Oct 22, 2003
Guidant Announces U.S. Launch of Implantable Defibrillator Offering Optimal Combination of Size and Longevity

Latest Defibrillator Expands Successful Product Portfolio

Indianapolis, Ind. and St. Paul, Minn. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced the U.S. market launch of its VITALITY(tm) EL implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) system. VITALITY EL is the latest addition to Guidant''s already successful VITALITY ICD product portfolio.

The VITALITY EL offers two distinct advantages. For patients, the longer-lasting device may lead to fewer implantable defibrillator replacements. For physicians, the VITALITY EL offers an optimal combination of size and longevity. The VITALITY EL maintains a small profile (35cc and 11mm), intended to reduce incision size and increase patient comfort.

"The VITALITY EL represents our third ICD product launch in the United States during 2003," said Fred McCoy, president, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Guidant Corporation. "This accelerated pace of product innovation demonstrates Guidant''s commitment to research and development focused on improving the treatment of patients at known risk for sudden cardiac death."

The VITALITY EL system is specifically designed to treat patients with life-threatening rhythm malfunctions in the lower chambers of the heart, the most common cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD). The VITALITY EL ICD, implanted under the skin near the collarbone, continuously monitors the patient's heart rhythm and delivers electrical therapy when needed to protect against SCD. Each year, sudden cardiac death claims the lives of up to 460,000 people in the U.S. alone. More people die from sudden cardiac death each year than from lung cancer, breast cancer and AIDS combined.

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.
About the VITALITY EL Implantable Defibrillation System

In addition to being one of the longest lasting ICDs on the market, VITALITY EL provides unmatched cardiac rhythm management solutions, including:

* New capacitor technology that provides reduced charge time
* AV Search Hysteresis to reduce unnecessary RV pacing
* Shock If Unstable to potentially reduce painful shocks for fast VT
* FullView(tm) three-channel electrograms help identify the origin and progression of arrhythmias

Results from recent trials have suggested that unnecessary pacing in the right ventricle may have a harmful effect on the heart. Guidant remains the only company in the industry to offer AV Search Hysteresis in its ICDs, a feature specifically designed to reduce unnecessary pacing of the right ventricle by periodically searching for the heart's intrinsic rhythm. Guidant offers AV Search Hysteresis in its entire line of dual chamber ICDs, including the VITALITY family of devices.