Dec 18, 2003
Guidant Introduces New Vacuum Stabilizer System for Beating Heart Surgery

Off-Pump System Enhances Access and Visibility at Bypass Graft Connection

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced the launch of its ACROBAT(tm) SUV (Swivel, Universal, Vacuum) Stabilizer System for beating heart surgery. The ACROBAT SUV Stabilizer System is the next-generation addition to the established ACROBAT line of beating heart stabilization devices. The system is designed to provide optimal stabilization and visibility during beating heart coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries.

"Currently, beating heart surgery accounts for 25 percent of all CABG procedures performed in the United States," said Maria Degois-Sainz, president, Cardiac Surgery, Guidant Corporation. "Continuous innovation in beating heart surgery will simplify this procedure, thereby increasing surgeon adoption of beating heart surgery. With the introduction of ACROBAT SUV, Guidant will strengthen its competitiveness in this important market."

Traditional CABG requires surgeons to stop the patient''s heart and artificially replace its blood-pumping and oxygen-providing functions by using cardiopulmonary bypass, also known as a heart lung machine. Beating heart stabilization devices, such as the ACROBAT SUV, provide surgeons with the ability to perform CABG while the heart is still beating, eliminating the need for a heart-lung machine. Beating-heart CABG is proven to reduce the need for blood transfusions, decrease length of hospital stay and minimize the risk of cognitive impairment that can occur when traditional CABG is performed.

"The Acrobat SUV has solid arm strength and a swivel that gets the stabilizer to where I need it to go. The tri-slot socket provides better access and improved visibility," said Arthur H. Katz, M.D. of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center in Florida. "Together with the XPOSE(tm) Heart Positioning Device, the Acrobat SUV is an intuitive system that makes beating heart surgery easier to perform."

About the ACROBAT SUV Stabilizer System

The ACROBAT SUV Stabilizer System includes the ACROBAT SUV Stabilizer and the XPOSE Access Device, which is designed to lift the heart, allowing the surgeon to position and access blood vessels. The system is designed to provide access to and stabilization of the surgical site through an open sternotomy incision, using vacuum pressure to immobilize a portion of the heart to allow the surgeon to complete a delicate anastomosis (connection of blood vessels) while the heart is still beating. Key features of the stabilizer include independent vacuum pods on malleable feet to conform to all contours of the heart, enhanced arm strength, the innovative tri-slot socket for increased flexibility, and a universal mount with 3-D swivel.

Guidant Corporation 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 11,000 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. For more information visit www.guidant.com.