Exhibit 99.1

        FDA Approves Next-Generation Possis AngioJet(R) System

     Ultra System's Speed, Ease of Use and Increased Capabilities
                 Provide Platform for Long-Term Growth

    MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 18, 2006--Possis Medical, Inc.
(NASDAQ:POSS) a developer, manufacturer and marketer of pioneering
medical devices for the cardiovascular and vascular treatment markets,
today announced that it has received marketing approval from the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its new AngioJet(R) Ultra
Thrombectomy System. Ultra is the next-generation, completely
re-engineered version of Possis' proven, industry leading AngioJet
Rheolytic(TM) Thrombectomy System. AngioJet is marketed for blood clot
removal (thrombectomy) from arterial and venous blood vessels. The new
Ultra System features a simple and fast setup process, the flexibility
to use a broad range of catheters, a sleeker design, lighter weight,
and handling improvements that make it significantly easier to
maneuver than the previous AngioJet drive unit.

    "This is an exciting time for Possis and our customers," said
Robert G. Dutcher, chairman, president and CEO. "Since its debut in
1997, the AngioJet System has become the medical industry's leading
thombectomy system and has successfully treated 300,000 patients
worldwide. The Ultra System, which is easier to use and offers much
broader catheter flexibility, marks the next step in Possis'
evolution, and provides the long-term growth platform for our AngioJet
business."

    Key among the new Ultra System's benefits are:

    --  Simple setup process--Versus Possis' original AngioJet drive
        unit that requires 20 steps in the setup process, Ultra's
        advanced microprocessor design automatically performs most of
        the setup steps by reading a bar code located on each
        disposable thrombectomy set. The few remaining steps are
        intuitive and require minimal user training.

    --  Flexibility to use a broad range of catheters--The Ultra
        System provides the ability to use a wide range of catheters,
        both existing as well as those in development, and the
        system's flexibility promotes the design of new catheters.

    --  Sleeker design and lighter weight--With its updated design,
        Ultra is 46 percent lighter than the previous AngioJet drive
        unit and its compact, ergonomic design make it significantly
        easier to move around the hospital.

    According to Possis, Ultra features an advanced control system
with easier, more intuitive commands. Ultra also allows the physician
to easily switch to Possis' patented Power Pulse(TM) delivery when
necessary, simultaneously delivering clot-dissolving drugs while
removing blockages from the affected arteries and veins.

    Said Dutcher, "The Ultra System's significant enhancements enable
physicians to more efficiently perform potentially life and
limb-saving thrombectomy procedures. We also expect the system's
ease-of-use to increase catheter utilization and provide a far more
versatile platform to support the development of new, more specialized
and sophisticated catheter models."

    In the U.S. alone, 95 percent of top coronary labs have Possis'
AngioJet System; in total there are more than 1,700 systems installed
across the country. According to Dutcher, Possis currently estimates
its total realizable market opportunity for AngioJet thrombectomy in
the U.S. at $440 million, increasing to $675 million by 2010.

    Possis will conduct market evaluations of the Ultra System at key
sites throughout the United States. A full-market release is
anticipated by Summer 2007.

    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 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 the AngioJet Ultra System and
its anticipated performance, market potential and 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, such as the effectiveness of our sales and marketing
efforts, and our ability to effectively manage new product development
timelines. 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 Commission.

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