May 7, 2002
Thomas J. Linnemeier, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Vascular Intervention, Guidant Corporation, Suffers Fatal Injuries in Automobile Accident

Indianapolis, Ind. and Santa Clara, Calif. - Guidant Corporation today announced that Thomas J. Linnemeier, M.D., FACC, senior vice president, new ventures and chief medical officer, Vascular Intervention, Guidant, and an internationally recognized interventional cardiologist, died yesterday in an automobile accident in Florida.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic and unexpected loss," commented Ronald W. Dollens, president and CEO, Guidant. "Tom was a widely respected pioneer and opinion leader in the practice of cardiovascular medicine and a tremendous asset to Guidant. Throughout his long, distinguished career Tom influenced the field of interventional cardiology, and, in so doing, saved the lives of thousands of patients. His groundbreaking science and leading innovations will continue to touch lives for many years to come. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom was a devoted and dear friend to many in the community."

"Tom's contributions to Vascular Intervention were immense," said John M. Capek, Ph.D., president, Vascular Intervention, Guidant. "His clinical and scientific leadership and his personal and professional integrity were enormous assets. Tom will be greatly missed and our deepest sympathies go out to his family."

Prior to joining Guidant in 2000, Dr. Linnemeier, 51, was a practicing interventional cardiologist with The Care Group, and chief of interventional cardiology at the Indiana Heart Institute in Indianapolis. He also held the title of clinical assistant professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine since 1984. In addition to his responsibilities at Guidant, Dr. Linnemeier both taught and performed coronary interventions as a clinical professor of cardiology at Stanford University.

Receiving his bachelor of arts in biological sciences from Indiana University in 1973, Dr. Linnemeier earned his M.D. from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in 1977. He was board certified in internal medicine, cardiology and interventional cardiology. He served on the editorial boards of The Journal of Invasive Cardiology, Catheterization and Cardiovascular Intervention and as an editorial consultant for The Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. Linnemeier has published extensively throughout his career, and served as primary investigator or participating investigator in several major clinical trials that have changed the practice of medicine for patients with coronary artery disease.

A native of Indiana, Dr. Linnemeier grew up near South Chicago. He is survived by his wife, Georgiann, and their three daughters Christine, Megan and Laura.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 13, at 10 a.m. (CT) at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Indianapolis.

Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT) 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.