<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.2

                          CARDIOTHORACIC SYSTEMS, INC.

                              INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN
                (amended and restated effective August 12, 1996)
                        (and as amended January 28, 1997)

        1.     Purposes of the Plan.  The purposes of this Stock Plan are:

               o     to attract and retain the best available personnel for
                     positions of substantial responsibility,

               o     to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors
                     and Consultants, and

               o     to promote the success of the Company's business.

        Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or
Nonstatutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of
grant. Stock Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan.

        2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

               (a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees as
shall be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

               (b) "Applicable Laws" means the requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans under U. S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation
system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of
any foreign country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights are,
or will be, granted under the Plan.

               (c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

               (d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

               (e) "Committee" means a committee of Directors appointed by the
Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

               (f) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.

               (g) "Company" means CardioThoracic Systems, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

               (h) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, engaged
by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.


<PAGE>



               (i)     "Director" means a member of the Board.

               (j) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined
in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

               (k) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and
Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A
Service Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave
of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the
Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.
For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days,
unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or
contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the
Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any Incentive Stock
Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock
Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company
shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

               (l) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

               (m) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of
Common Stock determined as follows:

                   (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its
Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the
closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for
the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other
source as the Administrator deems reliable;

                   (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of
a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked
prices for the Common Stock on the date of determination, as reported in The
Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

                   (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.

               (n) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify
as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and
the regulations promulgated thereunder.

                                       -2-




<PAGE>



               (o) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

               (p) "Notice of Grant" means a written or electronic notice
evidencing certain terms and conditions of an individual Option or Stock
Purchase Right grant. The Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement.

               (q) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company
within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.

               (r) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

               (s) "Option Agreement" means an agreement between the Company and
an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant.
The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

               (t) "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby outstanding
options are surrendered in exchange for options with a lower exercise price.

               (u) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option
or Stock Purchase Right.

               (v) "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option or Stock
Purchase Right granted under the Plan.

               (w) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

               (x)     "Plan" means this Incentive Stock Plan.

               (y) "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock acquired
pursuant to a grant of Stock Purchase Rights under Section 11 below.

               (z) "Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement" means a written
agreement between the Company and the Optionee evidencing the terms and
restrictions applying to stock purchased under a Stock Purchase Right. The
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of
the Plan and the Notice of Grant.

               (aa) "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any
successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with
respect to the Plan.

               (bb)    "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

                                       -3-




<PAGE>



               (cc) "Service Provider" means an Employee, Director or
Consultant.

               (dd) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.

               (ee) "Stock Purchase Right" means the right to purchase Common
Stock pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan, as evidenced by a Notice of Grant.

               (ff) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now
or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

        3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 2,200,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued,
or reacquired Common Stock.

               If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes
unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant
to an Option Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto
shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan
has terminated); provided, however, that Shares that have actually been issued
under the Plan, whether upon exercise of an Option or Right, shall not be
returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution
under the Plan, except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the
Company at their original purchase price, such Shares shall become available for
future grant under the Plan.

        4. Administration of the Plan.

               (a)     Procedure.

                   (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. The Plan may be
administered by different Committees with respect to different groups of Service
Providers.

                   (ii) Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator
determines it to be desirable to qualify Options granted hereunder as
"performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the
Code, the Plan shall be administered by a Committee of two or more "outside
directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

                   (iii) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify
transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated
hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under
Rule 16b-3.

                   (iv) Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the
Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee
shall be constituted to satisfy

                                       -4-




<PAGE>



Applicable Laws. The Board or Committee may authorize the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company to grant Options to newly-hired Employees other than
Officers and Directors to purchase up to 15,000 Shares (subject to adjustment as
provided in Section 13) per Optionee (less the number of Shares covered by any
Options previously granted to such Optionee during the preceding 12 months) and
to fix the terms of such Options within the limitations imposed by this Plan,
the form of option agreement approved by the Board or Committee, and by the
authorizing resolutions.

               (b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the
Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated
by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority, in
its discretion:

                   (i) to determine the Fair Market Value;

                   (ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Options and
Stock Purchase Rights may be granted hereunder;

                   (iii) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be
covered by each Option and Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder;

                   (iv) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

                   (v) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent
with the terms of the Plan, of any Option or Stock Purchase Right granted
hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the
exercise price, the time or times when Options or Stock Purchase Rights may be
exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration
or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation
regarding any Option or Stock Purchase Right or the shares of Common Stock
relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in
its sole discretion, shall determine;

                   (vi) to reduce the exercise price of any Option or Stock
Purchase Right to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of
the Common Stock covered by such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall have
declined since the date the Option or Stock Purchase Right was granted;

                   (vii) to institute an Option Exchange Program;

                   (viii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and
awards granted pursuant to the Plan;

                   (ix) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans
established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under
foreign tax laws;

                                       -5-




<PAGE>



                   (x) to modify or amend each Option or Stock Purchase Right
(subject to Section 15(c) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to
extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than is
otherwise provided for in the Plan;

                   (xi) to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax
obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be
issued upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right that number of Shares
having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair
Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that
the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by an
Optionee to have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and
under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;

                   (xii) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the
Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right previously granted by the Administrator;

                   (xiii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
advisable for administering the Plan.

               (c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. The Administrator's
decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all
Optionees and any other holders of Options or Stock Purchase Rights.

        5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may
be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to
Employees.

        6.     Limitations.

               (a) Each Option shall be designated in the Option Agreement as
either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However,
notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such
Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this
Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order
in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be
determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

               (b) Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
confer upon an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's
relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall they interfere in
any way with the Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such
relationship at any time, with or without cause.

                                       -6-




<PAGE>



               (c) The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options:

                   (i) No Service Provider shall be granted, in any fiscal year
of the Company, Options to purchase more than 500,000 Shares.

                   (ii) In connection with his or her initial service, a Service
Provider may be granted Options to purchase up to an additional 500,000 Shares
which shall not count against the limit set forth in subsection (i) above.

                   (iii) The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted
proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as
described in Section 13.

