Abiomed Receives CE Mark for Intra-Aortic Balloon and iPulse Console System



    Abiomed, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABMD) today announced it received the CE
    Mark for its intra-aortic balloon (IAB) and iPulse(TM) console
    platform. CE Mark approval allows this new combination console and
    disposable balloon to be sold in all European Union countries as well
    as many other countries worldwide that accept this approval for
    registration. Abiomed's IAB is an easy-to-insert, minimally invasive
    technology designed to enhance blood flow to the heart and other
    organs for patients with diminished heart function. The iPulse
    combination console platform drives Abiomed's IAB, BVS 5000 and AB5000
    Circulatory Support Systems, as well as new product introductions
    planned by Abiomed in the future. The iPulse is also designed to be
    compatible with other Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEMs)
    balloons.

    This technology is intended to provide circulatory support for
    patients suffering from acute (sudden) cardiovascular failure. In many
    countries outside the United States, the iPulse platform will provide
    short-term and longer-term support, including bridge to transplant.
    Abiomed's IAB was recently cleared by the FDA and culminates more than
    two years of internal research and development. This 8 French IAB is
    inserted percutaneously into a patient's descending aorta and inflates
    and deflates in counterpulsation to a patient's heart rhythm.
    Abiomed's new IAB was subject to extensive reliability testing and
    successfully demonstrated a life of over eight million cycles, which
    equates to more than 90 days of continuous operation.

    "Receiving CE Mark approval for our intra-aortic balloon pump
    system is a significant milestone for Abiomed," said Michael R.
    Minogue, Chairman, CEO and President of Abiomed. "With this approval
    we expand our presence in Europe and we will provide patients and
    physicians with greater access to our extensive portfolio of
    circulatory support technologies including Impella and the AB5000."

    Abiomed expects to begin shipping its integrated iPulse console
    outside the U.S. during fiscal fourth quarter ending March 31, 2007.
    Abiomed has submitted a pre-market application (PMA) supplement for
    the iPulse to the FDA. Pending regulatory approval in the U.S.,
    Abiomed's initial introduction of the new iPulse to leading U.S. heart
    hospitals is expected in the summer of 2007.

    ABOUT ABIOMED

    Based in Danvers, Massachusetts, Abiomed, Inc., is a leading
    developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical products designed to
    assist or replace the pumping function of the failing heart. Abiomed
    currently manufactures and sells the AB5000(TM) Circulatory Support
    System and the BVS(R) 5000 Biventricular Support System for the
    temporary support of all patients with failing but potentially
    recoverable hearts. The Company also developed the AbioCor(R)
    Implantable Replacement Heart. In Europe, Abiomed offers the minimally
    invasive Impella(R) Circulatory Support System under CE Mark approval.
    The Impella(R) 5.0 and 2.5 are investigational devices limited by
    Federal Law solely to investigational use in the United States. Other
    Impella devices and the iPulse are not yet available for sale in the
    United States. For additional information please visit:
    www.abiomed.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This Release contains forward-looking statements, including
    statements regarding development of Abiomed's existing and new
    products, the Company's progress toward commercial growth, and future
    opportunities. The Company's actual results may differ materially from
    those anticipated in these forward-looking statements based upon a
    number of factors, including uncertainties associated with
    development, testing and related regulatory approvals, anticipated
    future losses, complex manufacturing, high quality requirements,
    dependence on limited sources of supply, competition, technological
    change, government regulation, future capital needs and uncertainty of
    additional financing, and other risks and challenges detailed in the
    Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
    including the Annual Report filed on Form 10-K. Readers are cautioned
    not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which
    speak only as of the date of this Release. The Company undertakes no
    obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these
    forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or
    circumstances that occur after the date of this Release or to reflect
    the occurrence of unanticipated events.