Jul 2, 2002
Patient Successfully Treated for Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Using Guidant's SYNCRUS System

New Solution Offers Fast, Effective Treatment For Common Complication After Cardiac Surgery

Indianapolis, Ind. and Santa Clara, Calif. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced that the first patient in the United States was successfully treated for postoperative atrial fibrillation with Guidant''s SYNCRUS(tm) Internal Cardioversion System.

"Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a common complication after cardiac surgery that can take days to treat with conventional medical therapy. The SYNCRUS System provides a fast and effective treatment," said Nicky Spaulding, president, Cardiac Surgery, Guidant Corporation. "We are pleased to be the first to offer this innovative treatment for cardiac surgery patients in the U.S. and other parts of the world."

The first patient was successfully cardioverted to normal heart rhythm within 30 minutes from the onset of postoperative atrial fibrillation with a low 6-joule shock. During cardiac surgery, thin epicardial wires were placed on the patient''s heart and routed outside the chest through the skin. Three days after heart surgery, the patient developed atrial fibrillation, and was given a low-energy shock directly to the heart under slight sedation. Dr. Amit Patel and Dr. Baron Hamman of Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas treated the patient.

"The SYNCRUS System gave me an immediate means of terminating the patient''s post-surgical atrial arrhythmia, allowing our patient to avoid the risks of anticoagulation and the added costs of extended hospitalization time often associated with treating this complication," said Dr. Patel. "I believe the SYNCRUS System will revolutionize the treatment of postoperative atrial fibrillation."

Postoperative atrial fibrillation is one of the most common complications in cardiac surgery, occurring in 20 to 50 percent of all patients within two to four days after heart surgery. Researchers estimate that postoperative atrial fibrillation costs the U.S. health system up to $1.25 billion dollars annually. Postoperative atrial fibrillation requires treatment before the patient is discharged from the hospital: if left untreated, atrial fibrillation may lead to a variety of medical conditions, including stroke. The SYNCRUS System is designed to deliver a low energy shock to the atria - the heart''s upper chambers - to restore normal heart rhythm immediately.

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.