Jun 4, 1999
Guidant Announces U.S. Market Releaseof PULSAR and PULSAR MAX Dual-Sensor Pacemaker Systems

Indianapolis, IN - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a worldwide leader in cardiac rhythm management systems, today announced the U.S. market release of the PULSAR(tm) and PULSAR MAX pacemaker systems.

Manufactured by Guidant''s Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) Group, the new systems provide sophisticated adaptive-rate therapy designed to match the pacing rate provided by the pacemaker to individual patient needs. The PULSAR devices offer a choice of sensor-based options: an accelerometer that measures patient movement or a minute ventilation sensor that measures patient respiration. Each sensor provides a pacing rate that matches variations in activity levels. The PULSAR MAX system also provides an optimized blend of input from both sensors to optimize pacing therapy.

"The PULSAR MAX algorithm that uniquely blends signals from two sensors that indicate patient activity provides a pacemaker response that is more like that of the heart''s own natural pacemaker," noted Jay Graf, president of Guidant''s CRM Group. "Further, the PULSAR and PULSAR MAX systems will store and display diagnostic-quality atrial and ventricular electrograms simultaneously. This diagnostic feature, called arrhythmia logbook, is unmatched by any competitive pacing system available today and provides the physician a unique opportunity to better diagnose patient reported symptoms," Graf added.

The PULSAR and PULSAR MAX devices include Guidant''s acclaimed ease-of-use features - Quick Start(tm), Quick Check(tm) 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 which simplifies and abbreviates patient follow up.

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.