Guidant Announces First U.S. Implant of New Heart Failure Therapy System; New Trial Signifies Continued Leadership in Heart Failure Clinical Science.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

INDIANAPOLIS & ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 30, 2003

Guidant Corporation (NYSE:GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, announced the first implant in its latest heart failure clinical trial. The U.S. trial is designed to determine the safety and efficacy of the EASYTRAK(R) 3 lead's new features, including the lead's unique spiral shape. During the trial, the lead will be implanted in conjunction with the CONTAK(R) RENEWAL(TM) 3 cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D). The RENEWAL 3 CRT-D builds on the success of the RENEWAL family and offers a wide range of diagnostics and therapies in a new smaller physiologic shape.

"The EASYTRAK 3 trial is another example of Guidant's commitment to research, development and clinical science designed to advance new treatment options for patients who struggle with heart failure," said Fred McCoy, president, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Guidant Corporation. "Our pioneering work in device-based solutions for heart failure spans over 13 years. Along the way we have invested more than $350 million to provide heart failure patients and the physicians who treat them with innovative, effective therapies to battle this debilitating condition."

Dr. Ronald Berger, Johns Hopkins University, is the trial's principal investigator. The first implant of the EASYTRAK 3/RENEWAL 3 system occurred at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and was performed by Dr. Larry Rosenthal. "This system offers patients a small full-featured device and gives physicians greater flexibility in lead placement, which is especially important when navigating difficult anatomy," said Dr. Rosenthal. "Today's implant went remarkably well thanks to the handling characteristics of the EASYTRAK 3 and the entire complement of tools that Guidant has pioneered to facilitate a predictable implant."

The EASYTRAK 3 lead is Guidant's newest heart failure therapy lead using its proprietary over-the-wire design. The EASYTRAK lead, in conjunction with leads implanted in the right side of the heart, allows the device to sense and stimulate both the left and right sides of the heart. Guidant's EASYTRAK lead design was the first to allow the physician to position the electrode in a coronary vein on the left side of the heart using a convenient over-the-wire technique similar to the system used in angioplasty procedures.

Guidant was the first company to receive approval to market a CRT-D system for the treatment of heart failure in the United States, the first to offer a CRT-D device with independent channels, and the first to offer a fourth-generation CRT-D device. Guidant remains the only company with a market-released CRT-D device with independent channels. These independent channels enable independent pacing and sensing in the left and right ventricles, and are intended to assist the physician in tailoring therapy for individual patients.

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.

About the EASYTRAK 3 Lead

The EASYTRAK 3 coronary venous lead features a novel fixation spiral tip designed to help physicians optimize lead placement by allowing access to a broader range of vein sizes. Access to a broader range of vein sizes is important because it allows physicians to select a lead position that best adjusts to individual patient anatomies. The availability of dual electrodes and dual steroid collars with the EASYTRAK 3 create bipolar sensing and pacing capabilities. These features offer clinicians additional programming options, both during and post implant. The EASYTRAK lead was approved for use in the United States in May 2002. The EASYTRAK lead family represents a key component in Guidant's industry-leading heart failure product line.

For more information about Guidant's cardiac resynchronization therapy products for the treatment of heart failure, please visit www.guidant.com/products/crtd_us.shtml.

About Guidant's Leadership in Heart Failure Therapy

As a leader in technical innovation, Guidant is providing heart failure patients and the physicians who treat them with device-based solutions designed to extend and improve life. In May 2002, Guidant was the first company to receive approval in the United States to market cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-D). Guidant is advancing clinical science by sponsoring landmark studies such as the Comparison of Medical Therapy, Pacing, and Defibrillation in Chronic Heart Failure (COMPANION) trial. Preliminary results of the COMPANION trial were presented at the American College of Cardiology 52nd Annual Scientific Session in March 2003. Guidant sponsored clinical research and development in the area of heart failure continues to advance heart failure therapies and provide answers to critical clinical questions about long-term treatment outcomes for cardiovascular disease. Guidant continually works with government agencies, elected officials, physicians and patient advocacy groups to help ensure timely access to new technologies for the patients who will benefit from these medical innovations.

Heart failure is a debilitating condition that affects not only a patient's quality of life, but also life expectancy. It is a disease in which the heart weakens and gradually loses the ability to pump blood effectively. Heart failure currently affects nearly five million Americans and is increasing each year in both prevalence and incidence. It is the leading cause of hospitalizations for people age 65 and older. Nearly one million new cases of heart failure are diagnosed annually worldwide, making it the most rapidly growing cardiovascular disorder. Heart failure is a progressive cardiac illness in which the heart cannot pump enough oxygenated blood to meet the body's needs. In many cases, this inefficient pumping occurs because the four chambers of the heart are not working as a team. The timing, or synchrony, between the chambers is often poor. Consequently, the chambers do not fill and empty normally, so the heart's pumping efficiency is compromised.