CUPERTINO, Calif., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.
(CTS) (Nasdaq: CTSI) announced that it has received its first patent for a new
method to perform coronary artery bypass on a beating heart.  The patent
covers a method for intermittently stopping the heart by electrically
stimulating the vagal nerve.  Such intermittent stoppage of the heart
facilitates procedures such as the suturing of an anastomosis during minimally
invasive off-pump coronary artery bypass procedures.
    "This method of intermittently stopping the heart has the potential to
further enhance and broaden the precision of surgical procedures on a beating
heart," stated Richard Ferrari, CTS president and CEO.  "We believe this
technique offers surgeons an alternative way of performing off-pump bypass and
we are encouraged by a presentation at the recent Society of Thoracic Surgeons
meeting in New Orleans that supports the technique.  CTS has filed several
patent applications covering various devices and approaches to minimally
invasive cardiac surgery on a beating heart, in addition to its breakthrough
technology on mechanical stabilization," he continued.
    "The importance of stabilizing a beating heart during minimally invasive
bypass surgery is now widely apparent.  The ability to temporarily or
intermittently stop the beating heart, coupled with other forms of
stabilization, could have a substantial impact on a surgeon's ability to reach
difficult areas of the heart without cardiopulmonary bypass," stated Dr.
Robert Matheny, cardiothoracic surgeon, St. Vincent's Hospital in
Indianapolis, Indiana.
    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 bypass surgery on a beating heart.  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 uncertainties associated with the capabilities of
the CTS instrumentation and methods, including the method for intermittently
stopping the heart, market acceptance of the company's products and procedures
and the success of the company's development efforts.  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 most recent 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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