Mar 31, 2003
Guidant Voluntarily Recalls Stent System

Limited European and Australian Accounts Affected

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced that it has voluntarily recalled the MULTI-LINK VISION(tm) Coronary Stent System, which was introduced last month to a limited number of accounts in Europe and Australia. This action was taken as an immediate response to customer observations regarding a limited number of stents becoming dislodged from the delivery system. The cause of this issue is under investigation and affected physicians and regulatory bodies are being notified. This voluntary action is not expected to affect previously communicated financial guidance.

Patients who have received the MULTI-LINK VISION Stent are not affected by this action. The safety and effectiveness of the implanted product is supported by positive long-term clinical data.

"Guidant is committed to patient safety and to providing the highest quality products for the treatment of heart disease. We responded immediately to observations from a limited number of accounts with this action to fulfill that commitment," said Dana G. Mead, Jr., president, Vascular Intervention, Guidant Corporation. "We are doing everything possible to understand the cause of this issue, and plan to reintroduce the MULTI-LINK VISION Stent System when appropriate corrective and preventive actions have been completed."

Guidant received CE Mark approval of the MULTI-LINK VISION Stent System in December 2002.

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.