Sep 21, 2001
Guidant Strengthens Cardiovascular Product Line by Entering New Segment of Guide Wire Market

Company Launches New Polymer Coated Guide Wire in the U.S.

Indianapolis, Ind. and Santa Clara, Calif. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT) a world leader in the treatment of coronary artery disease, today announced it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of its first polymer coated guide wire, the WHISPER(tm) Guide Wire.

In addition to the WHISPER guide wire, Guidant has recently launched several other vascular intervention products for treating cardiovascular disease. These include the MULTI-LINK PENTA(tm) Coronary Stent System and a system designed specifically for smaller diameter vessels with abrupt or threatened abrupt closure, the MULTI-LINK PIXEL(tm) Coronary Stent System. Guidant also recently launched in Europe the GALILEO(tm) 40/60 Automated Intravascular Radiotherapy System, the company's second radiotherapy system designed to reduce the incidence of restenosis-re-blockages that form in previously treated coronary arteries.

"We are very excited to add yet another new product to Guidant's market leading vascular intervention product line," said John M. Capek, Ph.D., president, Vascular Intervention, Guidant Corporation. "We believe the U.S. launch of the WHISPER guide wire will help Guidant strengthen our leadership in the interventional cardiology field."

About the WHISPER Guide Wire

Guide wires are used in most interventional cardiology procedures. A physician first uses a guide wire to reach the site of a coronary blockage, then uses that guide wire to direct an angioplasty catheter or catheter bearing a stent to the blockage for treatment. In certain challenging cases, it is difficult for the guide wire to cross hard to access blockages. The polymer-coated wire, WHISPER, allows for easier negotiation through the anatomy by reducing friction.

"The WHISPER guide wire is able to access challenging cases," said Stacy Smith, M.D., of Baptist Hospital East in Memphis, Tenn. "I also found that the wire exhibits excellent steerability and tactile feedback."

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.