MINNEAPOLIS, Jan 28, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced today pivotal data for the Medtronic Arctic Front(R) CryoAblation Catheter System will be presented as a late breaking clinical trial at the 59th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology on Monday, March 15 at 8 a.m. ET. The STOP-AF (Sustained Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation) clinical trial is evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Arctic Front CryoAblation Catheter System for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The system is approved for use in Europe, Australia and Hong Kong and is under investigational use in the United States.

Additionally, data from the Medtronic-sponsored CONNECT (Clinical Evaluation of Remote Notification to Reduce Time to Clinical Decision) clinical trial also will be presented as a late breaker on Monday, March 15. The trial is assessing how the use of the Medtronic CareLink(R) Network to remotely monitor patients with Medtronic cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillators (CRT-Ds) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) equipped with Conexus(R) Wireless Telemetry might effectively enable better patient care and reduce unnecessary healthcare costs.

About STOP-AF

This pivotal trial studied the safety and efficacy of the Medtronic Arctic Front CryoAblation Catheter System in paroxysmal AF patients as compared to drug therapy. Patients were randomized to receive ablation therapy or commonly used anti-arrhythmic drug treatments. For every three patients enrolled, approximately two received an ablation and one was assigned to the drug therapy group. Twenty-six U.S. and Canadian centers enrolled 245 patients who were followed for 12 months after the ablation procedure. Results are part of a PMA submission in consideration for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the Medtronic Arctic Front CryoAblation Catheter System.

About CONNECT

CONNECT is a randomized, prospective study that includes about 2,000 patients at 150 centers across the United States; patients were followed for 15 months. The primary objective is to demonstrate if the Medtronic wireless remote management system reduces the time to clinical decision for arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), cardiovascular disease progression, and system issues compared to patients who receive only in-office care.

Caution: The Medtronic Arctic Front CryoAblation Catheter System is investigational and not currently available for sale in the United States.The device is limited by federal law to investigational use only.

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. (http://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.

Medtronic, Inc.
Catherine Peloquin
Public Relations, 763-526-2494
or
Jeff Warren
Investor Relations, 763-505-2696