Feb 13, 2002
Guidant Introduces Innovative Next-Generation Products for Use in Beating-Heart Surgery

New Stabilizer Systems Designed to Make Procedure Available to More Patients

Indianapolis, Ind. and Santa Clara, Calif. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular disease, today unveiled its next-generation AXIUS(tm) Vacuum 2 Stabilizers for performing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, also called beating-heart surgery.

"Guidant believes technological advances will make beating heart surgery an option for more patients," said Nicky Spaulding, president, Cardiac Surgery, Guidant Corporation. "This improved technology demonstrates Guidant's continued innovation and commitment to this therapy."

Beating-heart surgery allows physicians to perform bypass surgery without stopping the heart and placing the patient on a heart-lung machine. A growing body of research shows that patients experience fewer side effects such as memory loss1 and recover more quickly, reducing hospital stay2.

The Axius Vacuum 2 Stabilizers are designed to stabilize the area of the heart where the blocked vessel is located and to allow physicians to graft that vessel without stopping the heart. When used with the newly introduced AXIUS(tm) XPOSE(tm) 3, the System allows the surgeon to lift the heart and access vessels in the back without compromising the natural pumping action of the heart. The stabilizers are available with either a malleable foot or a rigid contoured foot, allowing the surgeon to select the device that best fits his or her surgical needs. Both stabilizers come with a newly designed arm for increased maneuverability.

Nearly one-quarter of all bypass procedures in the United States are currently performed using off-pump technology, and that number is increasing every year. To date, more than 100,000 procedures have been performed using Guidant Off-Pump Stabilizer 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.

Murkin JM, Boyd WD, Ganapathy S, Adams SJ, Peterson RC. Beating heart surgery; why expect less central nervous system morbidity? Ann Thorac Surg. 1999;68(4);1498-1501. van Dijk D, Nierich AP, Jansen EW, Nathoe HM, Suyker WJ, Diephuis JC, van Boven WJ, Borst C, Buskens C, Buskens E, Grobbee DE, Robles De Medina EO, de Jaegere PP. Early Outcome After Off-Pump Verses On-pump Coronary Bypass Surgery: Results from a Randomized Study. Circulation. 2001;104(15):1761-6.