Oct 25, 2002
Guidant Announces First Implants of Next Generation Heart Failure Technology

Live Broadcast of Implants Allows Physicians to Participate in Unique Training Opportunity

Indianapolis, Ind. and St. Paul, Minn. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced the first implants of its CONTAK CD® 2 Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator (CRT-D) for the treatment of heart failure. The implants will be broadcast live as part of a unique physician training program taking place at the Carlyle Fraser Heart Center of Emory Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta.

Drs. David DeLurgio, Angel Leon and Fernando Mera are performing the implants. More than 30 physicians will be on site to observe the broadcast, called "Cardiac Resynchronization Live," and interact directly with the implanting physicians during the procedure. The broadcast will also be fed via satellite to six other locations around the country.

The recently approved CONTAK CD 2 system combines treatment for heart failure and protection from sudden cardiac death. The physiologically shaped system is smaller and lighter than any other CRT-D product currently available in the United States. The commercially approved competitive CRT-D system in the United States is 61 percent larger than the CONTAK CD 2.

"It''s quite amazing, the advancements Guidant has made in relation to improved diagnostics and programming capabilities while simultaneously downsizing this technology," commented Dr. DeLurgio, who performed the first implant. "Combining these features in the CONTAK CD 2 allows me to provide my patients with a new level of care."

"Guidant pioneered cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators," said Fred McCoy, president, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Guidant Corporation. "We are pleased to offer a unique training forum to assist in the rapid adoption of this groundbreaking therapy to help people struggling with heart failure."

CONTAK CD 2 is the second in a deep pipeline of CRT-D offerings in the United States from Guidant. Guidant was the first company to offer a device that combines cardiac resynchronization therapy with implantable defibrillation therapy, addressing the two primary concerns of physicians who treat heart failure patients'"improving their quality of life and protecting them from sudden cardiac death. Half of all heart failure deaths are a result of end-stage, progressive pump failure, and the other half are due to sudden cardiac death. The CRT function of the device helps the chambers of the heart beat in a coordinated manner, improving a heart failure patient''s functional capabilities. The implantable defibrillator function corrects potentially life-threatening rapid heart rhythms, preventing sudden cardiac death.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of more than 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. For more information visit www.guidant.com.