Sept. 16, 2026 - Medtronic Japan Co., Ltd. (HQ: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan) today announced the launch of ApexCut™ blades, the company’s next generation of powered ENT instrumentation designed to improve surgical efficiency^{§, 1} and address clogging-related interruptions in the operating room.

Developed in close collaboration with surgeons, ApexCut™ blades are engineered to reduce clogging and deliver smoother, more predictable ENT procedures.^{§, 1} The blade design incorporates a new tooth-to-tooth mouth design and distal-to-proximal cutting pattern, as well as exclusive FlexMetric™* technology in curved blades, intended to minimize clogging interruptions and help maintain procedural flow. ^{§, 1}

“The performance of surgical devices used in paranasal sinus surgery can have a significant impact on procedural workflow and degree of precision,” said Nobuyoshi Otori, professor of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at The Jikei University School of Medicine in Japan. “ApexCut™ blades are characterized by their internal design, which is intended to optimize efficiency of suction, and we look forward to its clinical evaluation in the future.”

The launch of ApexCut™ blades in Japan reflects Medtronic’s continued focus on developing technologies that support procedural efficiency while addressing the needs of ENT surgeons.

“ApexCut™ blades were developed with a strong focus on procedural efficiency and consistent performance, both of which are critical in ENT surgery,” said Masashi Maruyama, business director of the Medtronic Ear, Nose, and Throat business in Japan. “We believe the introduction of this product will help healthcare professionals perform procedures more smoothly and, ultimately, provide quality care for patients.”

ApexCut™ blades received regulatory approval in Japan on May 11, 2026.

About the Ear, Nose, & Throat Business at Medtronic
Medtronic’s Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) business is the global market leader in ENT, delivering innovative technologies that impact nearly 3 million patients each year. For more than 25 years, we have partnered with physicians to advance care across the specialty. Our portfolio supports surgical procedures related to chronic rhinosinusitis and head and neck cancers, spanning surgical navigation, tissue health, powered instruments, localized drug delivery, intraoperative nerve monitoring, and parathyroid detection. As the global leader in ENT navigation since the introduction of the LandmarX™ image-guided surgery system in 1998, we continue to advance the field with next-generation platforms including the Stealth AXiS™ Surgical System.

About Medtronic
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary.

For more information on Medtronic, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn.

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.

ApexCut™ Blades are authorized for marketing in Japan. This announcement concerns the non-navigated blades only and does not include complete product or safety information. Healthcare professionals should refer to the current labeling and instructions for use for the authorized intended use, compatible equipment, and complete safety and use information. Patients should discuss indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse events, and any further information with their healthcare professional.

Contacts:
Marie Gentile
Public Relations
+1-404-693-6028

Ingrid Goldberg
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-2696

^§ Efficiency is defined by the reduction of clogging and minimized interruptions, made possible by the blade’s cutting design and FlexMetric™ technology in curved blades that streamline tissue removal and suction flow.

1. Non-clinical testing measuring  grams resected of simulated material prior to first clog, comparing ApexCut blades vs Medtronic Tricut, RAD, and Quadcut blades. REF-32461: D01509297 ApexCut Blade Clog Resistance vs Predicate Sinus Blade Design Characterization Report. Non-clinical testing is not indicative of clinical results.