LSCP Laserscope (MM)

Clinical Representation in Aesthetics, Urology and Otolaryngology SAN JOSE, Calif., April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Laserscope (NASDAQ:LSCP), a pioneer in the development and commercialization of minimally-invasive medical devices, including medical lasers and advanced fiber-optic delivery devices, will feature prominently its two leading laser technology platforms, the Gemini(R) and GreenLight PV(R) laser systems in a variety of research studies and presentations at the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) 26th Annual Meeting, April 5 - 9, 2006 in Boston, MA. "We are pleased to be the only company at the ASLMS Annual Meeting to have clinical experts present data on our applications in three disciplines: aesthetics, urology and otolaryngology. The presentation of these important findings in this forum is an excellent opportunity to further educate the marketplace about Laserscope's superior technology, broad product applications and numerous patient benefits," said Eric Reuter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Laserscope. "In addition to updates on the current urology and aesthetic product line-up and applications, we are also pleased to see physicians from other specialties finding potentially new applications for high power 532 nm wavelength laser energy. We are looking forward to investigating the potential market size, economics, and technological differentiation that new applications may bring to the Company." Urology Two of the studies presented will report on successful clinical results obtained by urologists using the GreenLight PV laser system to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, or non-cancerous, enlarged prostate, that affects over 2.5 million men in the United States and several times this number internationally. In addition, another study will examine the underlying technology of the GreenLight PV laser system's treatment effects by observing changes in animal soft tissues exposed to 532 nm laser energy. The PVP procedure using the GreenLight PV laser system is a minimally- invasive alternative to the Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) surgical procedure to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. Over 120,000 PVP procedures have been performed worldwide and long-term clinical data has demonstrated that the PVP procedure offers the same clinical outcomes as TURP without the side effects and at a reduced cost. Investigators who will report their findings relating to the GreenLight PV laser system include Po N. Lam, MD, and colleagues from the University of Oklahoma ("High Power KTP Laser Photo-Selective Vaporization Prostatectomy for Large Volume Benign Prostactic Hyperplasia" and "High Power KTP Laser Photo-Selective Vaporization Prostatectomy and Refractory Urinary Retention Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia"). Urologists with extensive clinical experience using the GreenLight PV laser system will also contribute other presentations at the ASLMS Annual Meeting. Nathaniel M. Fried, MD, of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, will give a Laser Innovation Lecture on "The Future of Lasers in Urology." Alexis E. Te, MD, of the Cornell University Weill Medical College, New York, NY, will present a "State of the Art Lecture on Photo-Selective Vaporization of the Prostate," and will also speak on the GreenLight PV laser system in a Point-Counterpoint Session. Ricardo R. Gonzalez, MD, and colleagues, also from the Weill Medical College, will discuss "High-Power KTP Laser Photo-Selective Vaporization Prostatectomy: The Cornell Experience." Aesthetics In the aesthetic medicine section of the ASLMS, several studies will be presented examining the Gemini's use of the 532 nm wavelength for treatment of facial telangiectasia and rosacea, an acne-like skin condition affecting about 13 million people in the United States. These studies reflect increasing clinical interest in the Gemini 532 nm wavelength laser technology. The Gemini, 532 nm wavelength, delivers the high-power, green laser energy that clears redness faster and more effectively than traditional pulsed dye lasers. The Gemini system's 10 mm laser spot size is the largest available, enabling physicians to safely and effectively provide rapid treatments of large surface areas. The spot size is also continuously adjustable from 1 mm to 5 mm so that tiny blood vessels can be eliminated more precisely than with less targeted intense pulsed light systems. Dermatologists at the ASLMS professional program will report new research on the treatment of rosacea-associated erythema using the 532 nm wavelength with the Gemini system. These findings will be presented by Arielle Kauvar, MD, from the New York Laser and Skin Care Center. The effects of Gemini's 532 nm wavelength versus the 595 nm wavelength generated by the pulsed dye laser in the treatment of facial telangiectasia and redness will also be discussed. This study was conducted by Nathan Uebelhoer, MD, and Jeff Dover, MD, at Skin Care Physicians of Chestnut Hill, NJ. Otolaryngology In otolaryngology, L.M. Akst, MD, from Massachusetts General Hospital, Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA will present "Soft-Tissue Effects of Pulsed-KTP Laser on Excised Calf Vocal Folds." This innovative research supports the recent introduction of pulsed KTP laser technology into the realm of vocal cord surgery. About ASLMS The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) was founded in 1980 and is the world's largest professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in patient care by advancing laser applications and related technologies. The Society's membership includes physicians and surgeons representing more than 45 medical specialties, nurses and other allied health care professionals, physicists involved with product development, biomedical engineers, biologists and equipment manufacturers. The Society currently has over 3,000 members, including approximately 550 members who are not in the United States. The ASLMS 26th Annual Meeting will be held in the Sheraton Boston Hotel and Hynes Convention Center. Laserscope will display the Gemini laser system in Technical Exhibit #401. About Laserscope Founded in 1984, Laserscope (NASDAQ:LSCP) is a pioneer in the development and commercialization of minimally-invasive medical devices, including medical lasers and advanced fiber-optic delivery devices for physician offices, outpatient surgical centers and hospitals. The Company's GreenLight(R) PV laser systems are used for the Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) procedure in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The PVP procedure is gaining acceptance as an alternative to Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) for treatment of the enlarged prostate. For more information about Laserscope, please visit http://www.laserscope.com/. Laserscope is an aesthetics solutions provider, delivering value-added technologies, products and services to customers in a variety of medical specialties. Laserscope's light-based products include the Gemini(R) dual wavelength laser system, the Venus(TM) Erbium laser and the Solis(TM) intense pulsed light system. For more information about Laserscope's Aesthetics offerings, please visit http://www.laserscope.com/aesthetic or contact Liz Newman, Director of Aesthetic Marketing, at 408-943-0636 or . Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the safe harbor created by this section. These forward-looking statements include expectations regarding Laserscope's new product offerings, the market opportunity for our aesthetic and surgical products and their competitiveness in that market. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including: uncertainties regarding introduction of new technologies competitive to Laserscope's aesthetic and surgical products and the degree to which our current and new products are accepted by customers, which could affect the level of demand for our products; and risks that patents and licenses that we hold may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented or that we may become the subject of intellectual property litigation. The matters discussed in this press release also involve risks and uncertainties described from time to time in Laserscope's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see the Risk Factors described in Laserscope's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Copies of Laserscope's public disclosure filings with the SEC, including the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the most recent forms 10-Q are available upon request from its Investor Relations Department at its website at http://www.laserscope.com/ and at the SEC's website: http://www.sec.gov/. Laserscope assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release. At Laserscope: At Financial Relations Board: Eric Reuter, President & CEO Tricia Ross, Investor/Analyst Contact Derek Bertocci, CFO (617) 520-7064 (408) 943-0636 Moira Conlon, General Inquiries (310) 854-8311 DATASOURCE: Laserscope CONTACT: Eric Reuter, President & CEO, or Derek Bertocci, CFO, both of Laserscope, +1-408-943-0636; or Investor/Analysts, Tricia Ross, +1-617-520-7064, or General Inquiries, Moira Conlon, +1-310-854-8311, both of Financial Relations Board, for Laserscope Web site: http://www.laserscope.com/aesthetic Web site: http://www.laserscope.com/

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