MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2009-- Continuing to drive innovation in endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), today announced the introduction of an imaging and visualization service for endovascular specialists who use the company’s market-leading portfolio of stent grafts to treat aortic aneurysms. Aortic aneurysms affect more than one million people in the United States alone and can rupture with fatal consequences if left untreated.

Enabled by a global partnership with Vital Images (NASDAQ: VTAL), 3D Recon is a new service from Medtronic that converts two-dimensional computed tomography (CT) axial images to three-dimensional images, offering advanced visualization of the anatomy and aneurysm measurement for device sizing. This technology allows physicians to streamline pre-case planning and patient follow-up. It is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under a 510(k) granted to Vital Images.

Vital Images is a leading provider of advanced visualization and analysis software. Its Endovascular Stent Planning application provides real-time automated clinical information specifically for the evaluation of abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms. The application enables removal of bone and anatomy from the image, visualization from the aortic root through the iliac bifurcation, as well as specific measurements for procedure planning. It allows vascular surgeons and interventionalists to instantly view three dimensional anatomy pre-operatively, followed by the implanted stent graft post-operatively.

“Our exclusive partnership with Vital Images gives endovascular specialists access to advanced visualization technology on a Medtronic field representative’s laptop to enhance their use of Medtronic’s aortic stent grafts,” explained Tony Semedo, vice president and general manager of the Endovascular Innovations division, part of the CardioVascular business at Medtronic. “3D Recon is a unique service that complements Medtronic’s existing service offerings of CTeXpress, a remote DICOM image transfer service in partnership with Intelemage, and Stent Graft Tracker, software managing patient follow-up schedules.”

Michael H. Carrel, president and chief executive officer of Vital Images, added: “At Vital Images, we are committed to advanced visualization and analysis innovations that enable clinicians to drive clinical efficiency and quality of care. We are pleased to partner with an industry leader and pioneer like Medtronic to deliver this innovative service to surgeons worldwide.”

About Vital Images

Vital Images, Inc. is a leading provider of advanced visualization software solutions. The company’s technology gives radiologists, cardiologists, oncologists and other medical specialists, time-saving productivity and communications tools that can be accessed throughout the enterprise and via the Web for easy use in the day-to-day practice of medicine. Vital Images also has offices in Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.vitalimages.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 24, 2009. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Source: Medtronic, Inc.

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