INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 5, 2006--Guidant Corporation (NYSE:GDT - News) today announced preliminary, unaudited first quarter revenues of approximately $894 million, reflecting a decline of approximately 6 percent versus the first quarter of 2005, and growth of 8 percent versus the fourth quarter of 2005. Preliminary, unaudited U.S. and worldwide implantable defibrillator sales for the quarter are approximately $308 million and $419 million, respectively, representing declines of 16 percent and 12 percent, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2005, and growth of 13 percent each compared to the fourth quarter of 2005.