Aug 13, 2002
Guidant Expands Biliary Stent System Line

Additional Stent Lengths and Diameters Give Physicians Broader Treatment Options

Indianapolis, Ind. and Menlo Park, Calif. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced an expansion to its DYNALINK(tm) .035 Biliary Self-Expanding Stent System family. The DYNALINK .035 System now offers larger sizes of 12mm and 14mm diameters in lengths of 38mm, 56mm, and 80mm, allowing physicians a broader range of treatment options.

"The expanded DYNALINK .035 System demonstrates Guidant''s commitment to treating a broader range of patients, as well as strengthening our portfolio of biliary stent products," said Beverly Huss, president, Endovascular Solutions, Guidant Corporation. "Guidant is dedicated to continually refining and improving our innovative medical technologies for the treatment of biliary, cardiac and vascular disease."

Biliary obstructions are blockages found in the ducts that carry fluids from the liver to the gallbladder or from the gallbladder to the small intestine. Each year, approximately 30,000 Americans are affected by biliary obstructions.

Guidant''s DYNALINK .018 and .035 Systems are comprised of DYNALINK Stents and Delivery Systems. After entering the access site through a small puncture in the skin, a physician guides the flexible catheter to the site of the blockage. Once deployed, the DYNALINK stent serves as scaffolding to hold the previously obstructed areas open.

The DYNALINK .035 Biliary Self-Expanding Stent System is part of a family of Guidant products designed specifically for non-coronary anatomy. These products, intended for the treatment of malignant biliary obstructions, include the DYNALINK .018 Biliary Self-Expanding Stent System, OMNILINK(tm) .035 and .018 Biliary Stent Systems, and RX HERCULINK(tm) PLUS Biliary Stent Systems.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to millions 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. For more information visit www.guidant.com.