Sep 19, 2003
Guidant's Institute for Therapy Advancement Europe Welcomes 5,000th Participant

Institute Demonstrates Guidant''s Leadership in Medical Education

Brussels, Belgium - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced that its 5,000th participant has attended the educational programs at the Institute for Therapy Advancement in Brussels.

Designed by highly respected independent clinical experts, the Institute''s curriculum focuses on cardiac and vascular disease and therapy-related topics, as well as practical techniques that help advance the standard of care and improve patient outcomes. The Institute''s programs are hosted in a state-of-the-art facility that features a fully functional cath-lab, a virtual reality environment for catheter-based procedures and a workshop where clinicians can practice programming cardiac rhythm management devices.

"The Institute for Therapy Advancement provides invaluable discussion forums and hands-on experience to European physicians," said Jean Marco, Professor of Cardiology in Toulouse and Course Director for vascular interventions at the Institute. "Guidant''s support has allowed the Institute to grow as a respected resource, with approximately 2,000 physicians now participating each year."

"The Institute''s broad offering of educational programs appeals to physicians from many different disciplines related to cardiac and vascular disease," said Nicky Spaulding, president of Guidant Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada. "We are continually improving and developing new programs that address advances in medical technology, as well as the critical need for peer-to-peer dialogue and hands-on experience."

"Based on our success in Europe, Guidant is committed to broadening the Institute''s reach through a global network of facilities," said Guidant Group Chairman Guido J. Neels. "In May, we successfully established the second Institute for Therapy Advancement in Tokyo, Japan, and we anticipate opening a third institute in St. Paul, Minnesota, in the first half of next year."

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.