Mar 12, 2003
Guidant Launches Fifth-Generation System in Japan

MULTI-LINK PENTA Stent System Brings Guidant''s Outstanding Stent Design Technology to Japanese Physicians and Patients

Indianapolis, Ind. and Tokyo - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced the launch of its MULTI-LINK PENTA(tm) Coronary Stent System for the treatment of coronary artery disease in Japan.

"Guidant is strongly committed to introducing its most proven stent technologies to the Japanese market in rapid fashion. We were pleased that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare worked closely with Guidant to facilitate this approval," said Ron Lattanze, president, Japan, Guidant Corporation. "As the undisputed market leader in Japan with the MULTI-LINK TRISTAR(tm), we are excited to introduce our latest metallic stent to Japanese physicians and their patients. The clinically proven MULTI-LINK PENTA Stent System incorporates many advances in technology in the implant and the delivery system."

The MULTI-LINK PENTA Stent System registry, involving 200 patients with de novo (previously untreated) native coronary artery lesions, demonstrated a low 17.5 percent binary restenosis rate, results that were particularly impressive because they were achieved in lesions that were long and complex.

The first MULTI-LINK PENTA case in Japan was successfully performed at Kurashiki Central Hospital by Dr. Kazuaki Mitsudo. "The MULTI-LINK PENTA''s performance was impressive. The PENTA has a low profile and excellent flexibility. It will no doubt be one of the most deliverable stents in Japan."

The MULTI-LINK PENTA Stent System contains technological innovations over previous generations of MULTI-LINK Stent Systems that are designed to help physicians better access and treat blockages in coronary arteries. The stent features ACCESS-LINK(tm) technology, a feature developed to allow the stent to be flexible enough to be maneuvered through a patient's vessels while still retaining the strength needed to prop open a previously blocked artery. The MULTI-LINK PENTA Stent System is mounted on a delivery system with a balloon that is designed to allow the system to be more easily delivered to the site of the coronary blockage. More than 719,000 MULTI-LINK PENTA Stents have been used to treat patients since the product received U.S. and European regulatory approvals in May 2001.

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.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information about Guidant, including its products and services, please visit the company''s newsroom at www.guidant.com/newsroom.