                   (iv) If an Option is cancelled in the same fiscal year of the
Company in which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction
described in Section 13), the cancelled Option will be counted against the
limits set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above. For this purpose, if the
exercise price of an Option is reduced, the transaction will be treated as a
cancellation of the Option and the grant of a new Option.

        7. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 19 of the Plan, the Plan shall
become effective upon its adoption by the Board. It shall continue in effect for
a term of ten (10) years unless terminated earlier under Section 15 of the Plan.

        8. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option
Agreement. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term shall be ten (10)
years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the
Option Agreement. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to
an Optionee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock
representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive
Stock Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term
as may be provided in the Option Agreement.

        9.     Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

               (a) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares
to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator, subject to the following:

                   (i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

                      (A) granted to an Employee who, at the time the
Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent
(10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent
or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the
Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                                       -7-




<PAGE>



                      (B) granted to any Employee other than an Employee
described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price shall
be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                   (ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per
Share exercise price shall be determined by the Administrator. In the case of a
Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to qualify as "performance-based
compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.

                   (iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted
with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per
Share on the date of grant pursuant to a merger or other corporate transaction.

               (b) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is
granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be
exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the
Option may be exercised.

               (c) Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall determine the
acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method
of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator shall
determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such
consideration may consist entirely of:

                   (i) cash;

                   (ii) check;

                   (iii) promissory note;

                   (iv) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired
upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six
months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised;

                   (v) consideration received by the Company under a cashless
exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;

                   (vi) a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to
the Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's
participation in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or
arrangement;

                   (vii) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or

                                      -8-


<PAGE>

                   (viii) such other consideration and method of payment for the
issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

        10. Exercise of Option.

               (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at
such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set
forth in the Option Agreement. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise,
vesting of Options granted hereunder shall be tolled during any unpaid leave of
absence. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

               An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives:
(i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books
of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the
Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right
for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
provided in Section 13 of the Plan.

               Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of
Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under
the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

               (b) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If an
Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Optionee's death
or Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option within such period of
time as is specified in the Option Agreement to the extent that the Option is
vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of
the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of
a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable
for three (3) months following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of
termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the
Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan.
If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within
the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the
Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

               (c) Disability of Optionee. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service
Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his
or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement
to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event
later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the
Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's
termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to
his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the
Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not
exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall
terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

               (d) Death of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while a Service
Provider, the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is specified
in the Option Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term
of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's estate or
by a person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest or
inheritance, but only to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of
death. In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option
shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's
termination. If, at the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to his or
her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option
shall immediately revert to the Plan. The Option may be exercised by the
executor or administrator of the Optionee's estate or, if none, by the person(s)
entitled to exercise the Option under the Optionee's will or the laws of descent
or distribution. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall
revert to the Plan.

               (e) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to
buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted based on
such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate
to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.

        11.    Stock Purchase Rights.

               (a) Rights to Purchase. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued
either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the
Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the Administrator
determines that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall
advise the offeree in writing or electronically, by means of a Notice of Grant,
of the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer, including the
number of Shares that the offeree shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be
paid, and the time within which the offeree must accept such offer. The offer
shall be accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in the
form determined by the Administrator.

               (b) Repurchase Option. Unless the Administrator determines
otherwise, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall grant the Company a
repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of
the purchaser's service with the Company for any reason



                                      -10-
<PAGE>

(including death or Disability). The purchase price for Shares repurchased
pursuant to the Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall be the original price
paid by the purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the
purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at a rate determined
by the Administrator.

               (c) Other Provisions. The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement
shall contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with
the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

               (d) Rights as a Stockholder. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
stockholder, and shall be a stockholder when his or her purchase is entered upon
the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment
will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to
the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 13
of the Plan.

        12. Non-Transferability of Options and Stock Purchase Rights. Unless
determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Option or Stock Purchase Right may
not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any
manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be
exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee. If the
Administrator makes an Option or Stock Purchase Right transferable, such Option
or Stock Purchase Right shall contain such additional terms and conditions as
the Administrator deems appropriate.

        13. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or
Asset Sale.

               (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by
the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have
been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt
of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to,
the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option or Stock
Purchase Right.



                                      -11-
<PAGE>

               (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each
Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed
transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an Optionee to
have the right to exercise his or her Option until ten (10) days prior to such
transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby, including Shares as
to which the Option would not otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the
Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option applicable to any
Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall lapse
as to all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes
place at the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been
previously exercised, an Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate
immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

               (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets
of the Company, each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right shall be
assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor
corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event
that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option or
Stock Purchase Right, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the right to
exercise the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to all of the Optioned Stock,
including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If
an Option or Stock Purchase Right becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu
of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the
Administrator shall notify the Optionee in writing or electronically that the
Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be fully vested and exercisable for a
period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option or
Stock Purchase Right shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the
purposes of this paragraph, the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be
considered assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the option or
right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock
subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right immediately prior to the merger or
sale of assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or
property) received in the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock
for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders
were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the
holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if
such consideration received in the merger or sale of assets is not solely common
stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with
the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be
received upon the exercise of the Option or Stock Purchase Right, for each Share
of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right, to be solely
common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market
value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the
merger or sale of assets.

        14. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option or Stock Purchase
Right shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the
determination granting such Option or Stock Purchase Right, or such other later
date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the



                                      -12-
<PAGE>

determination shall be provided to each Optionee within a reasonable time after
the date of such grant.

        15. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

               (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.

               (b) Stockholder Approval. The Company shall obtain stockholder
approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Applicable Laws.

               (c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration,
suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.
Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator's ability to exercise
the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to options granted under the
Plan prior to the date of such termination.

        16. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

               (a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the exercise of such Option
or Stock Purchase Right and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall
comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further subject to the approval of
counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

               (b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of
an Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Company may require the person exercising
such Option or Stock Purchase Right to represent and warrant at the time of any
such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and
without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

        17. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to
obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority
is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and
sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in
respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite
authority shall not have been obtained.

        18. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.



                                      -13-
<PAGE>

        19. Stockholder Approval. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the
stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is
adopted. Such stockholder approval shall be obtained in the manner and to the
degree required under Applicable Laws.




