Medtronic Announces the CD HORIZON® ENGAGE™ PLATE Spinal System

MINNEAPOLIS – Sept. 6, 2006 – Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced today the U.S. availability of the CD HORIZON ENGAGE™ PLATE Spinal System for the lumbar (lower) spine. This system, designed to stabilize vertebrae, is the first extendable system offering multi-axial bolts and a built-in revision option for patients suffering from certain degenerative disorders common in the aging spine.

The CD HORIZON ENGAGE PLATE Spinal System addresses many spinal surgeons’ concerns in the operating room. The primary plate serves as a platform to extend the construct without removing the original implant thereby reducing the time needed for revisions and/or creating better outcomes for the patient. The variety of sizes allows each construct to be tailor-made for each patient and the system can be used with multi-axial bolts that allow for easier multi-level construction and facet bone preservation. The CD HORIZON ENGAGE PLATE Spinal System can be used in minimally invasive as well as traditional open procedures.

The CD HORIZON ENGAGE PLATE Spinal System features streamlined instrumentation that can mean a shorter procedure by reducing the number of steps. This may lead to potential reduction in blood loss, quicker recovery times and potentially fewer complications. The low profile construct may also reduce facet impingement and potentially increase the area for bone graft. Silicone caps protect the threaded nuts to help facilitate revision surgeries.

The CD HORIZON ENGAGE PLATE Spinal System is part of Medtronic’s Aging Spine Care platform. 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. Medtronic’s Aging Spine Care platform includes therapies, products and approaches that advance care for patients with lumbar stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, adult scoliosis and kyphosis.

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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