MEMPHIS, Tenn.–(BUSINESS
WIRE)–Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) the world leader in spinal technology,
announced today a pioneering approach to minimally invasive spinal fusion at
the 26th annual meeting of the North American Spine Society in Chicago, IL.

The MAST® MIDLF™ procedure uses a proprietary retractor and
cortical bone screw fixation in conjunction with Medtronics comprehensive
surgical platform of interbody, navigation, neuromonitoring and biologic
options. Referred to as a midline laminectomy approach, it is unique in that it
enables a minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery, accessing the spine in the
middle lower back, and eliminates the need for surgeons to work through a
tubular retractor.

“This surgical strategy enables a highly efficient,
minimally invasive lumbar fusion, while allowing visualization of familiar
posterior landmarks,” said Dr. Richard Hynes, spine surgeon at The B.A.C.K.
Center in Melbourne,
FL. “A midline approach offers surgeons a number of benefits in addressing
the challenges associated with decompression as well as sacral fixation in the
lumbar or lower spine.”

The MAST® MIDLFTM procedure may also be used with
Medtronics surgical navigation and imaging systems. This allows for decreased
exposure to radiation for hospital staff and physicians, with improved accuracy
of device placement to avoid injury to nerves.

The MIDLF™ procedure is the latest advancement in a series
of integrated procedural solutions that compliments Medtronic Spinals
minimally invasive MAST® portfolio to successfully treat patients for a variety
of degenerative and deformity spinal conditions. In the United States,
over 250,000 individuals undergo spinal fusions annually to treat degenerative
changes in the lumbar spine.

About Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery vs. Traditional
Open-Back Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery requires a smaller incision than
traditional open-back surgery, leaving patients with smaller scars.

Minimally invasive surgery has been reported to minimize
injury to muscles, tendons, and other normal tissues that arent directly
involved with the back disorders.1

Additionally, it has been shown that patients of minimally
invasive surgery versus traditional open-back surgery can have shorter hospital
stays than traditional open spine surgeries.2

About Medtronics Spinal Business

Medtronics spinal business, based in Memphis,
Tenn., is the global leader in
todays spine market and is committed to advancing the treatment of spinal
conditions. Medtronics spinal business collaborates with world-renowned
surgeons, researchers and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art
therapies for spinal, neurological, orthopaedic and oral maxillofacial
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 site,
www.back.com.

About Spinal Navigation and Intra-Operative Imaging

The O-arm® Imaging System coupled with the StealthStation® Image Guidance
System can also be used to navigate pedicle preparation and screw placement.
Together, O-arm® intra-operative imaging and StealthStation® surgical
navigation form a unique Medtronic surgical tool, enabling more accurate spinal
procedures in a reduced radiation environment for the surgeon and staff. For
more information, please visit: www.medtronicnavigation.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 periodic reports on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ
materially from anticipated results.

1 Isaacs. Minimally invasive microendoscopy-assisted transforaminal
lumbar interbody fusion. J. Neruosurg: Spine. 3:98-105, 2005.

2 Park, Won Ha. Comparison of one-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion
performed with a minimally invasive approach or a traditional open approach.
SPINE 32 (5):537-543, 2007.