Jul 22, 2002
Guidant Announces European Approval and First Implant of Next-Generation Implantable Defibrillator

Smallest, Thinnest Defibrillator Offers Advanced Rhythm Discrimination and Industry-Leading Longevity

Indianapolis, IN and St. Paul, MN - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced CE Mark approval and first implant of the world''s smallest dual-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)'"the VITALITY(tm) DS ICD system. This new family of devices offers both improved size and longevity along with new advanced rhythm management features.

"Health care systems may see increased cost-savings from these innovative ICDs," said Guido Neels, president, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada, Guidant. "With up to 10 years longevity, the VITALITY EL (extended life) defibrillator could represent a very positive impact on cost per year of therapy. Additionally, the VITALITY DS (downsize) system offers physicians and patients the world''s smallest ICD at 30 cc without compromising on features and while still delivering outstanding longevity for its size."

The VITALITY system has received European CE Mark approval. The first implants of the VITALITY defibrillator were conducted by Prof. Bernard Belhassen, Ichilov Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Dr. Johannes Sperzel, Kerckhoff Klinik, Bad Nauheim, Germany; and Dr. Jesper Hastrup Svendsen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. Each of these initial implants is part of a Guidant-initiated field following study.

"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. Sperzel. "The VITALITY defibrillator really addresses all three concerns."

VITALITY defibrillators are designed with a unique elliptical shape and smaller size to facilitate insertion during implantation and provide greater patient comfort. In addition, this new platform offers advanced rhythm management including Guidant''s proprietary RHYTHM ID(tm) feature, which uses new, highly sophisticated algorithms intended to pinpoint the origin of dangerously fast or erratic heartbeats in order to allow the physician to program the most appropriate therapy for the heart. Additional enhancements for rhythm management include SmartSensing(tm), Ventricular Rate Response and Atrial Pacing Preference.

"The VITALITY family represents the latest offering from Guidant Corporation''s significant product development pipeline," said Fred McCoy, president, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Guidant. "We feel the VITALITY family offers unique patient and physician benefits and we look forward to achieving U.S. market approval in due course."

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.