NATICK, Mass., July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today announced the U.S. launch of its iLab™ Ultrasound Imaging System. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) allows physicians to see images inside the heart and inside coronary and peripheral arteries to assist with diagnosis. The Company, the worldwide market leader in IVUS technology, will make the system available immediately.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060714/NEF007 )

This first system of its kind, the iLab™ Ultrasound Imaging System can be directly installed into the cardiac catheterization lab or radiology suite, enabling physicians to quickly and easily incorporate IVUS technology into their procedures every day. The system's tableside controller gives physicians control of the device within the sterile field, and the unique Dynamic Review™ feature enhances image interpretation. The system's touch panel provides an intuitive user interface with prompts that correspond to the particular stage of the procedure. In addition, the easy-to-upgrade platform allows for future innovation to keep pace with a fast-moving health care environment.

"With the introduction of more sophisticated medical devices such as drug-eluting stents, physicians are treating more complex cases than ever before," said Paul Teirstein, M.D., of Scripps Green Hospital in LaJolla, CA. "That makes the iLab Ultrasound Imaging System an even more important part of my practice. Now I can obtain the images I need quickly and easily. This lets me routinely quantitate the patient's disease, and make an informed diagnosis."

With IVUS, a tiny catheter is inserted into the heart or into a coronary or peripheral vessel where high-frequency sound waves reflect off tissue or vessel walls. The reflected sound waves create a cross-sectional image from within the vessel or heart to aid in visualizing vessel and heart structure. IVUS technology also provides physicians with a better understanding of blocked vessels, which allows for proper selection and placement of stents and other devices to restore blood flow at the site of the blockage.

"Boston Scientific is making it easier for physicians to use IVUS technology every day," said Hank Kucheman, President of Boston Scientific's Interventional Cardiology business. "Historically, a barrier to regular IVUS usage has been the need for more user-friendliness. By installing the system right into the lab and putting controls into their hands, physicians now have immediate access to this important technology."

In addition to the introduction of this new IVUS system, Boston Scientific also offers extensive training and education with its iLearn™ Education Series. Designed for physicians, fellows, nurses and technologists, the iLearn series consists of classroom and hands-on courses that build knowledge and confidence to incorporate IVUS into daily practice. The combination of technology that is easy to use and a care delivery team with enhanced skills will help IVUS become a routine diagnostic choice for enhanced patient care.

Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties. For more information, please visit: http://www.bostonscientific.com/.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Boston Scientific wishes to caution the reader of this press release that actual results may differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be adversely affected by, among other things, risks associated with new product development and commercialization, clinical trials, intellectual property, regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, Boston Scientific's overall business strategy, and other factors described in Boston Scientific's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

  CONTACT: Milan Kofol
           508-650-8569
           Investor Relations
           Boston Scientific Corporation

           Eric Olson
           508-652-5367
           Media Relations
           Boston Scientific Corporation

SOURCE: Boston Scientific Corporation

CONTACT: Milan Kofol, Investor Relations, +1-508-650-8569, or Eric Olson,
Media Relations, +1-508-652-5367, both of Boston Scientific Corporation

Web site: http://www.bostonscientific.com/