Medtronic Introduces Innovative Implant Designed to Treat Spinal Degeneration While Supporting Spinal Mobility.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers/High-Tech Writers

2003 EuroSpine

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 29, 2003

DIAM(TM) Spinal Stabilization System can be used with minimally

invasive surgical techniques, and provides flexible support

of the lumbar spine while treating spinal degeneration

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) today announced the European launch of its DIAM(TM) Spinal Stabilization System during the 2003 EuroSpine meeting in Prague, Czech Republic.

The DIAM Spinal Stabilization System offers patients a treatment option that provides flexible support of the spine while treating spinal degeneration. Indicated for patients suffering from degenerative diseases such as spinal stenosis and herniated discs, the DIAM Spinal Stabilization System addresses a wide range of surgical applications while its unique design offers support in both forward and backward bending of the spine.

Another key feature of the DIAM Spinal Stabilization System is its ability to be used in conjunction with Medtronic's wide array of Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST). Minimally invasive surgical techniques offer patients the potential for less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays and easier rehabilitation. These techniques allow surgeons to perform spinal surgery through smaller incisions, thus leaving muscles and soft tissue intact while limiting blood loss.

Part of the natural process of aging, degeneration of the spine can lead to a more serious condition. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a disease caused by a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord. A herniated disc, also known as a "slipped," "ruptured" or "torn" disc, describes an abnormality of the intervertebral disc. Aging causes intervertebral discs to lose their flexibility, elasticity and shock-absorbing characteristics. Degenerative diseases can cause several different symptoms, including back pain, leg pain, weakness and numbness.

According to Health Research International, it is estimated that more than half of the 156 million Europeans between the ages of 40 and 84 have some form of degenerative spinal disorder. Almost 90 percent of those suffering from acute back pain will make a full recovery within two months. However, 10 percent will develop chronic back pain and eventually become candidates for surgical treatment.

The Device for Intervertebral Assisted Motion (DIAM) is the latest addition to Medtronic's Spinal business' cutting-edge non-fusion portfolio, further demonstrating the company's ongoing commitment to the advancement of spinal technology.

Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the world's leading medical technology company, providing lifelong solutions for people with chronic disease. Medtronic Sofamor Danek, the company's Spinal business, is the global leader in spinal technology. Headquartered in Memphis, Medtronic's Spinal business develops and manufactures products that treat a variety of disorders of the cranium and spine, including traumatically induced conditions, degenerative conditions, deformities and tumors. More information can be found at www.back.com and www.medtronicsofamordanek.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 25, 2003. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.