Medtronic Begins Study of New Rechargeable Neurostimulation System for

Medtronic Begins Study of New Rechargeable Neurostimulation System for Chronic Pain

    Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

    MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 2005--

Company's Investigational Restore(TM) System features rechargeable battery with nine-year life
    Researchers recently implanted in the first patient in the United States a new, high-power investigational neurostimulation system being developed by Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) for chronic pain patients. The implant launched a nationwide, multi-center study of the Restore(TM) System, an innovative therapy with features that include a battery life not available with currently approved devices on the market for chronic pain.
    The system's design allows patients to intermittently recharge the battery by themselves. It also is intended to reduce physician burden by offering multiple program options, and decrease the number of physician visits required to manually program the devices.
    "The medical community welcomes an advance in neurostimulation technology," said Aaron T. Lloyd, M.D., D.A.B.P.M., the study's first implanter and medical director, Advanced Pain Medicine clinic, Dallas, Texas. "There are many positive implications for a neurostimulation system with a longer recharge interval period. A sustainable, high-power system could have a noticeable impact on patients' daily lives, and on the efficiency of physician practices."
    The first U.S. patient is a woman who has suffered for more than ten years from chronic back and leg pain associated with Failed Back Syndrome - one of the most common forms of chronic pain.

    About Chronic Pain

    Defined as pain that persists or recurs for more than six months, chronic pain can be caused by a variety of injuries and diseases, including nerve damage and cancer, and most commonly affects the lower back and legs. Left untreated or undertreated, chronic pain can destroy a person's life. Beyond the physical disability that often results, it can lead to difficulty holding a job, low self-esteem, strained relationships, depression, and suicide.
    Chronic pain affects approximately 25 percent of the U.S. population and 50 percent of patients with cancer. Chronic pain accounts for an estimated $100 billion a year in medical costs, including 515 million lost workdays and 40 million physician visits.

    About Medtronic, Inc.

    Medtronic's neurostimulation therapy already has achieved worldwide medical acceptance for the management of chronic, intractable, unilateral or bilateral pain associated with many pain-related conditions. Patients can obtain information on neurostimulation at www.medtronic.com.
    Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the world's leading medical technology company, providing lifelong solutions for people with chronic disease.

    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 30, 2004. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

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CONTACT: Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis Investor Relations: Rob Carson, 763-505-2705 or Public Relations: Kyra Schmitt, 763-505-0237

KEYWORD: MINNESOTA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE MEDICAL MEDICAL DEVICES BIOTECHNOLOGY PRODUCT SOURCE: Medtronic, Inc.

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