Nov 14, 2001
Guidant Launches Advanced Stent System in Japan

New Technology Offering Provides Significant Benefit to Second Largest Coronary Stent Market in the World

Indianapolis, Ind. and Tokyo, Japan. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of coronary artery disease, today announced the launch of its MULTI-LINK TRISTAR(tm) Coronary Stent System in Japan.

"This important product launch will greatly enhance the momentum that Guidant's vascular intervention business is experiencing in Japan, the second-largest coronary stent market in the world," said Dana G. Mead Jr., president, Guidant Japan, Asia/Pacific. "Because this system is offered in multiple lengths and diameters, we now have the potential to treat significantly more Japanese patients with Guidant's proven stent technology."

The product is available in low profiles and includes a broad range of sizes: diameters from 2.5 mm to 4.0 mm and lengths ranging from 8 mm to 28 mm.

The first case was successfully performed at Showa University in Tokyo by Dr. Yuji Hamazaki. "The MULTI-LINK TRISTAR's performance was impressive. The TRISTAR has inherited the excellent characteristics of Guidant's MULTI-LINK PLUS(tm) Coronary Stent System. It is conformable to the vessel, which is highly desirable in stent performance," said Dr. Hamazaki.

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.