City of Columbus Teams with Medtronic to Launch Public Access Defibrillation Program.

REDMOND, Wash. -- Initiative Aims to Increase Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates and Awareness of One of the Nation's Leading Killers

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) announced today that the company has partnered with the City of Columbus, Ohio, to launch a comprehensive program to expand the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public locations throughout the city, expand the number of residents trained in both CPR and AED use, and educate more citizens about one of the country's leading killers--sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

"Sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of up to 450,000 people each year. Thousands of these lives could be saved if appropriate and early treatment were administered," said Dr. David Keseg, Medical Director for the City of Columbus. "Our city intends to build a stronger cardiac safety net for our residents and visitors."

Columbus began its effort by forming Project HeartStart under the leadership of Columbus City Council Member Patsy A. Thomas. This collaboration, involving city departments, area non-profit hospitals and key non-profit health-related organizations, is now focusing on specific program details including CPR/AED training and education events for residents, potential grant opportunities for community groups, and special pricing of AEDs for Columbus businesses.

Medtronic was selected by Project HeartStart and the City as the "Official AED Provider" for the City of Columbus. "The majority of U.S. emergency medical services (EMS) teams in the United States, including those in Columbus, use Medtronic LIFEPAK(R) products daily to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest," said Robert White, president of Medtronic's Emergency Response Systems business unit. "We applaud the City of Columbus for taking an active role in preparing the community for these medical emergencies by providing increased access to and education about this life-saving technology."

Unlike a heart attack, which often has symptoms, many times SCA strikes suddenly and without warning. It's estimated that 95 percent of SCA victims don't survive. Although not everyone can be saved from sudden cardiac arrest, studies show that when AEDs are readily available, survival rates can be dramatically improved. A recent national study showed the number of survivors from sudden cardiac arrest in public places approximately doubled when trained, everyday people used AEDs. Survival rates as high as 74% are possible with defibrillation within three minutes of collapse.

About the size of a laptop computer, an AED is a small, easy-to-carry, easy-to-use device. Anyone with minimal training can use an AED to provide a potentially lifesaving shock to a heart in sudden cardiac arrest--before the ambulance arrives. Designed especially for the first person at the scene of a cardiac arrest, an AED tells the rescuer exactly what to do, step by step. It analyzes the heart's rhythm and is designed to provide a shock only if the person's heart needs it. AEDs are designed for safe and easy use. One study found that even inexperienced grade school children could demonstrate the skills to use an AED quickly and correctly.

In 2000, Medtronic launched its Heart Safe Communities initiative with the ultimate goal of saving more lives. In the past four years, over 30 cities in the U.S. have launched Medtronic Heart Safe Community programs. These programs are examples of communities forming partnerships between local health organizations, schools, businesses, emergency medical services and hospitals, and civic groups to implement AED public access and education programs. To learn more about the City of Columbus program, call Kathy Owens, aide to Council Member Thomas, at 614-645-8559.

About Medtronic

Medtronic's Emergency Response Systems, located in Redmond, Wash., pioneered defibrillation technology 50 years ago. With 500,000 LIFEPAK defibrillators distributed worldwide, it is the world's leading provider of external defibrillators for the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. To purchase a LIFEPAK AED, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires the purchaser to consult a physician and secure a prescription for the device. Medtronic recommends all AED users attend formal CPR/AED training provided by a nationally recognized training center. For more information on AEDs and LIFEPAK products, go to www.medtronic-ers.com or call 1-800-442-1142.

Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the world's leading medical technology company, providing lifelong solutions for people with chronic disease. Its Internet address is www.medtronic.com.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2004. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.