Guidant is a multinational company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products for use in cardiac rhythm management , vascular intervention , and cardiac and vascular surgery . In CRM, the Company is a worldwide leader in automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator systems used in the detection and treatment of abnormally fast heart rhythms. The Company also designs, manufactures and markets a full line of implantable pacemaker systems used in the treatment of slow or irregular arrhythmias. In VI, the Company is a worldwide leader in minimally invasive procedures used for opening blocked coronary arteries. Business Strategy Guidant's business strategy is to design, develop, manufacture and market innovative, high quality therapeutic products principally for use in treating cardiovascular disease, resulting in improved quality of patient care and reduced treatment costs.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
The Company continues to pursue a strategy that includes the potential acquisition of businesses in the medical device industry. Guidant plans to acquire technologies that are complementary to its existing technology base, products that serve the company's existing customer base and businesses that expand its geographical presence.