Jul 16, 2003
Guidant Receives U.S. Approval for First Cobalt Chromium Coronary Stent System

Next-Generation Stent Design and Excellent Clinical Results Offer Expanded Treatment Options for Patients

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced that the company has received Food and Drug Administration approval for the MULTI-LINK VISION(tm) Coronary Stent System. This marks the introduction of the first in a new class of coronary stents in the United States. The use of the cobalt chromium alloy allows for a thinner strut design and a lower profile, which enables physicians to access challenging coronary blockages. Guidant plans to use its cobalt chromium stent technology in future programs including drug eluting stents and vulnerable plaque therapies.

"The MULTI-LINK VISION Stent System demonstrates Guidant''s continued leadership in metallic stent design, with excellent acute performance and long-term clinical outcomes," said Dana G. Mead, Jr., president, Vascular Intervention, Guidant Corporation.

U.S. approval was received for the MULTI-LINK VISION in 3.0 mm - 4.0 mm diameters and 8 mm to 28 mm lengths. The MULTI-LINK VISION stent has demonstrated positive clinical results, with a six-month clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate of 1.9 percent. TLR is defined as a repeat procedure at the original lesion site any time during the follow-up period.

"The six-month clinically driven TLR rate for the MULTI-LINK VISION stent is extremely promising," said Dr. Dean Kereiakes, co-principal investigator for the study; CEO, Ohio Heart Health Center; and medical director of The Lindner Center for Research & Education at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. "The combination of cobalt chromium and the unique VISION stent design truly expands the treatment options available to interventional cardiologists and their patients."

Guidant expects to introduce the MULTI-LINK MINI-VISION(tm), a small-vessel cobalt chromium stent in Europe in the second half of 2003. More than three and a half million patients have benefited from Guidant stent technology since the launch of Guidant's first coronary stent system.

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.