Medtronic Announces First Implants of Its EnPulse Pacing System; World's First Fully Automatic Pacemaker is Designed to Optimize Therapy and Simplify Care.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2003

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) today announced the first uses of the Medtronic EnPulse(TM) pacing system in several patients to begin a clinical evaluation of this new device for slow-beating hearts. The device is designed to continuously measure changes in the heart's upper and lower chamber threshold levels -- the minimum level of electricity that needs to be delivered to stimulate a heart beat -- and, as necessary, automatically adjust the amount of pacing output that is delivered to both chambers. The clinical trial will evaluate the safety and ability of the EnPulse system to help physicians better manage pacing therapy and simplify follow-up care for patients.

The new Medtronic EnPulse system is the first in a new generation of Medtronic pacemakers and builds upon on the success of the predecessor Medtronic Kappa(R) pacemaker family, the world's most prescribed pacemakers.

The beginning of the Medtronic EnPulse clinical evaluation included system implants in 11 patients on May 12, 2003 by: Dr. Sperzel of Kerckhoff Klinik in Bad Nauheim, Germany; Prof. Tscheliessnigg of Universitatsklinik Graz, in Graz, Austria; Dr. Brandt of Lund University Hospital in Lund, Sweden; and Dr. Milasinovic of Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Yugoslavia.

"The EnPulse system is the first device in a new generation of stimulation systems designed to constantly regulate the delivery of pacing output. The potential to review comprehensive device information on one programmer screen during patient follow-up sessions may lead to more efficiency, more time to focus on the patient instead of the device, and more confidence in the system," said Dr. Sperzel.

Physicians at approximately 25 medical institutions worldwide will be involved in the clinical evaluation of the EnPulse pacemakers during the next few months.

The features being evaluated in the trial include:

-- Atrial Capture Management (ACM): ACM, a function exclusive to

the Medtronic EnPulse system, is intended to automatically

adjust impulses for optimal stimulation of the heart's upper

right chamber (atrium). It complements Ventricular Capture

Management, which is available in the Medtronic Kappa devices

and has a similar function to optimize stimulation in the

heart's lower right chamber (ventricle). The EnPulse device is

the only pacemaker system that is designed to automatically

deliver adaptive threshold management in both chambers of the

heart. For physicians, ACM capabilities may reduce the need

for manual threshold testing and thus potentially provide

faster patient follow up.

-- Search AV +: The EnPulse system uses an automatic and expanded

search method intended to sense the patient's natural

heartbeats before delivering pacing therapy, which could

reduce unnecessary stimulation impulses in the ventricle.

Recent clinical studies have suggested that reducing this

pacing stimulation may reduce the patient's risk of developing

heart failure. In addition, by reducing these impulses, the

longevity of the device may be extended.

-- Quick Look II screen: This new user interface with the device

will allow clinicians to look at one programmer screen during

a patient's device check appointment and instantly access

complete information about the patient and device. In

addition, new trend monitoring capabilities may reduce the

amount of time needed to gather key information and shorten

patient office visits.

"We are excited to begin this trial and hope to offer the EnPulse device as the premier system in Medtronic's new pacing product line in the coming months," said Steve Mahle, president, Medtronic Cardiac Rhythm Management. "Bringing Atrial Capture Management into clinical evaluation is another significant milestone in our continued leadership in developing new treatment options for patients with bradycardia."

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 statements made about the company's anticipated financial results and regulatory approvals are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 26, 2002. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.