Sep 12, 2000
Guidant Announces First Implants of PRIZM 2

World''s Smallest, Most Advanced, Dual-Chamber Implantable Defibrillation System

Indianapolis, IN, and St. Paul, MN - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT) today announced the first implants of the world's smallest, thinnest, dual-chamber pacemaker/defibrillator - the VENTAK® PRIZM(tm) 2 AICD automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator system.

"We are pleased to achieve this milestone so quickly and continue to drive toward the worldwide fourth quarter launch of the PRIZM 2. To that end, we have already initiated full-scale production," said Fred McCoy, president of Guidant''s Cardiac Rhythm Management Group. "The worldwide launch of the PRIZM 2 system, together with the already successful PRIZM and the recently launched PRIZM HE (high energy), will provide our customers with three dual-chamber systems smaller than the 40 cc benchmark.

"In addition, this unequalled family of technology choices leverages the capabilities of Guidant''s recently released ZOOM(tm) Programming System, which has received extraordinary reviews for its speed and performance," stated McCoy. "Guidant is committed to continually redefine the standard in implantable defibrillator technology by making implants and patient follow-up faster and easier - these technologies provide clear evidence of our leadership in this effort." The ZOOM Programming System is used by physicians and other clinicians to analyze data from Guidant''s implantable defibrillator and pacemaker systems.

The first two patients to receive a PRIZM 2 were implanted at approximately the same time. The first patient was a 62-year-old male with a primary indication of ventricular fibrillation and a history of coronary artery disease. The implant was performed at Leiden University Medical Center in Leiden, Netherlands. "I believe that the uniquely rounded shape and incredible thinness of the PRIZM 2 will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing for my patients," said Liselot van Erven, M.D., Ph.D., who performed the first implant.

The second patient to receive a PRIZM 2 was a 61-year-old male also with a primary indication of ventricular fibrillation and a history of coronary artery disease. Drs. Jürgen Vogt and Johannes Heintze performed the implant at Herzzentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.

The PRIZM 2 system is designed to treat patients at risk of life-threatening ventricular heart rhythms. Patients with fast heart rhythms can experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or near fainting if the heart beats too fast to circulate blood effectively. Collapse and sudden cardiac death can follow unless medical help is provided immediately. The PRIZM 2 device is implanted under the skin near the collarbone to continuously monitor the patient''s heart rhythm and deliver therapy when needed.

"Guidant is uniquely positioned to offer physicians the technology choice that they feel is most appropriate for each patient. The size and shape, longevity, and energy output of the PRIZM family provide physicians the full range of solutions for this rapidly growing market," continued McCoy.

In addition to its small physiologic shape - 32 cc in size and 12 mm thin - the PRIZM 2 product also offers physicians and their patients unmatched device longevity. Guidant, dedicated to promoting cost-effective ICD therapy, has engineered the system to outlast competitors'' similarly sized dual-chamber devices.

The PRIZM 2 system is focused not only on managing complex arrhythmias, but also on saving clinicians'' time by enabling them to make better decisions faster. The new ease-of-use tools automatically collect, store and display important patient data, allowing the busy clinician convenient access to critical information. The system also allows quick diagnosis of arrhythmias in the upper and lower chambers of the heart through on-screen stored electrograms. This information allows the clinician to adjust the patient''s treatment if needed.

The PRIZM 2 system is the sixth in a series of sophisticated, full-featured, dual-chamber pacing and defibrillation devices introduced by Guidant since September 1996.

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