                                      -14-
<PAGE>

                          CARDIOTHORACIC SYSTEMS, INC.
                              INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

        Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall
have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

I.  NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

[Optionee's Name and Address]

        You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company,
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as
follows:

        Grant Number                        _________________________

        Date of Grant                       _________________________

        Vesting Commencement Date                    _________________________

        Exercise Price per Share            $________________________

        Total Number of Shares Granted      _________________________

        Total Exercise Price                $_________________________

        Type of Option:                     ___      Incentive Stock Option

                                            ___      Nonstatutory Stock Option

        Term/Expiration Date:               _________________________

     Vesting Schedule:

        This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with
the following schedule:

        [25% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest twelve months after
the Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/48 of the Shares subject to the Option
shall vest each month thereafter, subject to the Optionee continuing to be a
Service Provider on such dates].


<PAGE>



        Termination Period:

        This Option may be exercised for _____ [days/months] after Optionee
ceases to be a Service Provider. Upon the death or Disability of the Optionee,
this Option may be exercised for such longer period as provided in the Plan. In
no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Term/Expiration Date as
provided above.

II.  AGREEMENT

        1. Grant of Option. The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby grants
to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this
Agreement (the "Optionee") an option (the "Option") to purchase the number of
Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set
forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price"), subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to
Section 15(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and
conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement,
the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

               If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option
("ISO"), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under
Section 422 of the Code. However, if this Option is intended to be an Incentive
Stock Option, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section
422(d) it shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option ("NSO").

        2.     Exercise of Option.

               (a) Right to Exercise. This Option is exercisable during its term
in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and the
applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.

               (b) Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable by delivery of
an exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Notice"),
which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in
respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised Shares"), and
such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company
pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be completed
by the Optionee and delivered to the Secretary of the Company. The Exercise
Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all
Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by
the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate
Exercise Price.

               No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option
unless such issuance and exercise complies with Applicable Laws. Assuming such
compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered
transferred to the Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with respect to
such Exercised Shares.

                                       -2-




<PAGE>



        3. Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be
by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the
Optionee:

               (a)     cash; or

               (b)     check[; or

               (c) consideration received by the Company under a cashless
exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan][; or

               (d) surrender of other Shares which (i) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a Fair Market Value
on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised
Shares][; or

               (e) with the Administrator's consent, delivery of Optionee's
promissory note (the "Note") in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, in the
amount of the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares together with the
execution and delivery by the Optionee of the Security Agreement attached hereto
as Exhibit B. The Note shall bear interest at the "applicable federal rate"
prescribed under the Code and its regulations at time of purchase, and shall be
secured by a pledge of the Shares purchased by the Note pursuant to the Security
Agreement].

        4. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms
of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors,
administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

        5. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term set
out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.

        6. Tax Consequences. Some of the federal tax consequences relating to
this Option, as of the date of this Option, are set forth below. THIS SUMMARY IS
NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
THE OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR
DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

               (a)     Exercising the Option.

                      (i) Nonstatutory Stock Option. The Optionee may incur
regular federal income tax liability upon exercise of a NSO. The Optionee will
be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income
tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair



                                      -3-
<PAGE>

Market Value of the Exercised Shares on the date of exercise over their
aggregate Exercise Price. If the Optionee is an Employee or a former Employee,
the Company will be required to withhold from his or her compensation or collect
from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount in cash
equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise, and
may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such
withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.

                      (ii) Incentive Stock Option. If this Option qualifies as
an ISO, the Optionee will have no regular federal income tax liability upon its
exercise, although the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Exercised
Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price will be
treated as an adjustment to alternative minimum taxable income for federal tax
purposes and may subject the Optionee to alternative minimum tax in the year of
exercise. In the event that the Optionee ceases to be an Employee but remains a
Service Provider, any Incentive Stock Option of the Optionee that remains
unexercised shall cease to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option and will be
treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the date three (3)
months and one (1) day following such change of status.

               (b)     Disposition of Shares.

                      (i) NSO. If the Optionee holds NSO Shares for at least one
year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as
long-term capital gain for federal income tax purposes.

                      (ii) ISO. If the Optionee holds ISO Shares for at least
one year after exercise and two years after the grant date, any gain realized on
disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal
income tax purposes. If the Optionee disposes of ISO Shares within one year
after exercise or two years after the grant date, any gain realized on such
disposition will be treated as compensation income (taxable at ordinary income
rates) to the extent of the excess, if any, of the lesser of (A) the difference
between the Fair Market Value of the Shares acquired on the date of exercise and
the aggregate Exercise Price, or (B) the difference between the sale price of
such Shares and the aggregate Exercise Price. Any additional gain will be taxed
as capital gain, short-term or long-term depending on the period that the ISO
Shares were held.

               (c) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the
Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to
an ISO on or before the later of (i) two years after the grant date, or (ii) one
year after the exercise date, the Optionee shall immediately notify the Company
in writing of such disposition. The Optionee agrees that he or she may be
subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income
recognized from such early disposition of ISO Shares by payment in cash or out
of the current earnings paid to the Optionee.



                                      -4-
<PAGE>

        7. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by
reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the
Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and
Optionee. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not
the choice of law rules, of California.

        8. NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE. OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES
THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED
ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT
THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES
HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO
NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A
SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL
NOT INTERFERE WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE
OPTIONEE'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT
CAUSE.

        By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative
below, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed
by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. Optionee has
reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an
opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option
Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement.
Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions
or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan
and Option Agreement. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any
change in the residence address indicated below.

OPTIONEE:                                 CARDIOTHORACIC SYSTEMS, INC.

-----------------------------------       --------------------------------------
Signature                                 By

------------------------------------      --------------------------------------
Print Name                                Title

------------------------------------
Residence Address


                                       -5-




<PAGE>



------------------------------------

                                      -6-

<PAGE>

                                CONSENT OF SPOUSE

        The undersigned spouse of Optionee has read and hereby approves the
terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. In consideration of
the Company's granting his or her spouse the right to purchase Shares as set
forth in the Plan and this Option Agreement, the undersigned hereby agrees to be
irrevocably bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option
Agreement and further agrees that any community property interest shall be
similarly bound. The undersigned hereby appoints the undersigned's spouse as
attorney-in-fact for the undersigned with respect to any amendment or exercise
of rights under the Plan or this Option Agreement.

