Guidant to Launch New Wireless Heart Failure Communication Technology System in U.S.; Guidant Announces Full Availability of Cardiac Rhythm Management Product Line

Guidant Corporation (NYSE:GDT) today announced U.S. Foodand Drug Administration (FDA) approval of its CONTAK RENEWAL(R) 3 RFcardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) for heartfailure patients and the ZOOM (R) LATITUDE(TM) programmer. The RENEWAL3 RF CRT-D is Guidant's first wandless cardiac resynchronizationtherapy device. The ZOOM LATITUDE programmer is a next generationprogrammer designed to interface with devices that include remotemonitoring capability, such as the RENEWAL 3 RF, as well as thecurrent global implant base of Guidant devices.

This wireless system is designed to save physicians and patientstime during implant and at follow-up, with device interrogations thatcan be three times faster than Guidant's previous programmer. Inaddition, Guidant's wireless communication technology removes theprogrammer wand from the sterile implant field. Guidant plans tointroduce these products in the U.S. during the fourth quarter of thisyear.

"The RENEWAL 3 RF and ZOOM LATITUDE programmer represent a new erain device management. These introductions demonstrate Guidant'songoing commitment to provide innovative technologies designed todeliver physician convenience and patient benefit," said Fred McCoy,president, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Guidant Corporation. "Theseapprovals are tangible evidence of Guidant's efforts working with theFDA to bring new products to market in a timely fashion."

The RENEWAL 3 RF and ZOOM LATITUDE programmer are the cornerstonesof the LATITUDE Patient Management system. The anticipated advantagesof this system include speed, convenience and patient care.

-- Speed: By utilizing the ZOOM LATITUDE programmer with the RENEWAL 3 RF CRT-D device, physicians can interrogate devices three times faster than Guidant's previous programmer, which saves time at implant and follow-up.

-- Convenience: Wireless interrogations may make follow-up visits more convenient.

-- Patient Care: Wireless interrogations may make follow-up visits faster and more convenient. The RENEWAL 3 RF CRT-D and ZOOM LATITUDE system are designed to add additional follow-up capability, pending FDA approval.

CONTAK RENEWAL 3 and 4 Update

As previously announced, Guidant received approval earlier thismonth from U.S. and European regulatory authorities to re-introducethe CONTAK RENEWAL 3 (U.S.) and 4 (outside the U.S.) family of CRT-Ddevices. With the re-launch of these devices, Guidant's full productline is now available to physicians and patients. McCoy commented,"Our progress toward full inventory availability is ahead of schedule.Already we have achieved an inventory position to meet all currentimplant demand and to replenish customer inventory."

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving anopportunity for better life today to millions of cardiac and vascularpatients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurialculture of more than 12,000 employees, develops, manufactures andmarkets a broad array of products and services that enable lessinvasive 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 itsproducts and services, please visit the company's newsroom atwww.guidant.com/newsroom.

This release includes forward-looking statements concerning theproduct launch and use of the therapy. The statements are based onassumptions about many important factors, including ordinaryproduction and marketing operations, any regulatory developments, andother factors identified on Exhibit 99.1 to the company's most recent10-K. Actual results may differ materially. The company does notundertake to update its forward-looking statements.