Medtronic Announces CD Horizon® Legacy™ VCM Instrument Set to Treat Scoliosis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Aug. 11, 2006 – Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced today the U.S. availability of the CD HORIZON® LEGACY™ Vertebral Column Manipulation (VCM) Instrument Set. This set offers surgeons an advanced means of achieving controlled curvature correction, which can lead to better outcomes for scoliosis patients.

Scoliosis is a complex physical condition that causes the spine to take an abnormal, lateral (side to side) curve. It may have adverse effects on patient appearance and on the chest organs. Scoliosis can also lead to impaired pulmonary function and the possible removal of ribs.

CD HORIZON® LEGACY™ VCM Instrument Sets provide surgeons the ability to correct these abnormal spine curves with a powerful, yet controlled derotation technique referred to as Bilateral Apical Vertebral Derotation. Features of the VCM Instrument Set are multi-point attachment to the vertebra and “interlinks” for spanning vertebral levels. VCM technology is also compatible with CD HORIZON® LEGACY™ Multi-Axial, Uni-Axial and Fixed Angle pedicle screws, accommodating surgeon preference and integrating with existing procedures.

The CD HORIZON® LEGACY™ Vertebral Column Manipulation Instrument Set represents the latest capability introduced to Medtronic’s CD HORIZON® LEGACY™ product line, the spinal market’s high performance, most versatile and bestselling line of surgical rods, screws, hooks and instruments for use in spinal surgery.

About Medtronic’s Spinal Business
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 neurological, 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.

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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.

Contact Information

Bert Kelly

Public Relations Communications Manager

Medtronic, Inc.

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