For Immediate Release

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., (Nov 15, 2004) - Cytyc Corporation today announced that five studies evaluating safety, clinical performance, and ease-of-use for its NovaSure(R) System for endometrial ablation were presented at the 33rd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) held in San Francisco, November 10 - 13. The results indicate that NovaSure is safe and effective in treating excessive menstrual bleeding in patients with Type I and Type II fibroids, compatible with an office setting, and that Essure(R) hysteroscopic sterilization is achievable following the procedure.

A study by Tamas Fulop, M.D., of St. Imre Teaching Hospital in Budapest, Hungary, performed a five-year clinical study that measured the safety and efficacy of NovaSure to treat excessive menstrual bleeding. The results showed 97 percent of patients achieved reduction in bleeding to normal levels or less, with more than two-thirds reporting amenorrhea, the complete cessation of bleeding. Hysterectomy due to excessive menstrual bleeding was avoided in 100 percent of cases. Richard J. Gimpelson, M.D., associate clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health at St. Louis University School of Medicine, presented these data at the meeting on Dr. Fulop's behalf. Dr. Gimpelson concluded, "Considering the risks and complications associated with hysterectomy, NovaSure is an excellent alternative to provide positive patient outcomes in treating excessive menstrual bleeding."

Results from a second study that followed more than 100 patients with excessive menstrual bleeding for three years after receiving the NovaSure procedure were presented by Lead Investigator Adolf Gallinat, M.D., of Tagelskilini Altonaer Strabe in Hamburg, Germany. Consistent with Dr. Fulop's study, 97 percent of patients reported a reduction in bleeding to normal levels or less.

A study led by Robert Sabbah, M.D., and G. Desaulniers, M.D., of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology at Sacred Heart Hospital, University of Montreal, Canada, found NovaSure to be 96 percent effective in treating abnormal bleeding in patients with Type I and Type II fibroids, with 71 percent of patients reporting amenorrhea and an additional 25 percent of patients reporting reduction in bleeding to normal levels or less. In another study led by Dr. Sabbah, preliminary results suggested hysteroscopic sterilization is achievable with Essure(R) after receiving the NovaSure procedure.

John Bertrand, M.D., of Walnut Hill Obstetrics/Gynecology Associates in Dallas, Texas, examined the outcome of performing NovaSure in an office environment. Patients reported minimal intra- and post-operative discomfort, no intra- or post-operative complications, and 100 percent reported at least some reduction in bleeding. Peter S. Pyatak, M.D., of Virginia Physicians for Women in Richmond, Virginia, presented multicenter data at the meeting on Dr. Bertrand's behalf. Dr. Pyatak concluded, "NovaSure is a viable endometrial ablation procedure when performed in an office setting."

"The clinical results presented this week are encouraging for the women who unnecessarily undergo hysterectomy every year to alleviate the pain and suffering of excessive menstrual bleeding," said Eugene Skalnyi, M.D., vice president medical affairs, Cytyc Surgical Products. "For these women and the millions more who suffer in silence, Cytyc will continue to offer a safe and effective, long-term treatment alternative."

It is estimated that 10 million women in the United States suffer from excessive menstrual bleeding, for many of which, quality of life is compromised by chronic fatigue and anemia, embarrassing accidents, and restricted activity. Current treatment options include hormone therapy, which is effective only 50 percent of the time, hysterectomy, and endometrial ablation. Despite published studies that have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of NovaSure, thousands of excessive menstrual bleeding patients, who are unaware of endometrial ablation as a treatment option, undergo hysterectomy every year. Many women suffer the consequences of invasive surgery including sexual dysfunction, long recovery times, early onset of menopause and chronic pain.