                               ---------------------------------------
                               Spouse of Optionee

                                      -7-




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT A

                          CARDIOTHORACIC SYSTEMS, INC.
                              INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN

                                 EXERCISE NOTICE

CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.
10600 North Tantau Avenue
Cupertino, CA  95014
Attention:  Secretary

        1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ________________, 199__,
the undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase ______________ shares
(the "Shares") of the Common Stock of CardioThoracic Systems, Inc. (the
"Company") under and pursuant to the Incentive Stock Plan (the "Plan") and the
Stock Option Agreement dated ___________, 19___ (the "Option Agreement"). The
purchase price for the Shares shall be $___ , as required by the
Option Agreement.

        2. Delivery of Payment. Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the
full purchase price for the Shares.

        3. Representations of Purchaser. Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser
has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees
to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

        4. Rights as Stockholder. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or
any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned
Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares so acquired shall
be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option.
No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record
date is prior to the date of issuance, except as provided in Section 13 of the
Plan.

        5. Tax Consultation. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition of
the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any tax
consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

        6. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan and Option Agreement are
incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Option
Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and
agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by
means of a writing



<PAGE>



signed by the Company and Purchaser. This agreement is governed by the internal
substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California.

Submitted by:                              Accepted by:

PURCHASER:                                 CARDIOTHORACIC SYSTEMS, INC.

----------------------------------         -------------------------------------
Signature                                  By

----------------------------------         -------------------------------------
Print Name                                 Its

Address:                                   Address:

---------------------------------          10600 North Tantau Avenue
---------------------------------          Cupertino, CA  95014

                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Date Received

                                       -2-




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT B

                               SECURITY AGREEMENT

        This Security Agreement is made as of __________, 19___ between
CardioThoracic Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Pledgee"), and
_________________________ ("Pledgor").

                                    Recitals

        Pursuant to Pledgor's election to purchase Shares under the Option
Agreement dated ________ (the "Option"), between Pledgor and Pledgee under
Pledgee's Incentive Stock Plan, and Pledgor's election under the terms of the
Option to pay for such shares with his promissory note (the "Note"), Pledgor has
purchased _________ shares of Pledgee's Common Stock (the "Shares") at a price
of $________ per share, for a total purchase price of $__________. The Note and
the obligations thereunder are as set forth in Exhibit C to the Option.

        NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:

        1. Creation and Description of Security Interest. In consideration of
the transfer of the Shares to Pledgor under the Option Agreement, Pledgor,
pursuant to the California Commercial Code, hereby pledges all of such Shares
(herein sometimes referred to as the "Collateral") represented by certificate
number ______, duly endorsed in blank or with executed stock powers, and
herewith delivers said certificate to the Secretary of Pledgee ("Pledgeholder"),
who shall hold said certificate subject to the terms and conditions of this
Security Agreement.

        The pledged stock (together with an executed blank stock assignment for
use in transferring all or a portion of the Shares to Pledgee if, as and when
required pursuant to this Security Agreement) shall be held by the Pledgeholder
as security for the repayment of the Note, and any extensions or renewals
thereof, to be executed by Pledgor pursuant to the terms of the Option, and the
Pledge holder shall not encumber or dispose of such Shares except in accordance
with the provisions of this Security Agreement.

        2. Pledgor's Representations and Covenants. To induce Pledgee to enter
into this Security Agreement, Pledgor represents and covenants to Pledgee, its
successors and assigns, as follows:

               a. Payment of Indebtedness. Pledgor will pay the principal sum of
the Note secured hereby, together with interest thereon, at the time and in the
manner provided in the Note.

               b. Encumbrances. The Shares are free of all other encumbrances,
defenses and liens, and Pledgor will not further encumber the Shares without the
prior written consent of Pledgee.



<PAGE>



               c. Margin Regulations. In the event that Pledgee's Common Stock
is now or later becomes margin-listed by the Federal Reserve Board and Pledgee
is classified as a "lender" within the meaning of the regulations under Part 207
of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations ("Regulation G"), Pledgor agrees
to cooperate with Pledgee in making any amendments to the Note or providing any
additional collateral as may be necessary to comply with such regulations.

        3. Voting Rights. During the term of this pledge and so long as all
payments of principal and interest are made as they become due under the terms
of the Note, Pledgor shall have the right to vote all of the Shares pledged
hereunder.

        4. Stock Adjustments. In the event that during the term of the pledge
any stock dividend, reclassification, readjustment or other changes are declared
or made in the capital structure of Pledgee, all new, substituted and additional
shares or other securities issued by reason of any such change shall be
delivered to and held by the Pledgee under the terms of this Security Agreement
in the same manner as the Shares originally pledged hereunder. In the event of
substitution of such securities, Pledgor, Pledgee and Pledgeholder shall
cooperate and execute such documents as are reasonable so as to provide for the
substitution of such Collateral and, upon such substitution, references to
"Shares" in this Security Agreement shall include the substituted shares of
capital stock of Pledgor as a result thereof.

        5. Options and Rights. In the event that, during the term of this
pledge, subscription Options or other rights or options shall be issued in
connection with the pledged Shares, such rights, Options and options shall be
the property of Pledgor and, if exercised by Pledgor, all new stock or other
securities so acquired by Pledgor as it relates to the pledged Shares then held
by Pledgeholder shall be immediately delivered to Pledgeholder, to be held under
the terms of this Security Agreement in the same manner as the Shares pledged.

        6. Default. Pledgor shall be deemed to be in default of the Note and of
this Security Agreement in the event:

               a. Payment of principal or interest on the Note shall be
delinquent for a period of 10 days or more; or

               b. Pledgor fails to perform any of the covenants set forth in the
Option or contained in this Security Agreement for a period of 10 days after
written notice thereof from Pledgee.

        In the case of an event of Default, as set forth above, Pledgee shall
have the right to accelerate payment of the Note upon notice to Pledgor, and
Pledgee shall thereafter be entitled to pursue its remedies under the California
Commercial Code.

