[September 29, 2005]

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

DENVER & LITTLETON, Mass. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 29, 2005 -- Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) and Breakaway Imaging, LLC, a privately held developer of medical imaging systems for surgery, today announced an agreement that grants exclusive worldwide distribution and marketing of Breakaway Imaging's O-arm(TM) Imaging System, an intraoperative crossover technology enabling two-dimensional (2-D) (fluoroscopy), multi-plane 2-D, and three-dimensional (3-D) volumetric imaging system, to Medtronic Navigation. The agreement is effective immediately. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

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

"Computer-assisted surgical (CAS) navigation is a cornerstone for growth for many minimally invasive procedures and future biologic delivery," said Pete Wehrly, vice president and president of Medtronic Spinal and Navigation. "Adding the O-arm to the Medtronic offering allows us to provide a complete, seamless solution for surgeons who rely on our technology to provide integrated imaging and CAS navigation. This collaboration represents a significant opportunity to bring innovative technologies that not only enable new procedures, but also enhance operating room efficiencies and possibly improve patient outcomes."

The O-arm system, with patented breakable gantry and flat screen detector that enable it to collect 2-D or 3-D volumetric imaging within seconds, is designed specifically for use by surgeons in standard operating rooms while yielding high-quality imaging comparable to fixed CT systems. Electromechanical features enable repeatable positioning of the gantry between imaging shots and an unobtrusive location to permit unrestricted patient access.

"The O-arm is the first x-ray based innovation in surgical imaging since the introduction of the C-arm," said Rich Grant, president, chief executive officer and co-founder of Breakaway Imaging. "By joining forces with a leader in CAS navigation and instrumentation, we are now able to bring this important technology to more surgeons than ever before, giving them access to a full complement of visualization tools 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 a physician network of angel investors.

About Medtronic Navigation

Medtronic Navigation is the world leader in intraoperative Computer Assisted Surgery technologies with its full line of StealthStation(R) Treon(TM) systems. StealthStation(R) Treon(TM) combines MRI, CT, and fluoroscopy, and ultrasound imagery with optical and proprietary AxiEM(TM) electromagnetic tracking systems to provide real-time visualization of surgical instruments inside a computer-generated rendition of the patient. Medtronic Navigation has more than 2,000 systems installed worldwide to serve a wide range of medical disciplines including, cranial, spinal, orthopedic and ENT surgical 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 the world.

Breakaway Imaging, LLC Forward Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The company wishes to caution the reader of this press release that actual results may differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be adversely affected by, among other things, regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, the companies' overall business 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 and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 29, 2005. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

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