Sep 17, 2001
Guidant Announces Market Release of its Most Advanced Pacemaker Systems in Japan

Several New Features Designed to Enhance Patient Management

Indianapolis, IN and Tokyo, Japan - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular disease, today announced the Japanese market release of its most advanced pacemaker devices - the PULSAR(tm) MAX II blended-sensor pacemaker system and the DISCOVERY(tm) II single-sensor system.

"The launch of the PULSAR MAX II and DISCOVERY II, coupled with the recent launch of the MINI(tm) IV defibrillator, for the first time positions our cardiac rhythm management business in Japan with two highly competitive product lines," said Dana G. Mead, Jr., president, Japan and Asia/Pacific operations. "These new pacemaker families represent Guidant's most current pacemaker technology and we have seen strong acceptance of these products in both the U.S. and European markets. To maximize our market impact with these Guidant developed and manufactured technologies, we will utilize both our direct sales channel and our distribution partner, Japan Lifeline Co."

The introduction of the PULSAR MAX II and DISCOVERY II is part of Guidant's ongoing effort to provide the most advanced treatment options to patients in Japan and worldwide. In total, an estimated 38,000 pacemakers will be implanted in Japan in 2001.

The PULSAR MAX II and DISCOVERY II systems both introduce new features designed to help physicians manage patients with atrial arrhythmias. These features are intended to stabilize the primary pumping action of the heart during periods of atrial fibrillation by providing pacing at regular intervals in the ventricle during atrial arrhythmias. The PULSAR MAX II also has a sophisticated algorithm designed to provide an appropriate heart rate for a patient's given level of activity. The device's proprietary blended sensor capability is designed to measure patient motion and a patient's respiration rate to optimize device therapy for the patient.

The devices also offer a unique combination of features that provide a patient history profile that is unmatched in its comprehensiveness. For example, the new stored electrogram (EGM) capability captures arrhythmias of the heart and records them for interpretation. An arrhythmia logbook-a screen that displays all the arrhythmias a patient has had since the last check-in and allows the physician to investigate any one in further detail-is also included. The devices also include Guidant's ease-of-use features that allow the clinician to easily and quickly perform a comprehensive set of automatic tests and follow-up operations. The result is one concise report that summarizes data needed for informed patient management.

"These new pacemakers from Guidant provide unique and truly meaningful therapeutic features that my patients will appreciate. Also, I am able to learn more about my patients and their condition by using the stored EGMs and arrhythmia logbook. I am very excited to be able to use this state of the art technology," said Haruhiko Abe, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor & lecturer, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.

The PULSAR MAX II and DISCOVERY II are designed to treat bradycardia, a condition which occurs when the heart is not pumping as quickly as it should, and the body is not getting the oxygen it needs. As a result, a person may feel tired, light-headed, weak or dizzy. Even routine activities leave the person fatigued. Many people with bradycardia don't realize they have a heart problem because the symptoms often appear gradually. A pacemaker is designed to watch a patient's natural heart rate and deliver its own electrical impulses to help the heart beat when necessary. Pacing systems can help the heart beat faster or more efficiently by providing electrical signals much like those of a normal heart.

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.