Feb 27, 2002
Guidant Announces CE Mark Approval of Next Generation Lead for Use with Heart Failure Devices

Innovative Lead Instrumental in Delivering Therapy for Heart Failure Patients

Indianapolis, IN - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular disease, today announced CE Mark approval of the EASYTRAK® 2 lead, Guidant's next-generation heart failure therapy lead using its patented transvenous over-the-wire design. The EASYTRAK 2 lead builds on the success of the EASYTRAK lead, adding a dual-electrode design for multiple programming options including bipolar pacing and sensing.

"The addition of EASYTRAK 2 to the EASYTRAK family, currently available in Europe, enables Guidant to offer a wider range of over-the-wire lead solutions for navigation through various heart failure anatomies," said Guido Neels, president of operations, Guidant Europe. "The dual-electrode design provides increased flexibility in using the programmable pacing and sensing options available in the CONTAK® RENEWAL(tm) device."

Pacing leads are specially insulated wires that deliver therapy from the pulse generator to the heart and send information back to the device. The EASYTRAK 2 lead design allows the physician to position the pacing electrodes in a vein on the left side of the heart using an over-the-wire technique similar to the system used in angioplasty procedures.

The EASYTRAK 2 lead, in conjunction with leads implanted in the right side of the heart, allows a device from Guidant's CONTAK RENEWAL family of heart failure pulse generators to independently sense and stimulate the left and right sides of the heart. The process of pacing both sides of the heart is known as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Guidant pulse generators available in Europe for CRT include the CONTAK CD®, CONTAK TR® and CONTAK RENEWAL devices.

"EASYTRAK 2 is another demonstration of Guidant's strong commitment to the advancement of cardiac resynchronization therapy for the treatment of heart failure," said Fred McCoy, president, Cardiac Rhythm Management. "As this therapy grows in acceptance, our ability to provide additional options to our physician-customers will allow more people in Europe who could benefit from this therapy to receive it."

Heart failure is a medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the metabolic needs of the body. It affects well over 5 million people in the United States and an estimated 6.5 million people in Europe.

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.