MEMPHIS, TENN. - April 29, 2013- Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) the world leader in spinal technology announced today the global launch of the MAST ALIGNEDSM procedure. This comprehensive surgical solution includes technologies to access the spine, such as oblique lateral, as well as interbody, navigation, and biologics options. At the core of the MAST ALIGNEDSM procedure is the new CD HORIZON® LONGITUDE® II System, a multi-level percutaneous fixation system designed to provide spinal stabilization and correction as an adjunct to fusion in patients suffering from painful and function-limiting disorders of the middle and lower back.  The announcement was made at the 81st American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting in New Orleans.

 "Through the launch of this procedure, Medtronic is extending the benefits of MAST-based therapies to patients suffering from advanced-stage conditions," said Doug King, senior vice president and president of Medtronic's Spinal business. "In doing so, the team is also extending the range of capabilities of a proven platform, the CD HORIZON® SOLERA(TM) Spinal System.  We look forward to coupling availability of the procedure and associated technologies with initiatives aimed at growing patient access, worldwide," said King.

The MAST ALIGNEDSM procedure is the latest advancement in a series of integrated procedural solutions that complements Medtronic Spinal's minimally invasive MAST® portfolio to successfully treat patients for a variety of degenerative and complex spinal conditions. In the United States, more than 250,000 individuals undergo spinal fusions annually to treat degenerative changes in the lumbar spine.

Risks associated with such a system include loosening, disassembly, bending, and/or breakage of components, fracture, microfracture, resorption, damage, or penetration of any spinal bone.  Selection of the proper size, shape, and design of the implant for each patient is crucial to its safe use.  A successful result is not always achieved in every surgical case.  The safety and effectiveness of this device has not been established for use as part of a growing rod construct when used in pediatric cases, and is only intended to be used when definitive fusion is being performed at all instrumented levels.

The CD HORIZON® LONGITUDE® II Spinal System is also designed to work with the NIM-ECLIPSE® System, STEALTHSTATION® Navigation and O-ARM® Imaging Systems, and the POWEREASE® System, an innovative system of powered instruments designed for drilling, tapping, and driving screws during spinal surgery.

About Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery vs. Traditional Open-Back Surgery

• Minimally invasive surgery requires a smaller incision than traditional open-back surgery, leaving patients with smaller scars. 
• Minimally invasive surgery has been reported to minimize cutting to muscles, tendons, and other normal tissues that aren't directly involved with the back disorders.[1]
• One of the risks associated with MIS is the possibility of converting to an open procedure.