Nov 6, 2001
Guidant Announces First Human Implant of Newest Active-Fixation Defibrillation Lead

Defibrillation Lead Features Advances in Handling and Visibility for Ease in Positioning

Indianapolis, Ind. and St. Paul, Minn. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular disease, announced the first human implant of its ENDOTAK® RELIANCE(tm) active-fixation defibrillation lead. This lead, currently undergoing clinical evaluation, completes the ENDOTAK RELIANCE family and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

"The new ENDOTAK RELIANCE active fixation lead is a great complement to our strong lineup of implantable defibrillation products," said Fred McCoy, president, Guidant Cardiac Rhythm Management. "Guidant's warranty on these defibrillation leads is a tangible demonstration of our confidence in the product."

The first implant was performed by Dr. F. Roosevelt Gilliam III of Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists with a VENTAK® PRIZM(tm) 2 ICD on Oct. 23, at Chippenham Medical Center in Richmond, Va.

"This lead is very similar to a pacing lead," commented Dr. Gilliam. "The smooth isodiametric body enabled it to flow easily through the vein to the ideal position in the heart. I was able to easily extend the helix using the new terminal-pin driven mechanism. In addition, the lead's fluoroscopic markers enabled me to clearly confirm helix extension."

Endocardial defibrillation leads are thin, insulated wires that connect an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to the heart through a vein. The lead transmits signals from the heart to the ICD device and, when appropriate, delivers therapy from the ICD back to the heart. The ENDOTAK RELIANCE family features a smooth isodiametric body, which means that the entire lead body is the same diameter throughout. Combined with a VENTAK PRIZM 2 defibrillator, the VENTAK PRIZM 2/ENDOTAK RELIANCE ICD system is the smallest, thinnest defibrillator system in the world.

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.