Medtronic Receives Leadership Award for External Defibrillator Product Line; Medtronic Emergency Response Systems Recognized by Frost & Sullivan.

REDMOND, Wash. -- Medtronic today received a leadership award from Frost & Sullivan for its external defibrillator product line for demonstrating the most insight into customer needs and product demands. The award stems from analysis performed during the writing of the 2003 Frost & Sullivan report titled "The Global External Defibrillator Market." E[acute accent]"Medtronic has optimized its external defibrillator product line by leveraging products with various price, performance and feature points that are required by the market," said Katherine Shariq, Industry Analyst of Frost & Sullivan. E[acute accent]To select the recipient for this award, the Frost & Sullivan analyst team tracked all end-user requirements and market dynamics within the industry. This process included interviews with suppliers, and industry experts. The product lines are compared with customer base demands, and the top-ranking supplier is then presented with the award. In addition, Frost & Sullivan made its selection based upon one or more of the following criteria:

E[acute accent]--Introduction of new products, strategically positioned to balance the product line

E[acute accent]--Ability to accommodate different market segments, or different markets within an industry by repurposing technology

E[acute accent]--Enhancement of product offerings through optimization of packaging, service, delivery, financing, and/or other value-added services

E[acute accent]--Strategic technology or marketing acquisitions or alliances

E[acute accent]Medtronic's external defibrillator product line includes:

E[acute accent]--The LIFEPAK(R) CR Plus automated external defibrillator (AED) - the first fully automatic, more affordable external defibrillator developed for commercial settings. It is designed for the minimally trained rescuer and requires just two steps and no other user intervention.

E[acute accent]--The LIFEPAK(R) 500 AED - designed for first responders, such as firefighters, police officers and others trained in CPR/AED use.

E[acute accent]--The LIFEPAK(R) 12 defibrillator/monitor series - a multi-parameter device that combines semi-automated and manual defibrillation with external pacing, 12-lead electrocardiography, capnography to monitor a patient's carbon dioxide level during exhalation, and other monitoring functions. Its platform is upgradeable, allowing customers to add new parameters as their needs change and as new features are introduced.

E[acute accent]--The LIFEPAK(R) 20 defibrillator/monitor-- the newest addition to the LIFEPAK family of products. Using ADAPTIV(TM) biphasic technology, the LIFEPAK 20 offers both manual and AED modes for hospital and clinic settings. The system offers monitoring and therapeutic functions and can help hospitals meet standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) to have resuscitation services readily available throughout the hospital.

E[acute accent]Medtronic is a total solution provider and offers a full range of services and complementary products that form an emergency cardiac care system including data management software, 24/7 technical service, training, medical assistance, leasing programs and indemnification. Customers who purchase a LIFEPAK AED must secure a prescription for the device. Medtronic also recommends all AED users attend formal CPR/AED training provided by a nationally recognized training center. E[acute accent]"Our entire Medtronic Emergency Response Systems team appreciates Frost & Sullivan's acknowledgement of our product line leadership," said Robert White, president of Medtronic Emergency Response Systems. "It is rewarding to receive industry recognition that acknowledges our goal to continually meet customers needs and expectations."

E[acute accent]About Medtronic

E[acute accent]Medtronic's Emergency Response Systems business unit located in Redmond, Wash., pioneered defibrillation technology nearly 50 years ago. With 450,000 LIFEPAK defibrillators distributed worldwide, Medtronic is the world's leading provider of external defibrillators for the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. To find out more about Medtronic Emergency Response Systems, go to www.medtronic-ers.com or call 1-800-442-1142. E[acute accent]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.

E[acute accent]About Frost & Sullivan

E[acute accent]Founded in 1961, Frost & Sullivan is recognized as a global leader in growth consulting. Frost & Sullivan Awards are presented to companies that demonstrate excellence in their industry, commending the diligence, commitment, and innovative business strategies required to advance in the global marketplace. Frost & Sullivan rigorously analyzes specific criteria to determine award recipients in a vast variety of market industries and landscapes. For further information, visit www.frost.com.

E[acute accent]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 30, 2004. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.