Dec 7, 2001
Guidant's New Defibrillator Manages Abnormal Heart Rates in Upper and Lower Chambers

European Market Release and U.S First Implant of Dual Chamber Defibrillator with Advanced Atrial Arrhythmia Management

Indianapolis, Ind. and St. Paul, MN - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a global leader in cardiac and vascular technology, today announced the European market release of its VENTAK® PRIZM(tm) AVT(tm) implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) system with advanced atrial arrhythmia management. The PRIZM AVT system includes a unique combination of features designed to manage abnormal heart rates in both the upper (atrial) and lower (ventricular) chambers of the heart. Atrial fibrillation currently affects about two-and-a-half million Europeans and two million Americans.

"Guidant's continued advances in implantable defibrillator therapy, coupled with compelling results from the recent MADIT II clinical trial, positions us to continue as a leader in this important market," commented Fred McCoy, president, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Guidant Corporation.

"In addition to the system's proven features to protect patients against ventricular arrhythmia, PRIZM AVT combines therapies specifically designed to terminate atrial arrhythmias," commented Guido Neels, president of Guidant Europe. "This complete set of tools in the hands of our European physicians may change the lives of atrial arrhythmia patients."

The PRIZM AVT system includes two unique features designed to help physicians better manage patients with atrial arrhythmias. The first feature - Ventricular Rate Regulation (VRR) - allows physicians to provide pacing at regular intervals in the ventricle during atrial arrhythmias. The second feature included in PRIZM AVT is an innovative atrial rhythm classification (ARC) that uses three criteria to accurately classify fast rhythms as atrial fibrillation or flutter and then apply appropriate therapy, restoring the heart's normal sinus rhythm. Also new is the ability for patients to more directly participate in their treatment via patient controlled therapy options incorporated into the PRIZM AVT system. Physicians can now program the device to provide patients the flexibility to request therapy when they are symptomatic.

"Patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF) experience a severe reduction in their quality of life during AF episodes," explained Dr. C. Geller, University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany. "PRIZM AVT offes me a set of diagnostic tools to understand my patient's atrial arrhythmia. I can then decide how to best treat this patient thanks to this complete set of features."

The PRIZM AVT system was recently launched in Europe after receiving CE Mark approval. The first U.S. implant of a PRIZM AVT system was completed on Nov. 28. Dr. Michael Giudici, Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, Iowa, implanted the new system in a 52-year-old male with a history of ventricular fibrillation. Dr. Giudici reported that the procedure went well and the patient is already showing improvement. The PRIZM AVT system is still under investigation in the U.S.

Atrial arrhythmias are abnormally fast heart rhythms in the upper chambers of the heart. The condition occurs when a part other than the natural pacemaker in the upper chambers of the heart tries to take over. During atrial fibrillation, these impulses cause the upper chambers to contract so fast that the chambers quiver instead of really pumping. Often contractions become fast and irregular causing patients to become symptomatic. If atrial fibrillation occurs over a length of time, it can lead to stroke or heart muscle damage.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to 7 million cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of 10,000 employees, develops, manufactures and markets a broad array of products and services that enable less invasive care for some of life's most threatening medical conditions.