June 18, 2005

The Department of Health today (June 18) noted a worldwide recall of certain implantable cardiac defibrillators issued by the Guidant Corporation today.

The affected devices are –

• VENTAK PRIZM 2 DR (Model 1861) ICDs manufactured on or before April 16, 2002

• CONTAK RENEWAL (Model H135) and CONTAK RENEWAL 2 (Model H155) CRT-Ds manufactured on or before August 26, 2004

• VENTAK PRIZM AVT, VITALITY AVT, RENEWAL 3 AVT and RENEWAL 4 AVT ICDs (All series numbers)

Individual patients implanted with affected devices should contact their attending doctors and keep regular appointment. In case they feel an electrical shock, or hear an audible “beeping” from the device, they should immediately contact their doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

The Department of Health has informed public and private hospitals, medical professional associations and relevant patients’ groups about this recall action today.

Guidant Corporation has posted information for physicians on its web site at www.guidant.com