May 17, 2005 – Irvine, CA: TRIMEDYNE, INC. (OTCBB “TMED”) today announced it entered into a License Agreement with Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, under which Trimedyne acquired an exclusive license to the Hydrostat invented by John Pandolfino, M.D. and others of the Gastroenterology Department of the University’s Medical School.

       The Hydrostat measures the resistance (opening pressure) of the sphincter valve of the esophagus.  If the resistance is too low, acid in the stomach may enter the esophagus causing gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD, commonly known as “heartburn.”http://www.trimedyne.com/press68.htm  If not treated, damage to the esophagus over time may lead to esphageal cancer, an often fatal condition.

       Trimedyne has begun the development of a new, small laser and disposable fiber optic device to shrink the lower esophagus to tighten the sphincter and increase its resistance, preventing stomach acid from entering the esophagus.  The Hydrostat shows the physician the sphincter has been sufficiently tightened.

       An estimated 21 million people in the United States and millions more outside the U.S. suffer from GERD.  Drugs and OTC medications that treat the discomfort, but not the cause of GERD, must be used by 25 to 50% of GERD patients for the rest of their lives.  Injections of polymers are successful in only some patients, and staples to cinch the esophagus may cause bleeding and pain.  Although symptoms can be controlled with medications, cure for GERD is surgically wrapping a portion of the upper stomach around the lower portion of the esophagus and sewing it into place.

       Trimedyne's laser procedure to treat GERD is being designed to be performed through a flexible endoscope on an outpatient basis.  Clinical trials must be successfully concluded before an application for clearance to market Trimedyne’s new laser, fiber optic device and the Hydrostat can be filed with the U.S. FDA.

 "Safe Harbor" Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act:

       Statements in this news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1993 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.  Such statements may involve various risks and uncertainties, some of which may be discussed in the Company's most recent report on Form 10-KSB and subsequently filed SEC reports.  There is no assurance any new products can be cleared for sale by the FDA or successfully commercialized or any forward-looking statements will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those presently anticipated.