Medtronic Announces the CD HORIZON LEGACY PEEK Rod.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) today announced the U.S. availability of the CD HORIZON[R] LEGACY[TM] PEEK Rod at the 2006 North American Spine Society meeting in Seattle. This pedicle-based, posterior rod is designed to provide reproducible semi-rigid fixation that closely replicates the natural load distribution of the lumbar spine for patients who undergo spinal fusion surgery.

The CD HORIZON LEGACY PEEK Rod utilizes rods that are made of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer that meets all biocompatibility requirements and has a long history of use in surgical implants. When combined with CD HORIZON([R]) Spinal System-based pedicle screws and minimally invasive approach options such as the MAST QUADRANT[TM] Retractor System, the CD HORIZON LEGACY PEEK Rod dynamically stabilizes the affected segment while allowing for a streamlined surgical technique that preserves much of the natural anatomy.

The CD HORIZON LEGACY PEEK Rod is suited for stabilizing the spine following interbody structural graft support. This "tension band" approach is based on Wolff's Law that bone forms where it is needed.

Some of the benefits of this include:

* Reduced stress on the screw-bone anchor points and construct instrumentation

* Better stress distribution throughout the construct potentially resulting in reduced risk of construct failure

* PEEK material is radiolucent reducing scatter and artifact in images allowing for better patient follow-up, especially within fusion assessment through CT / MRI 

"The CD HORIZON LEGACY PEEK Rod may provide benefits to the quality of patient follow-up care due to its radiolucent property," said Russ Nockels, M.D., of Loyola University Medical Center. "We are encouraged by the preliminary results of this prospective patient study as we are starting to see better bone formation and less hardware complications."

The CD HORIZON LEGACY PEEK Rod is the latest initiative in Medtronic's efforts to provide a comprehensive portfolio of Dynamic Spinal Stabilization products. These products also hold promise as potential surgical options for an aging population. As people age, their intervertebral discs can lose their flexibility, elasticity, and shock absorbing characteristics. These conditions can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain and possibly affecting nerve function, which often require decompression and fusion. Some patient also experience loss of bone density that may be a concern when utilizing pedicle screw fixation systems to stabilize the spine while fusion occurs. The dynamic design of the CD HORIZON LEGACY PEEK Rod may reduce the stresses on the bone screw interface and make it a more suitable choice for these specific patients. Medtronic's Aging Spine Care platform includes products and approaches for patients with lumbar stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, adult scoliosis and kyphosis.

About the Spinal Business at Medtronic

Medtronic's spinal business, based in Memphis, Tenn., is the global leader in today's spine market and is committed to advancing the treatment of spinal conditions. Medtronic's spinal business collaborates with world-renowned surgeons, researchers and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art products and technologies for orthopedic and spinal conditions. Medtronic is committed to developing affordable, minimally invasive procedures that provide lifestyle friendly surgical therapies. More information about the company and its spinal treatments can be found at www.medtronicspinal.com and its patient-education Web sites, www.back.com, www.iscoliosis.com, www.maturespine.com and www.necksurgery.com.

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

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 28, 2006. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.