         7. Release of Collateral. Subject to any applicable contrary rules
under Regulation G, there shall be released from this pledge a portion of the
pledged Shares held by Pledgeholder hereunder



                                      -2-
<PAGE>

upon payments of the principal of the Note. The number of the pledged Shares
which shall be released shall be that number of full Shares which bears the same
proportion to the initial number of Shares pledged hereunder as the payment of
principal bears to the initial full principal amount of the Note.

         8. Withdrawal or Substitution of Collateral. Pledgor shall not sell,
withdraw, pledge, substitute or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the
Collateral without the prior written consent of Pledgee.

         9. Term. The within pledge of Shares shall continue until the payment
of all indebtedness secured hereby, at which time the remaining pledged stock
shall be promptly delivered to Pledgor, subject to the provisions for prior
release of a portion of the Collateral as provided in paragraph 7 above.

        10. Insolvency. Pledgor agrees that if a bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding is instituted by or against it, or if a receiver is appointed for the
property of Pledgor, or if Pledgor makes an assignment for the benefit of
creditors, the entire amount unpaid on the Note shall become immediately due and
payable, and Pledgee may proceed as provided in the case of default.

        11. Pledgeholder Liability. In the absence of willful or gross
negligence, Pledgeholder shall not be liable to any party for any of his acts,
or omissions to act, as Pledgeholder.

        12. Invalidity of Particular Provisions. Pledgor and Pledgee agree that
the enforceability or invalidity of any provision or provisions of this Security
Agreement shall not render any other provision or provisions herein contained
unenforceable or invalid.

        13. Successors or Assigns. Pledgor and Pledgee agree that all of the
terms of this Security Agreement shall be binding on their respective successors
and assigns, and that the term "Pledgor" and the term "Pledgee" as used herein
shall be deemed to include, for all purposes, the respective designees,
successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators.

        14. Governing Law. This Security Agreement shall be interpreted and
governed under the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules,
of California.

                                       -3-




<PAGE>



        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the day and year first above written.

"PLEDGOR"                                    ---------------------------------
                                             Signature

                                             ---------------------------------
                                             Print Name

                            Address:         ---------------------------------

                                             ---------------------------------


"PLEDGEE"                                    CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.,
                                             a Delaware corporation

                                             --------------------------------
                                             Signature

                                             --------------------------------
                                             Print Name

                                             --------------------------------
                                             Title

"PLEDGEHOLDER"                               --------------------------------
                                             Secretary of
                                             CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.

                                       -4-




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT C

                                      NOTE

$_______________                                                 Cupertino, CA

                                                         ______________, 19___

        FOR VALUE RECEIVED, _______________ promises to pay to CardioThoracic
Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), or order, the principal
sum of _______________________ ($_____________), together with interest on the
unpaid principal hereof from the date hereof at the rate of _______________
percent (____%) per annum, compounded semiannually.

        Principal and interest shall be due and payable on __________, 19___.
Should the undersigned fail to make full payment of principal or interest for a
period of 10 days or more after the due date thereof, the whole unpaid balance
on this Note of principal and interest shall become immediately due at the
option of the holder of this Note. Payments of principal and interest shall be
made in lawful money of the United States of America.

        The undersigned may at any time prepay all or any portion of the
principal or interest owing hereunder.

        This Note is subject to the terms of the Option, dated as of
________________. This Note is secured in part by a pledge of the Company's
Common Stock under the terms of a Security Agreement of even date herewith and
is subject to all the provisions thereof.

        The holder of this Note shall have full recourse against the
undersigned, and shall not be required to proceed against the collateral
securing this Note in the event of default.

        In the event the undersigned shall cease to be an employee, director or
consultant of the Company for any reason, this Note shall, at the option of the
Company, be accelerated, and the whole unpaid balance on this Note of principal
and accrued interest shall be immediately due and payable.

        Should any action be instituted for the collection of this Note, the
reasonable costs and attorneys' fees therein of the holder shall be paid by the
undersigned.

                                          ------------------------------------

                                          ------------------------------------




<PAGE>



                          CARDIOTHORACIC SYSTEMS, INC.
                              INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN

                     NOTICE OF GRANT OF STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT

        Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall
have the same defined meanings in this Notice of Grant.

[Grantee's Name and Address]

        You have been granted the right to purchase Common Stock of the Company,
subject to the Company's Repurchase Option and your ongoing status as a Service
Provider (as described in the Plan and the attached Restricted Stock Purchase
Agreement), as follows:

        Grant Number
                                                     -------------------------
        Date of Grant
                                                     -------------------------

        Price Per Share                              $------------------------

        Total Number of Shares Subject
          to This Stock Purchase Right               -------------------------

        Expiration Date:                             -------------------------

        YOU MUST EXERCISE THIS STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE
OR IT WILL TERMINATE AND YOU WILL HAVE NO FURTHER RIGHT TO PURCHASE THE SHARES.
By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative
below, you and the Company agree that this Stock Purchase Right is granted under
and governed by the terms and conditions of the Incentive Stock Plan and the
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A-1, both of
which are made a part of this document. You further agree to execute the
attached Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement as a condition to purchasing any
shares under this Stock Purchase Right.

GRANTEE:                                CARDIOTHORACIC SYSTEMS, INC.

---------------------------             --------------------------------
Signature                               By

---------------------------             --------------------------------
Print Name                              Title



<PAGE>



                                   EXHIBIT A-1

                          CARDIOTHORACIC SYSTEMS, INC.
                              INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN

                       RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

        Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall
have the same defined meanings in this Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement.

        WHEREAS the Purchaser named in the Notice of Grant, (the "Purchaser") is
an Service Provider, and the Purchaser's continued participation is considered
by the Company to be important for the Company's continued growth; and

        WHEREAS in order to give the Purchaser an opportunity to acquire an
equity interest in the Company as an incentive for the Purchaser to participate
in the affairs of the Company, the Admin istrator has granted to the Purchaser a
Stock Purchase Right subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the
Notice of Grant, which are incorporated herein by reference, and pursuant to
this Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement").

        NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

        1. Sale of Stock. The Company hereby agrees to sell to the Purchaser and
the Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock
(the "Shares"), at the per Share purchase price and as otherwise described in
the Notice of Grant.

        2. Payment of Purchase Price. The purchase price for the Shares may be
paid by delivery to the Company at the time of execution of this Agreement of
cash, a check, or some combination thereof.

        3.     Repurchase Option.

               (a) In the event the Purchaser ceases to be a Service Provider
for any or no reason (including death or disability) before all of the Shares
are released from the Company's Repurchase Option (see Section 4), the Company
shall, upon the date of such termination (as reasonably fixed and determined by
the Company) have an irrevocable, exclusive option (the "Repurchase Option") for
a period of sixty (60) days from such date to repurchase up to that number of
shares which constitute the Unreleased Shares (as defined in Section 4) at the
original purchase price per share (the "Repurchase Price"). The Repurchase
Option shall be exercised by the Company by delivering written notice to the
Purchaser or the Purchaser's executor (with a copy to the Escrow Holder) AND, at
the Company's option, (i) by delivering to the Purchaser or the Purchaser's
executor a check in the amount of the aggregate Repurchase Price, or (ii) by
cancelling an amount of the Purchaser's indebtedness to the Company equal to the
aggregate Repurchase Price, or (iii) by a combination of (i) and (ii) so that
the combined payment and cancellation of indebtedness equals the aggregate



<PAGE>

Repurchase Price. Upon delivery of such notice and the payment of the aggregate
Repurchase Price, the Company shall become the legal and beneficial owner of the
Shares being repurchased and all rights and interests therein or relating
thereto, and the Company shall have the right to retain and transfer to its own
name the number of Shares being repurchased by the Company.

               (b) Whenever the Company shall have the right to repurchase
Shares hereunder, the Company may designate and assign one or more employees,
officers, directors or stockholders of the Company or other persons or
organizations to exercise all or a part of the Company's purchase rights under
this Agreement and purchase all or a part of such Shares. If the Fair Market
Value of the Shares to be repurchased on the date of such designation or
assignment (the "Repurchase FMV") exceeds the aggregate Repurchase Price of such
Shares, then each such designee or assignee shall pay the Company cash equal to
the difference between the Repurchase FMV and the aggregate Repurchase Price of
such Shares.

        4.     Release of Shares From Repurchase Option.

               (a) _______________________ percent (______%) of the Shares shall
be released from the Company's Repurchase Option [one year] after the Date of
Grant and __________________ percent (______%) of the Shares [at the end of each
month thereafter], provided that the Purchaser does not cease to be a Service
Provider prior to the date of any such release.

               (b) Any of the Shares that have not yet been released from the
Repurchase Option are referred to herein as "Unreleased Shares."

               (c) The Shares that have been released from the Repurchase Option
shall be delivered to the Purchaser at the Purchaser's request (see Section 6).

        5. Restriction on Transfer. Except for the escrow described in Section 6
or the transfer of the Shares to the Company or its assignees contemplated by
this Agreement, none of the Shares or any beneficial interest therein shall be
transferred, encumbered or otherwise disposed of in any way until such Shares
are released from the Company's Repurchase Option in accordance with the provi
sions of this Agreement, other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution.

        6.     Escrow of Shares.

               (a) To ensure the availability for delivery of the Purchaser's
Unreleased Shares upon repurchase by the Company pursuant to the Repurchase
Option, the Purchaser shall, upon execution of this Agreement, deliver and
deposit with an escrow holder designated by the Company (the "Escrow Holder")
the share certificates representing the Unreleased Shares, together with the
stock assignment duly endorsed in blank, attached hereto as Exhibit A-2. The
Unreleased Shares and stock assignment shall be held by the Escrow Holder,
pursuant to the Joint Escrow Instructions of



                                      -3-
<PAGE>

the Company and Purchaser attached hereto as Exhibit A-3, until such time as the
Company's Repurchase Option expires. As a further condition to the Company's
obligations under this Agreement, the Company may require the spouse of
Purchaser, if any, to execute and deliver to the Company the Consent of Spouse
attached hereto as Exhibit A-4.

               (b) The Escrow Holder shall not be liable for any act it may do
or omit to do with respect to holding the Unreleased Shares in escrow while
acting in good faith and in the exercise of its judgment.

               (c) If the Company or any assignee exercises the Repurchase
Option hereunder, the Escrow Holder, upon receipt of written notice of such
exercise from the proposed transferee, shall take all steps necessary to
accomplish such transfer.

               (d) When the Repurchase Option has been exercised or expires
unexercised or a portion of the Shares has been released from the Repurchase
Option, upon request the Escrow Holder shall promptly cause a new certificate to
be issued for the released Shares and shall deliver the certificate to the
Company or the Purchaser, as the case may be.

               (e) Subject to the terms hereof, the Purchaser shall have all the
rights of a stockholder with respect to the Shares while they are held in
escrow, including without limitation, the right to vote the Shares and to
receive any cash dividends declared thereon. If, from time to time during the
term of the Repurchase Option, there is (i) any stock dividend, stock split or
other change in the Shares, or (ii) any merger or sale of all or substantially
all of the assets or other acquisition of the Company, any and all new,
substituted or additional securities to which the Purchaser is entitled by
reason of the Purchaser's ownership of the Shares shall be immediately subject
to this escrow, deposited with the Escrow Holder and included thereafter as
"Shares" for purposes of this Agreement and the Repurchase Option.

        7. Legends. The share certificate evidencing the Shares, if any, issued
hereunder shall be endorsed with the following legend (in addition to any legend
required under applicable state securities laws):

        THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
RESTRICTIONS UPON TRANSFER AND RIGHTS OF REPURCHASE AS SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE
SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.

        8. Adjustment for Stock Split. All references to the number of Shares
and the purchase price of the Shares in this Agreement shall be appropriately
adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend or other change in the
Shares which may be made by the Company after the date of this Agreement.



