NATICK, Mass., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today announced that it has received the European CE Mark for its new Artisan™ 2x8 Surgical Lead for use with the Precision™ Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) System. This surgical or "paddle" lead potentially expands the application of the Company's neurostimulation technology to an additional 20 percent of people with chronic pain of the limbs, back or trunk who may require the new lead.

The Artisan 2x8 Surgical Lead features 16 tightly spaced contacts in a two-column array that are connected to the Precision implantable pulse generator. This enables each of the 16 Artisan lead contacts to be independently powered and controlled.

"The Artisan lead addresses the needs of those patients who require the stability of a surgical lead to reap the benefits of the precise stimulation technology," said James Akinwunmi, consultant Neurosurgeon -- special interest in Pain Management from the Princess Royal Hospital in West Sussex, United Kingdom. "The combination of the Artisan lead with the Precision System makes neurostimulation accessible to more patients with chronic pain."

The Precision SCS System is a small implantable neuromodulation device that can be easily programmed to fit each patient's needs. It provides pain relief by delivering electric signals that mask the pain by inducing a tingling sensation called paresthesia. Patients can control their pain in a targeted fashion using a convenient remote control that activates the device.

"The innovative Artisan Surgical Lead enables physicians to use the Precision SCS System in an additional estimated 20 percent of chronic pain sufferers who require the features of a paddle lead to benefit from our novel technology," said Ed Northup, President of Boston Scientific's Pain Management business. "Neurostimulation offers a safe alternative for sufferers of chronic pain, particularly as it avoids the side effects of painkillers."

In Europe, one in five people suffers from moderate to severe chronic pain, and one in three is unable or less able to maintain an independent lifestyle due to their pain. Between one-half and two-thirds of people with chronic pain are less able or unable to exercise, enjoy normal sleep, perform household chores, attend social activities, drive a car or walk.

Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties. The Neuromodulation Group is a global leader in the development of implantable, high-technology neurostimulation devices that include treatments for deafness and chronic pain. For more information, please visit: http://www.bostonscientific.com/ or http://www.controlyourpain.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, integration of acquired companies, Boston Scientific's overall business strategy, and other factors described in Boston Scientific's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

  CONTACT:
  Dan Brennan
  508-650-8538 (office)
  Investor Relations
  Boston Scientific Corporation

  Paul Donovan
  508-650-8541 (office)
  508-667-5165 (mobile)
  Media Relations
  Boston Scientific Corporation

SOURCE: Boston Scientific Corporation

CONTACT: Dan Brennan, Investor Relations, +1-508-650-8538, or Paul
Donovan, Media Relations, +1-508-650-8541, +1-508-667-5165 [mobile], both of
Boston Scientific Corporation

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