MINNEAPOLIS, Jun 29, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) today commended the U.S. Congress and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences on the release of Relieving Pain in America:A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Treatment and Research, a comprehensive study exploring the issue of pain management in the U.S. The company expressed hope that the study's findings will lead to much-needed advancements in pain care research, treatment, access and education for the millions of Americans who suffer needlessly with chronic pain.

The study, completed by the IOM Committee on Advancing Pain Research, Care and Education, was commissioned by Congress as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.

"Chronic pain is a major public health issue, and we applaud Congress, the IOM and members of the Committee for their thoughtful recommendations on improving pain management in the United States," said Tom Tefft, president of the Neuromodulation business and senior vice president at Medtronic. "We also want to thank Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Mike Rogers (R-MI) for championing the legislation that led to this study, and for their ongoing commitment and attention to this important issue."

"As we continue to review the study findings and recommendations, Medtronic looks forward to continuing its work with physicians, professional societies and patient communities to improve access to care and advance research that may one day lead to more treatments that provide relief to people suffering from chronic pain," said Tefft.

For more information about the IOM and to review the report, Relieving Pain in America:A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Treatment and Research, please visit: http://www.iom.edu/relievingpain.

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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