Oct 13, 1999
Guidant Announces First Implants of New Dual-Sensor Pacemaker System

Indianapolis, IN - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a worldwide leader in cardiac rhythm management systems, today announced the first implants of the next generation in dual-sensor devices -- the PULSAR(tm) MAX II pacemaker system.

This new device provides sophisticated adaptive-rate algorithms designed to match the pacing rate provided by the device to individual patient needs. The PULSAR MAX II device''s proprietary blended sensor capability is designed to optimize inputs from both an accelerometer that measures patient movement and a minute ventilation sensor that measures patient respiration.

In addition, the PULSAR MAX II family introduces new features designed to help physicians manage patients with atrial arrhythmias. These features include Atrial Pacing Preference (APP(tm)), which promotes atrial pacing, and Ventricular Rate Regulation (VRR(tm)), which is intended to stabilize ventricular response during periods of atrial fibrillation and minimize symptoms associated with atrial fibrillation or flutter.

"The PULSAR MAX II is the world''s first pacemaker with this combination of atrial arrhythmia management features," noted Jay Graf, president of Guidant''s Cardiac Rhythm Management Group. "We believe it provides solutions never before available to physicians faced with the challenge of treating pacemaker patients who also have atrial fibrillation."

"Further, the PULSAR MAX is designed to provide a physiologic response to normal variations in a patient''s daily activity," Graf said. "The PULSAR MAX II can store and display diagnostic-quality atrial and ventricular electrograms simultaneously. This diagnostic capability remains unmatched by any competitive pacing system available today. These features expand the physician''s ability to manage a variety of complex rhythms with one easy-to-use system."

The first implants of the PULSAR MAX II device took place Tuesday, October 12, at the Academisch Ziekenhuis in Maastricht, The Netherlands, by Dr. Charlie Kirchof; at the Universitaets Klinik Wien in Vienna Austria by Prof. Wolher and Prof. Rauscha; at Guy''s and Thomas'' Hospital in London, England with Dr. Jaswinder Gill''s team and Dr. Ron Simon and at the Policlinique de Gentilly in Nancy, France by Dr. Luc Kubler. Additional implants are scheduled across Europe during the rest of this week.

The PULSAR MAX II device includes Guidant''s ease-of-use features - Autosense(tm), Quick Start(tm), Quick Check and Quick Notes(tm), which allow the clinician to easily and quickly perform a comprehensive set of automatic tests and follow-up device operations. The result is a printout that summarizes data needed for informed patient management in one concise report.

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.