Medtronic launches VERTEX SELECT CHROMALOY Plus Rods in the U.S.

Continuing its leadership in cervical spine medical device therapies, Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) today announced the U.S. launch of VERTEX SELECT^® CHROMALOY^™ Plus Rods. The announcement was made at the 27^th annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/ Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section of Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves in Phoenix.

The VERTEX SELECT^® CHROMALOY^™ Plus Rod is a supplement to the VERTEX SELECT^® Reconstruction System. During a procedure, a surgeon uses the rods to connect existing or new fusion systems in the patient's occipitocervical and upper-thoracic spine. CHROMALOY^™ Rods consist of cobalt chrome alloy material with engineered features, including a blend of three metals which, according to mechanical testing, help improve the rod's biomechanical characteristics and maintain a more rigid overall construct. The VERTEX SELECT^® Reconstruction System is intended to provide stabilization to promote fusion.

"The addition of the CHROMALOY^™ Plus Rods further differentiates the VERTEX^® System by providing a surgeon a choice among multiple rod diameters and material options to better accommodate patient anatomy and pathology," said Doug King, Senior Vice President and President of Medtronic Spinal.

The VERTEX SELECT^® Reconstruction System consists of implants and general instruments that can be used to surgically treat patients with a variety of conditions that can contribute to spinal instability, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, fracture, tumors, and/or spondylolisthesis. The VERTEX^® System product line has more than 10 years of clinical experience and has been used in more than 100,000 cases.

Potential risks associated with the use of the device include, but are not limited to: bending, and/or breakage of any or all of the components. A successful result may not be achieved in every case.