MEMPHIS, Tenn., Apr 19, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Expanding its leading bone grafting portfolio, Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) today announced the U.S. launch of the MARROWMAX(TM) Bone Marrow Aspiration Needle Kit.

The MARROWMAX(TM) Bone Marrow Aspiration Needle Kit provides a simple technique for aspirating marrow from patients by using a syringe. The marrow is then used to hydrate a synthetic bone graft, such as Medtronic's MASTERGRAFT(R) ceramics and PLEXUR P(R) Preformed Biocomposites, eliminating the need for a painful second surgery to harvest bone.

The bone marrow aspiration technique collects marrow and/or autologous blood from a marrow-rich site of the surgeon's choice. It involves inserting a hollow needle through a skin incision and into the bone marrow cavity. A syringe is then used to draw a sample of the liquid portion of the bone marrow into the hollow needle.

Most bone marrow aspiration needles contain a single hole at the end of the cannula, which is a hollow tube that allows marrow to travel into a syringe, where marrow is drawn from one position. The multi-holed cannula feature of MARROWMAX(TM) allows for simultaneous marrow draws at the same position thereby reducing aspiration time and the need for sometimes painful repositioning of the needle. MARROWMAX(TM) comes in three sizes to accommodate surgeons for a variety of draw sites in the body.

"The launch of the MARROWMAX(TM) Bone Marrow Aspiration Needle comes at a strategic time for us," said Neil Beals, vice president of marketing for Medtronic Biologics. "We expect this innovation to enhance and complement our Biologics and bone grafting portfolio and allow our sales team to carry a complete set of tools to fit both surgeon and patient needs."

About the Biologics Business at Medtronic
Medtronic Biologics, based in Memphis, Tenn., is the global leader in biologics therapies for regeneration across a variety of musculoskeletal and other applications. The business markets breakthrough innovations such as INFUSE(R), which received the prestigious Prix Galien USA Award for Best Biotechnology Product in 2008. Medtronic Biologics also has a robust pipeline of other products, including sciatica and post-op pain therapies. Today, the business participates across three key markets including spine, orthopedic trauma, and dental and collaborates with world-renowned surgeons, researchers, and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art products and technologies.

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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SOURCE: Medtronic, Inc.

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