Jul 1, 2002
Guidant Studies Use of Endoscopic Radial Artery Harvesting In Coronary Bypass Graft Surgery

Study Intended to Expand Indications for VASOVIEW Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System

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 its first U.S. endoscopic radial harvesting procedure using Guidant''s VASOVIEW® Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System. This procedure was performed under a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational Device Exemption feasibility study intended to expand the VASOVIEW System indication to include the harvesting of the radial artery, in the arm. The VASOVIEW System is presently indicated for saphenous vein harvesting, in the leg.

Radial arteries are accustomed to higher blood pressure than leg veins and, as a result, may prove to be more durable grafts. Until now, surgeons have had to harvest the radial artery through a long incision from the elbow to the wrist. The expanded indication for the VASOVIEW System will allow physicians to harvest the artery through two one-inch incisions on the arm.

"An expanded VASOVIEW System indication would provide surgeons with greater choice for vessel harvesting during coronary artery bypass surgery, allowing a greater number of patients to benefit from a less invasive endoscopic procedure," said Nicky Spaulding, president, Cardiac Surgery, Guidant Corporation.

The procedure was performed by Robert Kollpainter, PA-C, at Wausau Hospital, Wausau, Wis., under the supervision of Ronald H. Miles, M.D. "Endoscopic vessel harvesting has tremendous potential benefit for patients by reducing arm and leg wound complications and offering a much better cosmetic result," said Dr. Miles.

The current VASOVIEW System is used to harvest a vessel from the leg during coronary artery bypass surgery. The harvested vessel is then used to bypass the blocked coronary artery. To date, more than 150,000 patients have undergone endoscopic harvesting of the saphenous leg vein. Patients who undergo endoscopic vessel harvesting tend to recover more quickly than those who undergo traditional vessel harvesting. Additionally, they may be at a lower risk for developing postoperative infections due to the smaller incision. The radial artery is harvested in approximately 10 percent of coronary artery bypass surgeries each year.

The VASOVIEW Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System in combination with the Axius Off-Pump System allow for the OPCRES (Off-Pump Coronary Revascularization with EndoScopic vessel harvesting) procedure. OPCRES combines beating heart bypass surgery with endoscopic vessel harvesting to offer patients multiple benefits, which may include shorter recovery times and a reduced risk for both postoperative infection and cognitive impairment.

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.