29.09.2005 14:42:00

Medtronic to Distribute O-arm(TM) Imaging System in Exclusive Agreement with Breakaway Imaging, LLC

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) and Breakaway Imaging, LLC, aprivately held developer of medical imaging systems for surgery, todayannounced an agreement that grants exclusive worldwide distributionand marketing of Breakaway Imaging's O-arm(TM) Imaging System, anintraoperative crossover technology enabling two-dimensional (2-D)(fluoroscopy), multi-plane 2-D, and three-dimensional (3-D) volumetricimaging system, to Medtronic Navigation. The agreement is effectiveimmediately. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The O-arm Imaging System provides complete multi-dimensionalsurgical imaging. It is the only approved platform that providessurgeons with real-time, 3-D images, as well as multi-plane, 2-D andfluoroscopic imaging. Initially intended for use in orthopedicsurgical procedures, the O-arm Imaging System is designed to expand toadditional surgical applications such as image-guided surgery. TheO-arm Imaging System received FDA clearance earlier this year.

"Computer-assisted surgical (CAS) navigation is a cornerstone forgrowth for many minimally invasive procedures and future biologicdelivery," said Pete Wehrly, vice president and president of MedtronicSpinal and Navigation. "Adding the O-arm to the Medtronic offeringallows us to provide a complete, seamless solution for surgeons whorely on our technology to provide integrated imaging and CASnavigation. This collaboration represents a significant opportunity tobring innovative technologies that not only enable new procedures, butalso enhance operating room efficiencies and possibly improve patientoutcomes."

The O-arm system, with patented breakable gantry and flat screendetector that enable it to collect 2-D or 3-D volumetric imagingwithin seconds, is designed specifically for use by surgeons instandard operating rooms while yielding high-quality imagingcomparable to fixed CT systems. Electromechanical features enablerepeatable positioning of the gantry between imaging shots and anunobtrusive location to permit unrestricted patient access.

"The O-arm is the first x-ray based innovation in surgical imagingsince the introduction of the C-arm," said Rich Grant, president,chief executive officer and co-founder of Breakaway Imaging. "Byjoining forces with a leader in CAS navigation and instrumentation, weare now able to bring this important technology to more surgeons thanever before, giving them access to a full complement of visualizationtools and implants from one company."

About Breakaway Imaging, LLC

Headquartered in Littleton, Mass., and founded in early 2002,Breakaway Imaging is a privately held, medical device company,developing a new multi-modality imaging platform, called the O-arm(TM)Imaging System. To date, the primary source of financing is through aphysician network of angel investors.

About Medtronic Navigation

Medtronic Navigation is the world leader in intraoperativeComputer Assisted Surgery technologies with its full line ofStealthStation(R) Treon(TM) systems. StealthStation(R) Treon(TM)combines MRI, CT, and fluoroscopy, and ultrasound imagery with opticaland proprietary AxiEM(TM) electromagnetic tracking systems to providereal-time visualization of surgical instruments inside acomputer-generated rendition of the patient. Medtronic Navigation hasmore than 2,000 systems installed worldwide to serve a wide range ofmedical disciplines including, cranial, spinal, orthopedic and ENTsurgical applications.

About Medtronic, Inc

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 theworld.

Breakaway Imaging, LLC Forward Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Thecompany wishes to caution the reader of this press release that actualresults may differ from those discussed in the forward-lookingstatements and may be adversely affected by, among other things,regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, the companies' overallbusiness strategy, and other factors described in the companies'filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Medtronic, Inc. Forward Looking Statement

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks anduncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended April 29, 2005. Actual results may differmaterially from anticipated results.

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