Medtronic Announces ARCUATE and ARCUATE XP Systems

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) today announced the U.S. availability of the ARCUATE™ XP and ARCUATE™ Systems. These systems give physicians a minimally invasive, controlled cement delivery method for orthopedic procedures that may help patients with vertebral body compression fractures. The cement is used to restore stability and relieve pain. Vertebral compression fractures are most common in aging spine patients and can lead to spinal deformity, debilitating pain, decreased quality of life, shortness of breath, reduced mobility, and other health problems. The ARCUATE XP System is designed to provide physicians with greater control of the flow and direction of cement, possibly enabling the physician to individualize the location and placement of cement, based on a patient’s unique fracture pattern. The proprietary ARC Osteotome™ device creates arcs within the existing bone structure, allowing a preferential flow of cement into arcs and cancellous bone openings. The pathways created by these arcs may allow for a better distribution of cement across the vertebral body, minimizing the number of incisions and steps necessary to create a biomechanically stable support for the spine. The ARCUATE System uses needles and an injector which may be used to deliver medical cement to a fractured vertebra. Both systems feature instruments which may reduce procedure time and limit radiation exposure by taking surgeons’ hands out of the radiation field. For some patients, the ARCUATE System and ARCUATE XP System may mean abbreviated procedure time, potentially shorter recovery times and the possibility of less pain. The procedure can be performed as either an in-patient or out-patient procedure depending upon a patient’s particular situation. "No two fractures are the same and with the ARCUATE Systems I can use the right procedure on the right patient by tailoring the treatment to the specific patient’s anatomy and needs,” said Dr. Richard Hynes, an orthopedic surgeon in Melbourne, Fla. "ARCUATE and ARCUATE XP save time and help get my patients back on their feet faster.” Additional information can be found on Medtronic’s ARCUATE patient education Web site at www.maturespine.com 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 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. 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. The ARCUATE™ and ARCUATE™ XP Systems incorporate technology developed by Gary K. Michelson, M.D.