Exhibit 99.1

   Possis Announces First Human Use of GuardDOG(R) Occlusion System

 Occlusion Guidewire Piloted at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio

    MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2006--Possis Medical, Inc.
(NASDAQ:POSS) a developer, manufacturer and marketer of pioneering
medical devices for the cardiovascular and vascular treatment markets,
today announced the first human use of its GuardDOG(R) Occlusion
Guidewire. Designed to control blood flow through blood vessels during
peripheral endovascular procedures, GuardDOG is the industry's first
occlusion system to offer a 0.035"-based guidewire with a CO(2)-filled
occlusion balloon.

    "Our customers have identified the need for a guidewire with a
distal occlusion balloon that can easily control blood flow in the
vessel while allowing the introduction and use of endovascular
treatment tools," said Robert Dutcher, chairman, president and CEO of
Possis Medical. "This first human use is the capstone of several years
of research, development and testing. It is a milestone for Possis and
the introduction of what we believe will be a very beneficial device
in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease," said Dutcher.

    Dr. Mitchell J. Silver and Dr. Gary Ansel, interventional
cardiologists with MidOhio Cardiology and Vascular Consultants,
Columbus, Ohio, performed the first clinical procedure with the
GuardDOG device. According to Dr. Silver, "The GuardDOG device
represents a major advance in providing safer endovascular care for
the patient with peripheral vascular disease."

    Possis will conduct market evaluations at select medical sites to
support full U.S. market release of the GuardDOG System.

    About Possis Medical, Inc.

    Possis Medical, Inc., develops, manufactures and markets
pioneering medical devices for the large and growing cardiovascular
and vascular treatment markets. The Company's AngioJet(R) System is
the world's leading mechanical thrombectomy system with FDA approval
to remove large and small thrombus from coronary arteries, coronary
bypass grafts, peripheral arteries and veins and A-V grafts and native
fistulas.

    Certain statements in this press release constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Federal Securities
Laws. Some of these statements relate to GuardDOG System product
performance and market acceptance. These statements are based on our
current expectations and assumptions, and entail various risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. A discussion
of these and other factors that could impact the Company's future
results are set forth in the cautionary statements included in the
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2006, filed with the
Securities and Exchange.

    CONTACT: Possis Medical, Inc.
             Jules L. Fisher, Vice President, Finance and Chief
             Financial Officer, 763-450-8011
             Jules.Fisher@possis.com