Jan 16, 2002
Guidant Expands Endovascular System Offering for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Patients in Europe

System Specially Designed to Allow Less Invasive Procedure for Significantly More Patients

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, today announced that its ANCURE® Aortoiliac ENDOGRAFT® System has received CE Mark approval and is available in Europe. The graft provides a less invasive option for patients previously ineligible for treatment with Guidant's currently available endovascular graft system due to advanced vascular disease in the iliac arteries.

"The newest product in our ANCURE System line of aortic grafting devices is specifically designed for patients with significant iliac problems, who previously couldn't be treated with an endovascular graft," said Beverly Huss, president, Endovascular Solutions, Guidant Corporation. "We are committed to developing less invasive options for patients with vascular disease and, subject to FDA approval, look forward to bringing the aortoiliac graft to patients in the United States later this year."

Developed for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) - a bulge caused by the weakening of the walls of the aorta, the largest artery in the body - the ANCURE Aortoiliac ENDOGRAFT System is a polyester graft or tube that is attached to the aorta with tiny metal hooks. It is inserted through an incision in the groin and is positioned in the aorta, and extends into the iliac artery of the patient's pelvis. To complete the procedure, a separate small graft is put in place to send blood from the healthier femoral artery to the more diseased artery in the other, blocked leg. Once in place the graft reinforces the walls of the aorta, often shrinking the bulge and preventing the aneurysm from bursting.

Each year, approximately 15,000 people die from AAA in the United States alone, making the disease the 13th leading cause of death. The unpredictability of the condition, its prevalence in the population and the danger that it might rupture and instantly cause death make AAA a very serious problem.

The traditional treatment for AAA is an invasive surgical procedure that requires a deep incision from the breastbone to the pubic bone through the abdominal cavity. Because the ANCURE Aortoiliac Graft can be inserted through small incisions in the groin, patients spend less time in the hospital and recover more quickly than after a traditional procedure. With the introduction of the ANCURE Aortoiliac System, it is believed that significantly more patients will be eligible for an endovascular procedure.

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.