Exhibit 23.1

             CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 Nos. 33-80619, 333-59869, 333-70201 and 333-44164) pertaining to the
1992 Stock Plan, the 1992 Consultant Stock Plan, the 1995 Director Option Plan,
the 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the 1999 Non-Statutory Stock Option
Plan and in the Registration Statements (Form S-3 Nos. 333-45895, 333-80585,
333-95321 and 333-51438) of VidaMed, Inc. of our report dated February 2, 2001,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of VidaMed,
Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31,
2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                    /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Palo Alto, California
March 29, 2001