MINNEAPOLIS -- April 4, 2013 -- Complementing its market-leading portfolio of stent grafts for the endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms and related conditions, Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced today that the Sentrant Introducer Sheath has received the CE (Conformité Européenne) mark and will soon be launched internationally.

The Sentrant Introducer Sheath is designed for use with Medtronic's Endurant II AAA and Valiant Captivia Stent Graft Systems, the market-leading devices in their product categories worldwide, and can also be used with similar devices for endovascular repair. Inserted at the access site in the patient's femoral artery, the tapered tube is advanced up into the iliac arteries to facilitate the implant procedure, enabling smooth passage of the stent graft delivery system and accessory devices en route to the treatment site in the aorta.

Distinguishing features of the Sentrant Introducer Sheath include:

• Optimal seal compared to competitive sheaths for superior hemostasis during the procedure.
• Reinforced coil for proven kink resistance.
• Hydrophilic coating and flexibility for easy tracking through tortuous and calcified iliacs.
• Radiopaque marker band for clear visibility.
• Dilator locking mechanism for secure positioning.

To accommodate a range of anatomies, the Sentrant Introducer Sheath is made in diameters of 12-26 French and lengths of 28cm and 64cm. Compatible with the Archer Super Stiff Guidewire and the Reliant Stent Graft Balloon Catheter, it expands Medtronic's accessories toolkit for endovascular aortic interventions.

Medtronic's complete portfolio of stent grafts and related accessories will be on display during the Charing Cross symposium in London from April 6-9.

In collaboration with leading clinicians, researchers and scientists worldwide, Medtronic offers the broadest range of innovative medical technology for the interventional and surgical treatment of cardiovascular disease and cardiac arrhythmias. The company strives to offer products and services that deliver clinical and economic value to healthcare consumers and providers around the world.

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.

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