ABIOMED ADOPTS SHAREHOLDER PURCHASE
RIGHTS PLAN

	Danvers, MA, August 14, 1997 -- ABIOMED, Inc. 
(pronounced "AB-EE-O-MED"),  (NASDAQ:ABMD) today 
announced that its Board of Directors has adopted a 
shareholder purchase Rights Plan and has declared a 
distribution of preferred purchase Rights to shareholders of 
record at the close of business on August 28, 1997.  The 
Rights will initially trade with the Company's Common Stock 
and separate Rights Certificates will not be issued.

	The Rights Plan is designed to deter coercive or unfair 
takeover tactics  and to ensure that all ABIOMED shareholders 
receive fair and equal treatment in the event of an unsolicited 
attempt to acquire the Corporation.  The Rights Plan was not 
adopted in response to any effort to acquire ABIOMED, and 
the Board is not aware of any such effort.  

	Based in Danvers, Massachusetts, ABIOMED, Inc. 
develops, manufacturers and markets innovative 
cardiovascular, medical and dental products and is a leader in 
the research and development of advanced artificial heart 
systems.