                                      -4-
<PAGE>

        9. Tax Consequences. The Purchaser has reviewed with the Purchaser's own
tax advisors the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of this
investment and the transactions contem plated by this Agreement. The Purchaser
is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations
of the Company or any of its agents. The Purchaser understands that the
Purchaser (and not the Company) shall be responsible for the Purchaser's own tax
liability that may arise as a result of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. The Purchaser understands that Section 83 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), taxes as ordinary income the difference
between the purchase price for the Shares and the Fair Market Value of the
Shares as of the date any restrictions on the Shares lapse. In this context,
"restriction" includes the right of the Company to buy back the Shares pursuant
to the Repurchase Option. The Purchaser understands that the Purchaser may elect
to be taxed at the time the Shares are purchased rather than when and as the
Repurchase Option expires by filing an election under Section 83(b) of the Code
with the IRS within 30 days from the date of purchase. The form for making this
election is attached as Exhibit A-5 hereto.

               THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS THE PURCHASER'S SOLE
RESPONSIBILITY AND NOT THE COMPANY'S TO FILE TIMELY THE ELECTION UNDER SECTION
83(b), EVEN IF THE PURCHASER REQUESTS THE COMPANY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES TO MAKE
THIS FILING ON THE PURCHASER'S BEHALF.

        10. General Provisions.

               (a) This Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive
laws, but not the choice of law rules of California. This Agreement, subject to
the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Notice of Grant, represents the
entire agreement between the parties with respect to the purchase of the Shares
by the Purchaser. Subject to Section 15(c) of the Plan, in the event of a
conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall
prevail. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall
have the same defined meanings in this Agreement.

               (b) Any notice, demand or request required or permitted to be
given by either the Company or the Purchaser pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered
personally or deposited in the U.S. mail, First Class with postage prepaid, and
addressed to the parties at the addresses of the parties set forth at the end of
this Agreement or such other address as a party may request by notifying the
other in writing.

               Any notice to the Escrow Holder shall be sent to the Company's
address with a copy to the other party hereto.

               (c) The rights of the Company under this Agreement shall be
transferable to any one or more persons or entities, and all covenants and
agreements hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the
Company's successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of the



                                      -5-
<PAGE>

Purchaser under this Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written
consent of the Company.

               (d) Either party's failure to enforce any provision of this
Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision,
nor prevent that party from thereafter enforcing any other provision of this
Agreement. The rights granted both parties hereunder are cumulative and shall
not constitute a waiver of either party's right to assert any other legal remedy
available to it.

               (e) The Purchaser agrees upon request to execute any further
documents or instruments necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes or
intent of this Agreement.

               (f) PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 4 HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING SERVICE AS A SERVICE
PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED OR
PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER). PURCHASER FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT
THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE
SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED
ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT
ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE WITH PURCHASER'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO
TERMINATE PURCHASER'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR
WITHOUT CAUSE.

        By Purchaser's signature below, Purchaser represents that he or she is
familiar with the terms and provisions of the Plan, and hereby accepts this
Agreement subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Purchaser has
reviewed the Plan and this Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity
to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Agreement and fully
understands all provisions of this Agreement. Purchaser agrees to accept as
binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the
Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Agreement.
Purchaser further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence
indicated in the Notice of Grant.

DATED: -----------------------

PURCHASER:                                   CARDIOTHORACIC SYSTEMS, INC.

------------------------------               ----------------------------------
Signature                                    By

------------------------------               ----------------------------------
Print Name                                   Title

                                       -6-




<PAGE>



                                   EXHIBIT A-2

                      ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE

        FOR VALUE RECEIVED I, __________________________, hereby sell, assign
and transfer unto (__________) shares of the Common Stock of CardioThoracic
Systems, Inc. standing in my name of the books of said corporation represented
by Certificate No. _____ herewith and do hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint __________________________ to transfer the said stock on the books
of the within named corporation with full power of substitution in
the premises.

        This Stock Assignment may be used only in accordance with the Restricted
Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") between________________________ and
the undersigned dated ______________, 19__.

Dated: _______________, 19

                                       Signature:______________________________

INSTRUCTIONS: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line.
The purpose of this assignment is to enable the Company to exercise the
Repurchase Option, as set forth in the Agreement, without requiring additional
signatures on the part of the Purchaser.



<PAGE>



                                   EXHIBIT A-3

                            JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS

                                                             __________, 19__

Corporate Secretary
CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.
10600 North Tantau Avenue
Cupertino, CA  95014

Dear _________________:

        As Escrow Agent for both CardioThoracic Systems, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), and the undersigned purchaser of stock of the
Company (the "Purchaser"), you are hereby authorized and directed to hold the
documents delivered to you pursuant to the terms of that certain Restricted
Stock Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") between the Company and the undersigned,
in accordance with the following instructions:

        1. In the event the Company and/or any assignee of the Company (referred
to collectively as the "Company") exercises the Company's Repurchase Option set
forth in the Agreement, the Company shall give to Purchaser and you a written
notice specifying the number of shares of stock to be purchased, the purchase
price, and the time for a closing hereunder at the principal office of the
Company. Purchaser and the Company hereby irrevocably authorize and direct you
to close the transaction contemplated by such notice in accordance with the
terms of said notice.

        2. At the closing, you are directed (a) to date the stock assignments
necessary for the transfer in question, (b) to fill in the number of shares
being transferred, and (c) to deliver same, together with the certificate
evidencing the shares of stock to be transferred, to the Company or its
assignee, against the simultaneous delivery to you of the purchase price (by
cash, a check, or some combination thereof) for the number of shares of stock
being purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Company's Repurchase Option.

        3. Purchaser irrevocably authorizes the Company to deposit with you any
certificates evidencing shares of stock to be held by you hereunder and any
additions and substitutions to said shares as defined in the Agreement.
Purchaser does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint you as Purchaser's
attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of this escrow to execute with respect
to such securities all documents necessary or appropriate to make such
securities negotiable and to complete any transaction herein contemplated,
including but not limited to the filing with any applicable state blue sky
authority of any required applications for consent to, or notice of transfer of,
the securities. Subject to the provisions of this paragraph 3, Purchaser shall
exercise all rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company while the
stock is held by you.


