Devices Neurosurgery Orthopaedic

 News Release - February 13, 2006

Medtronic Surpasses Milestone with TSRH(R) Spinal Systems

Collaboration with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Results in 2.5 Million System Implants Used to Treat Complex Spinal Conditions

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Feb. 13, 2006--Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT ) announces the worldwide use of over 2.5 million TSRH® Spinal System implants. In 1987, Medtronic's collaboration with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children to develop a system to treat scoliosis led to the development of the TSRH Spinal System, a hook, rod and screw system used in difficult spinal procedures. Since then, the TSRH System has evolved into one of the most popular systems on the market.

Since the introduction of the original TSRH Spinal System, the TSRH family of implants has continued to evolve and grow with the addition of the TSRH-3D® System, the TSRH-3D Plus MPA(TM) Multi Planar Screw System and most recently, the TSRH® SILO(TM) 5.5 Spinal System.

"We've been partnering with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children for 20 years," said Pete Wehrly, senior vice president and president of Medtronic's Spinal and Navigation Divisions. "And we are proud to acknowledge passing the monumental milestone of 2.5 million TSRH System implants that have improved the quality of life for so many patients suffering from scoliosis and other degenerative spinal disorders."

"The passion of the trustees, physicians and entire staff at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children led to the development of the TSRH Spinal System," said J. C. Montgomery, Jr., president, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. "This milestone of 2.5 million TSRH Spinal Systems has positively impacted the lives of so many young people. We look forward to continuing our relationship with everyone at Medtronic and improving the lives of children for many years to come."

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, like dyslexia. Today, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children provides ongoing care for more than 14,000 children each year. There is no charge for treatment at the hospital and admission is open to Texas children from birth to 18 years of age.

About Medtronic Sofamor Danek

Medtronic Sofamor Danek, based in Memphis, Tenn., is the global leader in today's spine market and is committed to advancing the treatment of spinal disorders. Medtronic's Spinal business collaborates with world-renowned surgeons, researchers and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art products and technologies for neurological 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.medtronicsofamordanek.com and its consumer 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 28, 2005. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Source: Medtronic

Issuer of this News Release is solely responsible for its content.
Please address inquiries directly to the issuing company.