EXHIBIT 23(a) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Post Effective Amendment 1 to Form S-8) pertaining to the Novoste Corporation Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan of our report dated February 9, 1999, with respect to the financial statements of Novoste Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ERNST & YOUNG LLP Atlanta, Georgia June 23, 1999