<PAGE>

        4. Upon written request of the Purchaser, but no more than once per
calendar year, unless the Company's Repurchase Option has been exercised, you
shall deliver to Purchaser a certificate or certificates representing so many
shares of stock as are not then subject to the Company's Repurchase Option.
Within 90 days after Purchaser ceases to be a Service Provider, you shall
deliver to Purchaser a certificate or certificates representing the aggregate
number of shares held or issued pursuant to the Agreement and not purchased by
the Company or its assignees pursuant to exercise of the Company's Repurchase
Option.

        5. If at the time of termination of this escrow you should have in your
possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to Purchaser,
you shall deliver all of the same to Purchaser and shall be discharged of all
further obligations hereunder.

        6. Your duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified or revoked
only by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto.

        7. You shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as are
specifically set forth herein and may rely and shall be protected in relying or
refraining from acting on any instrument reasonably believed by you to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. You
shall not be personally liable for any act you may do or omit to do hereunder as
Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for Purchaser while acting in good faith,
and any act done or omitted by you pursuant to the advice of your own attorneys
shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith.

        8. You are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all warnings
given by any of the parties hereto or by any other person or corporation,
excepting only orders or process of courts of law, and are hereby expressly
authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any court. In
case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment or decree, you shall not
be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person, firm or
corporation by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding any such order,
judgment or decree being subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside,
vacated or found to have been entered without jurisdiction.

        9. You shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity,
authorities or rights of the parties executing or delivering or purporting to
execute or deliver the Agreement or any documents or papers deposited or called
for hereunder.

        10. You shall not be liable for the outlawing of any rights under the
statute of limitations with respect to these Joint Escrow Instructions or any
documents deposited with you.

        11. You shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel and other experts
as you may deem necessary properly to advise you in connection with your
obligations hereunder, may rely upon the advice of such counsel, and may pay
such counsel reasonable compensation therefor.



                                      -2-
<PAGE>

        12. Your responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if
you shall cease to be an officer or agent of the Company or if you shall resign
by written notice to each party. In the event of any such termination, the
Company shall appoint a successor Escrow Agent.

        13. If you reasonably require other or further instruments in connection
with these Joint Escrow Instructions or obligations in respect hereto, the
necessary parties hereto shall join in furnishing such instruments.

        14. It is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with
respect to the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the
securities held by you hereunder, you are authorized and directed to retain in
your possession without liability to anyone all or any part of said securities
until such disputes shall have been settled either by mutual written agreement
of the parties concerned or by a final order, decree or judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction after the time for appeal has expired and no appeal has
been perfected, but you shall be under no duty whatsoever to institute or defend
any such proceedings.

        15. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing
and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon deposit in
the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail with postage and
fees prepaid, addressed to each of the other parties thereunto entitled at the
following addresses or at such other addresses as a party may designate by ten
days' advance written notice to each of the other parties hereto.

               COMPANY:                     CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.
                                            10600 North Tantau Avenue
                                            Cupertino, CA  95014

               PURCHASER:
                                           ----------------------------------

                                           ----------------------------------

                                           ----------------------------------

               ESCROW AGENT:                Corporate Secretary
                                            10600 North Tantau Avenue
                                            Cupertino, CA  95014

        16. By signing these Joint Escrow Instructions, you become a party
hereto only for the purpose of said Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become
a party to the Agreement.



                                      -3-
<PAGE>

        17. This instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

        18. These Joint Escrow Instructions shall be governed by, and construed
and enforced in accordance with, the internal substantive laws, but not the
choice of law rules, of California.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    CARDIOTHORACIC SYSTEMS, INC.

                                    -------------------------------------
                                    By

                                    -------------------------------------
                                    Title

                                    PURCHASER:

                                    -------------------------------------
                                    Signature

                                    -------------------------------------
                                    Print Name

ESCROW AGENT:

-------------------------------
Corporate Secretary

                                       -4-

<PAGE>



                                   EXHIBIT A-4

                                CONSENT OF SPOUSE

        I, ____________________, spouse of ___________________, have read and
approve the foregoing Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement"). In
consideration of the Company's grant to my spouse of the right to purchase
shares of CardioThoracic Systems, Inc., as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby
appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact in respect to the exercise of any
rights under the Agreement and agree to be bound by the provisions of the
Agreement insofar as I may have any rights in said Agreement or any shares
issued pursuant thereto under the community property laws or similar laws
relating to marital property in effect in the state of our residence as of the
date of the signing of the foregoing Agreement.

Dated: _______________, 19__

                               ------------------------------------------
                               Signature of Spouse






<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT A-5

                          ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b)
                      OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986

The undersigned taxpayer hereby elects, pursuant to Section 83(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to include in taxpayer's gross income
for the current taxable year the amount of any compensation taxable to taxpayer
in connection with his or her receipt of the property described below:

1.      The name, address, taxpayer identification number and taxable year of
        the undersigned are as follows:

        NAME:                         TAXPAYER:             SPOUSE:

        ADDRESS:

        IDENTIFICATION NO.:            TAXPAYER:            SPOUSE:

        TAXABLE YEAR:

2.      The property with respect to which the election is made is described as
        follows: _______ shares (the "Shares") of the Common Stock of
        CardioThoracic Systems, Inc. (the "Company").

3.      The date on which the property was transferred is: __________, 19__.

4.      The property is subject to the following restrictions:

        The Shares may be repurchased by the Company, or its assignee, upon
        certain events. This right lapses with regard to a portion of the Shares
        based on the continued performance of services by the taxpayer over
        time.

5.      The fair market value at the time of transfer, determined without regard
        to any restriction other than a restriction which by its terms will
        never lapse, of such property is:

        $---------------.

6.      The amount (if any) paid for such property is:

        $---------------.

The undersigned has submitted a copy of this statement to the person for whom
the services were performed in connection with the undersigned's receipt of the
above-described property. The transferee of such property is the person
performing the services in connection with the transfer of said property.

The undersigned understands that the foregoing election may not be revoked
except with the consent of the Commissioner.

Dated:         ___________________, 19____          ____________________________

                                                    Taxpayer

The undersigned spouse of taxpayer joins in this election.

Dated:         ___________________, 19____          ____________________________
                                                    Spouse of Taxpayer