Gordon Muir, Consultant Urological Surgeon, King's College Hospital, London, "The excellent symptom benefits, safety profiles, and durability of the GreenLight system have been so impressive that we have abandoned TURP in our institution. With the advent of the new GreenLight HPS system, we have the ability to treat more challenging patients safely within a shorter time period. It also allows more efficient patient processing for busy clinics, while yielding results at least as good as the previous device. There is little doubt in my mind that we stand at the beginning of a new era in the treatment of prostate disease."

Attendees of the 2007 EAU Congress in Berlin March 21-24 can visit the AMS Booth (No.15/11) to learn more about GreenLight, attend a satellite symposium, participate in a wet lab demonstration, view live laser surgery and register for additional GreenLight laser therapy training. AMS, a Platinum Sponsor of the 2007 Congress, will have Martin J. Emerson, President and CEO, and Ross A. Longhini, COO, in attendance during the event.

Emerson concluded, "We are pleased to share our passion for pelvic health innovation with physicians at this year's EAU Congress. Together with our physician partners, we will improve the lives of 375,000 patients around the world in 2007 and GreenLight laser therapy is an important part of that mission."

About American Medical Systems

American Medical Systems, headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota and including its recently concluded acquisition of Laserscope, 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 treat approximately 240,000 patients in 2006.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to the market opportunities, future products, sales and financial results of American Medical Systems and Laserscope and the combined business. These statements and other statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical fact are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are based on management's beliefs, certain assumptions and current expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as successfully competing against competitors; physician acceptance, endorsement, and use of AMS and Laserscope products; potential product recalls; successful integration of Laserscope into AMS' business; successfully managing increased debt leverage and related credit facility financial covenants; factors impacting the stock market and share price and its impact on the dilution of convertible securities, reliance on single or sole-sourced suppliers; successful upgrade of global software system; loss or impairment of a principal manufacturing facility; clinical and regulatory matters; timing and success of new product introductions; patient acceptance of the Company's products and therapies; changes in and adoption of reimbursement rates; adequate protection of the Company's intellectual property rights; product liability claims; and other risks and uncertainties described in AMS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006, Laserscope's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and the Company's other SEC filings. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and AMS undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which any such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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 2006 and its other SEC filings.

Source: Business Wire

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