CUPERTINO, Calif., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.
(CTS) (Nasdaq: CTSI) today announced the launch of its OPCAB(TM) (Off-Pump
Coronary Artery Bypass) Patient Registry.  The goal of the OPCAB(TM) Patient
Registry is to collect and analyze prospective outcomes data based on patients
undergoing off-pump, minimally invasive coronary bypass heart surgery.  The
data will include pre-, intra- and post operative information for beating
heart coronary bypass procedures.
    CTS has partnered with a leading clinical research organization, Premier
Research Worldwide, to house and monitor the database.  A steering committee
of leading minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgeons will determine the
analysis and reporting of the OPCAB data.
    Premier Research utilizes state of the art technology to provide high
quality, 'real-time' data capture and analysis.  Premier's technology will
allow customized, direct feedback of data to participating surgeons and
institutions via on-line connection to the OPCAB Patient Registry.
    The OPCAB Patient Registry was piloted in key centers in December 1997
including:  St. Vincent's Hospital, Portland, Oregon; Columbia Hospital
Medical City, Dallas; Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, New York; Long Beach
Memorial Hospital, Long Beach, California; St. Vincent's Hospital,
Indianapolis, Indiana; Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, New York; East Carolina
University Hospital, Greenville, North Carolina; and Christ Hospital,
Cincinnati, Ohio. Along with the initial MIDCAB Patient Registry Centers, full
participation in the OPCAB Registry is now available to eligible centers.
    Richard Ferrari, CTS president and CEO, states, "Once again, CTS is
leading the beating heart bypass industry in conducting this monumental
Registry.  The OPCAB Registry is an expansion of the original CTS MIDCAB(TM)
Registry, which has been internationally recognized for the results published
in key peer reviewed journals and presented at major scientific meetings."
    The OPCAB Registry will include data relating to a consecutive series of
patients in centers performing off-pump coronary artery bypass, regardless of
technique or specialized instrumentation.  Patients undergoing single and
multiple vessel bypass, as well as hybrid revascularization (a combination of
angioplasty and bypass surgery), will also be included in this study.  Modules
for assessment of intermediate and long term follow-up for clinical outcomes
and quality of life are included in the registry offering.  This observational
database will help in building a learning curve and understanding of the
potential benefits of off-pump bypass surgery.
    For more information on the CTS OPCAB Patient Registry, CTS MIDCAB Patient
Registry or POEM(TM) (Patency Outcomes and Economics) Study, contact Christine
Carbone, Director of Marketing Communications, at 408-342-1700.
    CardioThoracic Systems, Inc., Cupertino, Calif., is a leading developer of
proprietary technologies in minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery.  The
company's current products are designed to enable cardiothoracic surgeons to
perform minimally invasive (beating heart) bypass surgery.  CTS is also
developing technologies in the areas of minimally invasive valve repair and
replacement and saphenous vein harvesting.  The company's stock is traded on
the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol CTSI.
    This news release contains forward-looking information that involves risks
and uncertainties, including risks relating to the acceptance of the OPCAB
procedure, and the results of the OPCAB procedures, the market acceptance of
the Company's products, competitive technologies and revascularization
techniques, and uncertainties associated with the CTS OPCAB Registry, and the
reliance on favorable clinical data.  Actual results may differ significantly
from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of
those and other factors, including factors set forth in the company's annual
report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March
31, 1997 and the company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 7, 1997.  Copies of the Annual
Report on Form 10-K are available by calling the company's investor relations
department at 408-342-1700.
    For more information on CardioThoracic Systems, Inc. via fax at no cost,
dial 800-PRO-INFO or 908-544-2850 outside the U.S.  Ticker symbol:  CTSI.

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