Sep 18, 2003
David E. Kandzari, M.D., Wins First Annual Thomas J. Linnemeier Spirit of Interventional Cardiology Young Investigator Award

Guidant-Supported Grant Honors Late Chief Medical Officer

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced that David E. Kandzari, M.D., of Duke University Medical Center, has won the first annual Thomas J. Linnemeier Spirit of Interventional Cardiology Young Investigator Award. The award, sponsored by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) and supported through an unrestricted grant by Guidant, was presented Wednesday evening at the annual scientific sessions of the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) Conference in Washington, D.C. The award honors the late Thomas J. Linnemeier, who was Guidant''s senior vice president, New Ventures, and chief medical officer, Vascular Intervention.

"It is our honor to present the first Thomas J. Linnemeier Spirit of Interventional Cardiology Young Investigator Award to Dr. Kandzari," said Gregg W. Stone, M.D., Lenox Hill Heart and Vascular Institute, New York, N.Y, vice chairman of CRF and the director of TCT. "Though his academic career is just beginning, Dr. Kandzari has already assumed leadership positions in a diverse range of studies ranging from novel therapies for acute myocardial infarction, to chronic total occlusions, to new device angioplasty and imaging modalities. Moreover, by wide acclaim of his mentors and co-workers, he is a superb clinician both in and out of the cath lab, and possesses uncommon interpersonal skills. We are confident that Dr. Kandzari possesses the enthusiasm and scientific drive that will inspire the next generation of interventional cardiologists."

"We are pleased that the first Thomas J. Linnemeier award has gone to a professional such as Dr. Kandzari, whose impressive body of work thus far exemplifies the innovative spirit, keen sense of curiosity and personal dedication to improving the lives of patients that characterized Tom Linnemeier," said Dana G. Mead, Jr., president, Vascular Intervention, Guidant Corporation. "We look forward to recognizing promising future leaders in the field of interventional cardiology through this award."

The award recognizes present and future clinical and academic excellence in fellowship trainees in interventional cardiology and endovascular medicine. Candidates must be current or recent trainees from a formal fellowship program specializing in interventional cardiology, peripheral intervention or their allied fields. Applicants may be from the United States or abroad.

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.