The Express2 stent system -- an Express™ stent combined with advanced Maverick® balloon catheter technology -- features a laser-bonded, flexible tip with a long, low profile designed for easier tracking. The Bioslide® hydrophilic coating is designed to reduce friction, while the proprietary Crimp 360™ technology secures the stent to the balloon. The Express2 stent system offers significantly greater flexibility and trackability compared to the original Express stent system that was launched in European and other international markets last September.

The Express stent -- developed exclusively by Boston Scientific -- is a laser-cut, balloon-expandable stent that features a new design concept called Tandem™ Architecture. Tandem Architecture integrates short, thin Micro™ elements designed for flexibility and conformability, with long, wide Macro™ elements designed to enhance radiopacity. Combined, these elements are designed to create a structure that offers uniform vessel coverage and radial strength.

The Express2 stent system technology has potential for use in a broad range of applications, which may include peripheral vascular and neurovascular applications, in addition to coronary applications. Boston Scientific also plans to use the Express2 stent system as the platform for its TAXUS drug-eluting stent program.

The Company expects to launch the Express2 stent system in the United States in September.

"The Express2 stent system builds on the success of the original Express stent system, offering enhanced deliverability, acute angiographic results and improved versatility," said Paul LaViolette, Boston Scientific Senior Vice President and Group President, Cardiovascular. "Our Maverick balloon catheter technology will help make the Express stent even more deliverable."

Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The Company 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 the regulatory approval process, commercialization of new technologies, competitive offerings, intellectual property and other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.