Oct 1, 2002
Guidant Announces European Market Launch of Next-Generation Implantable Defibrillators

World''s smallest, thinnest defibrillator offers advanced rhythm discrimination and industry-leading longevity

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 European market launch of its next-generation implantable defibrillator family'"the VITALITY(tm) Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) system. This new family of devices offers reduced size and excellent longevity along with new advanced rhythm management solutions.

"The VITALITY family provides ground-breaking new rhythm discrimination technology to help manage complex arrhythmias," said Guido Neels, president, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada, Guidant. "This family offers physicians and patients the best combination of size and longevity without compromising on therapy."

VITALITY defibrillators are designed with a unique elliptical shape and smaller size to facilitate insertion during implantation and provide greater patient comfort. The VITALITY is the world''s smallest ICD at 30 cc, while the VITALITY + is 35 cc and offers up to 10 years longevity. This new platform also offers advanced rhythm management solutions. These features employ new, highly sophisticated algorithms intended to pinpoint the origin of dangerously fast or erratic heartbeats in order to allow the physician to quickly program the most appropriate therapy for the heart.

"My patients always ask the same three questions when they need a defibrillator: how small is it, how long will it last and will the device shock me at the right time?" commented Dr. Johannes Sperzel, Kerckhoff Klinik Bad Nauheim, Germany. "The VITALITY defibrillators really address all three concerns."

"The VITALITY family represents the latest offering from Guidant Corporation''s significant product development pipeline," said Fred McCoy, president, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Guidant. "The VITALITY family offers unique patient benefits and physician rhythm management solutions."

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.