Apr 27, 1999
Guidant Announces First Implants of CONTAK TR / EASYTRAK System for Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure

Indianapolis, IN - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a worldwide leader in cardiac rhythm management systems, today announced the first two implants of the CONTAK(tm) TR Congestive Heart Failure Device (CHFD) / EASYTRAK(tm) lead system in Europe. The new CONTAK TR / EASYTRAK system, which provides pacing stimulation for both sides of the heart, is designed specifically for the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), a cardiovascular disorder affecting a large and growing patient population.

Manufactured by Guidant''s Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) Group, the CONTAK TR/ EASYTRAK system is designed to stimulate both of the lower chambers of the heart in a way that enhances the heart''s pumping efficiency. Conventional systems provide pacing to stimulate only the right side of the heart and rely on the heart''s normal conduction system to transfer that pulse to the left side of the heart. The patented EASYTRAK lead system, designed in conjunction with Guidant''s Vascular Intervention Group, allows easy, convenient transvenous placement, using an over-the-wire system similar to that used in angioplasty procedures.

"The CONTAK TR broadens our product portfolio for the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure and complements the CONTAK CD device which was first implanted in February," noted Jay Graf, president of CRM. "We believe that these two systems will demonstrate the role for device therapy in the treatment of heart failure patients. To date, effective treatment of chronic heart failure is an enormous unmet clinical need that consumes a significant portion of health care budgets worldwide. To the extent that our devices demonstrate clinical benefit, we anticipate that many patients will live more comfortable lives and spend far less time in hospitals."

The device system implanted included these components: the CONTAK TR pulse generator, which provides biventricular pacing; the EASYTRAK lead, a transvenous over-the-wire lead system developed for implantation in the coronary venous system to reach the left side of the heart, and a standard bradycardia pacing lead implanted in the right ventricle.

The first implants were done by Dr. Stefan Sack at the University of Essen in Germany and by Dr. Purerfellner at Elisabethinen Hospital in Linz, Austria.

Congestive heart failure affects well over three million people in the United States alone, and 400,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, making it the most rapidly growing cardiovascular disorder. Congestive heart failure is a medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the metabolic needs of the body.

CHF is characterized by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, problems with physical strength and stamina, fatigue, fluid retention and exercise intolerance. Patients often report disruption of their lives and dissatisfaction with their abilities to perform daily activities.

A global leader in the medical device industry, Guidant Corporation 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.