HydroCision Announces Issuance of Additional US Patent for its Fluidjet Technology

ANDOVER, Mass., February 23, 2004 – HydroCision, Inc., the leading provider of hydrosurgery equipment enabling fast, safe, and effective surgical procedures, today announced that it has been awarded its eighth United States patent. The patent (U.S. patent 6,669,710) covers the invention of instruments combining cutting, grinding, or ablating with a liquid cutting jet or rotating component. It adds to the scope of an earlier patent (U.S. patent 6,511,493), which defines a new technology platform for powering rotating surgical instruments. Currently, surgeons cut, grind, ablate, polish, drill or screw in surgical applications either with electric or pneumatic instruments. HydroCision’s proprietary technology incorporates a fluidjet-driven turbine that combines the high torque power of electric devices and the smoothness of pneumatic instruments – eliminating the need for surgeons to compromise between precise control and power. This balance between the precise control and smooth operation within the SpineJet Hydrosurgery system enables neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons to approach sensitive areas with confidence. HydroCision’s technology has applications in orthopedic, neuro, spine, plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures.

“This is a significant extension of our current technology, combining our proprietary fluidjet-based surgical instruments that have been well received in the market with our unique fluidjet turbine technology,” stated Douglas Daniels, President and CEO of HydroCision. “This patent furthers our strategy to expand our line of surgical solutions that add clinical and economic value to patients and physicians in the spine market. We are pleased to add this patent to strengthen our sustainable competitive advantage in the medical device field.“

HydroCision has developed three applications of its hydrosurgery technology – the ExoJet Tissue Management System, for arthroscopic joint surgery, which has been licensed to DePuy Mitek, a Johnson & Johnson Company; the VersaJet Hydrosurgery system, for wound debridement, which has been licensed to Smith & Nephew Wound Management; and for spine surgery, HydroCision offers the SpineJet Hydrosurgery System.

About HydroCision

HydroCision (www.hydrocision.com) is the leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of fluidjet-based surgical tools that are the foundation of a new surgical modality – ‘hydrosurgery’. Hydrosurgery improves patient care by selectively removing tissue, minimizing collateral damage, and improving procedure efficiency. HydroCision believes its proprietary fluidjet technology is the basis of a new surgical modality because of its compelling features and versatility. Incorporated in 1996, the company continues to develop a broad range of fluidjet-based devices to meet the needs of the spine surgeon. Current investors include Zero Stage Capital, Newbury Ventures, and Oxford Bioscience Partners.

HydroCision is a registered trademark of HydroCision, Inc. SpineJet, HydroDrive and The Leader in Hydrosurgery are trademarks of HydroCision, Inc. VersaJet is a registered trademark of Smith & Nephew, Inc. ExoJet is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson.