Jan 24, 2000
Guidant Announces FDA Approval to Market PRIZM Defibrillation System

Indianapolis, IN, and St. Paul, MN - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a worldwide leader in implantable defibrillation systems, today announced the company has received FDA approval to market the world''s smallest physiologically shaped dual-chamber implantable defibrillator - the VENTAK® PRIZM(tm) AICD Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator system.

"The VENTAK PRIZM device introduces the ''shape of things to come'' in implantable defibrillation systems," noted Jay Graf, president of Guidant''s Cardiac Rhythm Management Group. "We believe that this device sets a new standard for patients with complex arrhythmias."

The VENTAK PRIZM introduction focuses on three characteristics critical to the physicians who implant this therapy and the patients who receive implanted devices:

• Small, physiologic shape - The VENTAK PRIZM device is a full-featured 39 cc defibrillator with a unique patient-friendly pacemaker oval shape, for ease of implant and patient acceptance.

• Unmatched longevity - VENTAK PRIZM DR longevity exceeds that of any comparably sized device by a factor of years, substantially increasing a patient''s time between device replacement surgeries.

• Ease of Use - The VENTAK PRIZM system represents a significant advance in user interface simplicity. Guidant''s CONSULT software is designed so that programming and patient follow-up visits will be easier to complete and take less physician time.

"Defibrillator size, shape, longevity and ease of use are preeminent among the standards against which defibrillators are measured by our physician customers," Graf noted. "The VENTAK PRIZM system excels in all four dimensions. While the VENTAK PRIZM DR pulse generator is the world''s smallest dual-chamber defibrillator, it will outlast any comparably sized dual-chamber defibrillator by several years. Further, the VENTAK PRIZM system is very easy for physicians to use. Its powerful rhythm discrimination and patient follow-up features are enabled by a simple button push."

The VENTAK PRIZM product is the fifth in a series of sophisticated, full-featured, dual-chamber pacing and defibrillation devices developed and manufactured by Guidant since September 1996.

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.