MINNEAPOLIS, Mar 14, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) today announced the global launch of a new tricuspid ring for the treatment of tricuspid valve disease. Called the Contour 3D(TM) Annuloplasty Ring, the device is designed to restore normal valve function by remodeling the natural valve's shape and size. The Contour 3D Ring is approved for use in the U.S., Europe and several other countries.

Tricuspid dilation is a progressive disease that eventually leads to severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), which occurs when the tricuspid valve leaflets do not close properly, allowing blood to flow opposite of the intended direction. For patients with significant dilation of the tricuspid annulus (or opening), surgeons typically recommend surgical repair with an annuloplasty ring or band to restore the normal annular dimensions and normal leaflet closure, and to provide the necessary long-term support of the native annulus.

"The new Contour 3D ring will offer surgeons the opportunity to choose a three-dimensional remodeling tricuspid ring with a true anatomical profile. This will minimize stress of the valve leaflets and optimize valve performance," said Prof. Rüdiger Lange, M.D., Ph.D., director of cardiovascular surgery at The German Heart Centre in Munich, Germany, who collaborated with Medtronic and other physicians (Hugo Vanermen, M.D., at Onze Lieve Vrouwziekenhuis in Aalst, Belgium; and Aubrey Galloway, M.D., and Eugene Grossi, M.D., from NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City) on this device.

About the Contour 3D(TM) Annuloplasty Ring
The Contour 3DAnnuloplasty Ring - an extension of Medtronic's remodeling contoured mitral annuloplasty ring (Profile 3D(R)) technology - is the only remodeling ring that matches the shape of a healthy tricuspid valve, as determined through computed tomography (CT) images from normal tricuspid valves. The Contour 3D Ring also was designed to avoid interference with the heart's conduction system and to ensure that valve leaflets open and close effectively while preventing regurgitation.

"With the Contour 3D Ring, as well as the recently launched Tri-Ad(TM) Adams Tricuspid Ring, Medtronic's tricuspid valve repair product line is now the most complete portfolio available for cardiac surgeons," said Shawn Monaghan, vice president of Surgical Based Therapies for the Medtronic Structural Heart business. "This portfolio was made possible in part by our acquisition of ATS Medical, and we look forward to continuing to be a leading provider of future surgical repair solutions that improve clinical outcomes for patients."

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.

SOURCE: Medtronic, Inc.

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