Dec 17, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) --

                Secures Two Ablatherm-HIFU Device Sales in Europe
                           Finalizing Additional Sales

LYON, France, Dec. 17, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EDAP TMS SA (Nasdaq:EDAP), the global leader in therapeutic ultrasound, announced today that two major hospitals in Europe have placed orders for the Ablatherm-HIFU device. The Ablatherm-HIFU orders were placed by La Pitie Salpetriere Hospital in Paris, France, and Azienda Hospital in Pordenone, Italy.

The two new Ablatherm-HIFU sales were recorded with hospitals transitioning from EDAP's RPP (revenue per procedure) model to direct ownership. This reflects the enormous success in the adoption of HIFU technology, and validates EDAP's strategic marketing approach to initially offer Ablatherm-HIFU for physician evaluation at an accessible cost through the RPP model. As new sites treat a growing number of patients using HIFU and become convinced of the benefits for both the hospital and its patients, machine ownership becomes economically practical.

In addition, EDAP is successfully increasing market penetration outside of Europe and finalizing additional HIFU device sales. The expansion of Ablatherm-HIFU into new markets around the globe reflects the adoption and acceptance of HIFU's minimally invasive technology for localized prostate cancer.

Following Ablatherm-HIFU's recent approval and first sale in Taiwan, the Company is pleased to report that the first successful Ablatherm treatments were performed in the Republic of Taiwan, one of the largest medical device markets in Asia.

Marc Oczachowski, Chief Executive Officer of EDAP, commented, "We are pleased with the progress of our Ablatherm-HIFU business and specifically the ability of our RPP model to drive increased revenue and long-term machine purchases. We are confident that our business model positions us to continue gaining broader recognition and expansion into new and existing markets with our safe, proven and non invasive treatment option for localized prostate cancer."

Marc Oczachowski concluded, "As we approach year end, our strong order flow is contributing to a solid full year 2009 performance. We are committed to driving the continued growth of our business while pursuing our efforts in offering HIFU as a minimally invasive solution to patients and physicians across the globe. We are confident that we will continue to increase market penetration given Ablatherm's extensive track record of safety and efficacy in treating over 20,000 patients to date."

About EDAP TMS SA

EDAP TMS SA develops and markets Ablatherm, the most advanced and clinically proven choice for high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of localized prostate cancer. HIFU treatment is shown to be a minimally invasive and effective treatment option with a low occurrence of side effects. Ablatherm-HIFU is generally recommended for patients with localized prostate cancer (stages T1-T2) who are not candidates for surgery or who prefer an alternative option, or for patients who failed radiotherapy treatment. Approved in Europe as a treatment for prostate cancer, Ablatherm-HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is currently undergoing evaluation in a multicenter U.S. Phase II/III clinical trial under an Investigational Device Exemption granted by the FDA, the ENLIGHT U.S. clinical study. The Company also is developing this technology for the potential treatment of certain other types of tumors. EDAP TMS SA also produces and commercializes medical equipment for treatment of urinary tract stones using extra-corporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). For more information on the company, please visit http://www.edap-tms.com, http://www.hifu-planet.com and http://www.pcaresearch.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These include statements regarding the company's growth and expansion plans. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties, including the uncertainties of the regulatory process, and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ablatherm-HIFU treatment is in clinical trials, but not FDA-approved or marketed in the United States.

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: EDAP TMS SA

CONTACT:  EDAP TMS SA
Investor Relations / Legal Affairs
Blandine Confort
+33 4 72 15 31 72
bconfort@edap-tms.com
The Ruth Group
Investors:
R.J. Pellegrino
rpellegrino@theruthgroup.com
Nick Laudico
nlaudico@theruthgroup.com
646-536-7009/7030

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