Mar 15, 2002
Guidant Enhances Biliary Stent System Line

Additional Stent Lengths, Improved Materials and Design Give Physicians More Options and Control

Indianapolis, Ind. and Menlo Park, Calif. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular disease, today announced enhancements to its DYNALINK(tm) Biliary Self-Expanding Stent System. The enhanced DYNALINK System features new 80 mm and 100 mm stent lengths, allowing physicians to treat longer obstructions. It also features new design and materials for improved deployment.

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.

"These advancements in the DYNALINK System demonstrate Guidant's commitment to strengthening our portfolio of non-coronary stent products," said Beverly Huss, president, Endovascular Solutions, Guidant Corporation. "We are dedicated to continually refining and improving our products."

Guidant's DYNALINK System is comprised of the DYNALINK stent and delivery system. 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 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 OMNILINK(tm) .035 and .018 and RX HERCULINK(tm) PLUS Biliary Stent Systems.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to 7 million 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.