MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov 03, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) announced the global launch of the T2 ALTITUDE(TM) Expandable Corpectomy Device in the U.S. and Europe today at the North American Spine Society's 26th Annual Meeting in Chicago. The product, a self locking expandable vertebral body replacement cage intended for use in the thoracolumbar spine (T1-L5), is designed to provide spinal stabilization and correction in patients suffering from a traumatic or tumor disorder.

T2 ALTITUDE(TM) Expandable Corpectomy Device features an innovative self locking mechanism that eliminates the need for placing a set screw during surgery. This device can be filled with bone graft after insertion and also after expansion, creating bone contact with the end plate and the opportunity for fusion to occur inside the device.

Possible risks include, early or late loosening of the components and implant migration and the disassembly, bending, and/or breakage of any or all of the components.

This T2 ALTITUDE(TM) Expandable Corpectomy Device comes in multiple sizes, allowing a surgeon the flexibilty to fit the various needs of a trauma or tumor patient. Additionally, the device allows the surgeon the ability to insert the cage from a posterior, anterior or lateral approach and is compatible with Medtronic's proprietary minimally invasive technologies, known as MAST(TM)1.

This system is also compatible with Medtronic's neuromonitoring system, NIM-ECLIPSE© System2. The T2 ALTITUDE(TM) Expandable Corpectomy Device is to be used with supplemental fixation such as our VANTAGE(TM) Anterior Fixation System, TSRH(R) Spinal System, or the CD HORIZON(R) Spinal System. T2 ALTITUDE(TM) Expandable Corpectomy Device is fully compatible with the CD HORIZON(R) SOLERA(TM) Spinal System.

Each year, there are more than 150,000 spinal fractures in North America 3. There is an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 spinal cord injuries every year and approximately 39% of these injuries are cause by motor vehicle accidents 4. These non-elective or trauma surgeries sometimes require additional spinal structural support which is when the T2 ALTITUDE(TM) Expandable Corpectomy Device is used.

Another indication or use for the T2 ALTITUDE(TM) Expandable Corpectomy Device is in the treatment of cancer patients. If the cancer metastasizes or spreads in the spine, the surgeon may opt to remove the affected vertebral bodies and replace them with the T2 ALTITUDE(TM) Expandable Corpectomy Device.

In addition, the T2 ALTITUDE(TM) Expandable Corpectomy Device is equipped with the VERIFYI(TM) Implant Tracking System to enhance hospital efficiencies. This is the latest in implant tracking technology that supports hospital-specific quality management and provides device utilization-related data for customers in a manner that meets anticipated FDA regulations establishing a unique device identification (UDI) system.

"We continue to deliver on our long-term commitment to therapies for complex spine disorders for spinal tumor, trauma and deformity patients," said Doug King, senior vice president and president of Medtronic Spinal. "T2 ALTITUDE(TM) is a new option for surgeons who perform corpectomies, including through the use of minimally invasive techniques."

About the Spinal Business at Medtronic
The Spinal business, based in Memphis, Tenn., is the global leader in today's spine market and is committed to advancing the treatment of spinal conditions. The Spinal business collaborates with world-renowned surgeons, researchers and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art products and technologies for neurological, orthopaedic and spinal conditions. Medtronic is committed to developing affordable, minimally invasive procedures that provide lifestyle friendly surgical therapies. More information about the company and its spinal treatments can be found at www.medtronicspinal.com and its patient-education Web sites, www.back.com, and www.maturespine.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 periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

1 When using a minimally invasive technique, this device may only be implanted through a lateral or posterior approach.

2 NIM-ECLIPSE© System is manufactured by Medtronic Xomed, Inc.; distributed by Medtronic Spinal.

3 (http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1264191-overview)

4 (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/sci/detail_sci.htm)

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SOURCE: Medtronic, Inc.

Medtronic, Inc.
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