Thomson Reuters ONE via COMTEX) --MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Oct. 21, 2013 - Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) the world leader in spinal technology, announced today the launch of the first procedure that allows lateral access to the most common operative level of the spine at the annual meeting of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in San Francisco, CA.

OLIF51TM Procedure is an innovative procedural solution that enables reproducible lateral access to the L5-S1 disc space. "For the first time, along with the OLIF25TM Procedure, the surgeon community has a combination of procedures that offer an extensile approach to all levels of the lower lumbar spine in one patient positioning," said Dr. Richard Hynes, spine surgeon at The B.A.C.K. Center in Melbourne, FL. Referred to as Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion for L5-S1, this procedure eliminates the need to reposition the patient during surgery and incorporates Medtronic's comprehensive surgical platform of access, interbody, neuromonitoring, navigation, fixation and biologic options.

"With the launch of the OLIF51 Procedure, Medtronic has aligned with expressed needs from the global surgeon community for procedures that require less muscle disruption and enable greater intraoperative efficiencies," stated Doug King, Senior Vice President and President at Medtronic Spine.

OLIF51 Procedure is the latest advancement in a series of integrated procedural solutions that compliment Medtronic Spinal's portfolio to successfully treat patients for a variety of spinal conditions. In the United States, over 250,000 individuals undergo spinal fusions annually to treat degenerative changes in the lumbar spine.

Multimedia Release

A multimedia version of this release, with downloadable graphics, can be found at: http://bit.ly/1hePPNV

About Medtronic's Spinal Business

Medtronic's 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. Medtronic's spinal business collaborates with world-renowned surgeons, researchers and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art therapies for spinal, neurological, orthopaedic and oral maxillofacial conditions. Medtronic is committed to developing affordable, minimally invasive procedures that provide lifestyle friendly surgical therapies.

About Spinal Navigation and Intra-Operative Imaging

The O-arm® Imaging System coupled with the StealthStation® Image Guidance System can also be used to navigate pedicle preparation and screw placement. Together, O-arm intra-operative imaging and StealthStation surgical navigation form a unique Medtronic surgical tool. For more information, please visit: www.medtronicnavigation.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.

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Public Relations

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Jeff Warren

Investor Relations

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Source: Medtronic, Inc. via Thomson Reuters ONE

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