Nov 8, 2005
Guidant Commissions Team of Experts to Review Life Cycle of Product Development

Design for Reliability Team Reflects Company Commitment to Quality

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT) today announced the establishment of an outside team of experts to point the way towards industry-leading practices in the design and manufacture of life-saving medical devices. Dr. Dan L. Crippen, former director of the Congressional Budget Office, has agreed to lead the Design for Reliability Team, which will also include systems experts Col. Gary Geyer and Dr. Amy Donahue.

"Guidant has a long history of pioneering innovation while simultaneously assuring high quality product systems. The Company is committed to help physicians treat their patients with leading technology and high reliability," said Fred McCoy, president, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Guidant Corporation. "The invitation to an outside advisers'' team led by someone of Dr. Crippen''s caliber is consistent with our passion to lead in continuous process and product improvement."

The Design for Reliability Team will perform an independent and thorough assessment of CRM''s new-product development process, with a focus on recommending further improvements in design for future product generations. The entire life cycle of product development will be reviewed, from initial concept planning to full production release in the manufacturing phase. The previously announced Guidant Independent Panel, empowered to evaluate Guidant''s post-marketing device safety surveillance and communication methods, and develop recommendations to enhance these functions, is actively working on its mission. This additional effort, which covers an aspect beyond the scope of the Independent Panel''s charter, further underscores Guidant''s commitment to all aspects of quality and safety. The Team held its first meeting in late October and is expected to deliver a report in six months.

"The Team will conduct site visits and hold meetings for the purposes of fact finding, information gathering and other activities necessary to formulate its recommendations," said John Zentgraf, vice president, research and development, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Guidant Corporation.

Dr. Dan L. Crippen is a specialist in issues relating to the federal budget, health care and retirement. He has served in senior positions in the White House and the United States Senate, most recently as the fifth director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Col. Gary Geyer has 35 years of experience in engineering and program management. He has held senior positions in both government and industry, where he has been responsible for all aspects of systems' success, including schedule, cost and technical performance. Dr. Amy K. Donahue is Assistant Professor of Public Policy at the University of Connecticut''s Institute of Public Affairs, where she teaches graduate courses in public organizations and management, policy analysis, intergovernmental relations, and research methods. All three team members recently served as system safety experts examining the NASA space shuttle program, and will bring unique capabilities gained from this effort to the Guidant design for reliability project. Additional team members may be added as appropriate.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company 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.