Nov 8, 2000
Guidant Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Cardiovascular Facility in Brussels For Training of European Physicians in New and Emerging Cardiac and Vascular Therapies

Key Opinion Leaders Attend Day-Long Opening Symposium, Witness Remote Broadcasts of Live Case Demonstrations

Indianapolis, IN - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a leading provider of cardiac and vascular products worldwide, today announced the opening of a state-of-the-art Cardiovascular Institute in its European head offices in Brussels, Belgium. Leading physicians from throughout Europe are attending a symposium marking the official opening of a facility that will train practitioners in new and emerging therapies for the treatment of vascular and coronary diseases.

"This is an exceptional facility - as good as, or perhaps better than, any other in the world," said Ron Dollens, president and CEO of Guidant Corporation. "The Cardiovascular Institute will certainly strengthen our presence in Europe and provide the training needed for the more rapid adoption of the life-saving innovations Guidant has developed."

The Guidant European Cardiovascular Institute (GECI) is equipped with the latest technology for training in medical procedures. The auditorium is fully equipped for live transmissions of clinical cases, and physicians attending the opening of the institute will witness two procedures from remote locations. One will be a transmission from a leading heart clinic in Aalst, Belgium, demonstrating the first use of a new stent specially designed for small coronary vessels; the other transmission from the University Hospital in Magdeburg, Germany, will demonstrate the implantation of a device for treating heart failure patients.

"We have attracted world class experts to serve as faculty for the Institute, and we believe that practitioners and their patients all over Europe will benefit from this outstanding facility," said Guido Neels, president of Guidant Europe. "As we at Guidant continue to innovate new techniques and therapies, we are dedicated to provide training and education to physicians so that the benefits reach the patients. The institute represents another example of our commitment and leadership in the medical technology arena."

Three rooms at the institute will be devoted to practical training on virtual models and simulators, and are equipped with sophisticated high definition projectors. The auditorium is fully automated, with auto-tracking cameras and sophisticated light and sound controls. In these settings, the institute will host courses and workshops on cardiac rhythm management, cardiovascular surgery and vascular intervention for specialists and sub-specialists in all branches of cardiology, as well as for neurologists, oncologists and nurses.

A global leader in the medical technology industry, Guidant Corporation provides innovative, minimally invasive and cost-effective products and services for the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular disease.