Dec 2, 1999
Guidant Announces First Six Implants of VENTAK PRIZM Defibrillation System

Indianapolis, IN - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a worldwide leader in implantable defibrillation systems, today announced the first six implants of the world''s smallest dual-chamber implantable defibrillator - the VENTAK® PRIZM(tm) AICD(tm) Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator system.

The first six implants of the VENTAK PRIZM device took place in centers across Germany today. Two implants were completed by Dr. Niehaus at the Medizinische Hochschule Hannover; one implant by Dr. Schuchert at the UKE Hamburg and three implants at the University Ulm by Dr. Thamasett.

The VENTAK PRIZM is a full-featured 39 cc defibrillator with a unique patient-friendly pacemaker shape. In addition to being the smallest dual-chamber defibrillator available anywhere in the world, its longevity exceeds that of any comparably sized device by a factor of years.

"Defibrillator size, shape, longevity and ease-of-use are preeminent among the standards against which defibrillators are measured by our physician customers," noted Jay Graf, president of Guidant''s Cardiac Rhythm Management group. "VENTAK PRIZM is unmatched in all four dimensions. While VENTAK PRIZM is the world''s smallest dual-chamber defibrillator, it will outlast any similarly featured device by a substantial margin. Further, the VENTAK PRIZM is very easy for physicians to use. Its powerful rhythm discrimination and patient follow-up features are enabled by a simple button push."

The VENTAK PRIZM is the fifth product in a series of sophisticated, full-featured, dual-chamber pacing and defibrillation devices developed and manufactured by Guidant since September 1996.

A global leader in the medical device industry, Guidant provides innovative, minimally invasive and cost-effective products and services for the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular disease. For more information on Guidant''s products and services, visit the company''s web site at http://www.guidant.com.