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                                                                       EXHIBIT 5


                  [LETTERHEAD OF EPSTEIN BECKER & GREEN, P.C.]

                                        
                                        
                                    351-4709
                                        
                                        
                               November 12, 1997



Novoste Corporation
4350-C International Blvd.
Norcross, Georgia 30093

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel to Novoste Corporation (the "Company") in
connection with its filing of a registration statement on Form S-3 (such
registration statement, as amended at the time of its effectiveness,
hereinafter the "Registration Statement") covering shares of the Company's
authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, including
shares subject to an over-allotment option (collectively, the "Company
Shares"), and shares of the Company's outstanding Common Stock being sold by
the Selling Shareholders named therein, including shares subject to an
over-allotment option (collectively, the "Selling Shareholder Shares") (the
Company Shares and the Selling Shareholder Shares, together with all shares of
the Company's Common Stock covered by any related registration statement filed
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, being
collectively referred to as the "Shares").

         As such counsel, we have examined originals, or copies certified to
our satisfaction, of the corporate records of the Company, agreements and other
instruments, certificates of public officials and such other documents as we
deemed necessary as a basis for the opinion hereinafter set forth.

         On the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Company
Shares have been validly authorized and will, when sold as contemplated by the
Registration Statement, be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable and
that the Selling Shareholder Shares are validly authorized, legally issued,
fully paid and nonassessable.
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Novoste Corporation
November 12, 1997
Page 2



         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference made to us under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the prospectus constituting part of such Registration Statement.  We
hereby further consent to the incorporation by reference of this opinion in any
related registration statement filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    EPSTEIN BECKER & GREEN, P.C.


                                    By: /s/ Seth I. Truwit
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Seth I. Truwit, Esq.


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