Survey Indicates Meniett Therapy is Preferred Treatment, after Diet Modification, for Management of Meniere's Disease

Business Wire, August 6, 2007

Preference Revealed among Clinically Active Otologists Treating Patients with Meni[c]re's Disease in an Only Hearing Ear

MINNEAPOLIS -- Results of a survey published in the August 2007 issue of Otology & Neurotology indicates that the Meniett[R] Low Pressure Pulse Generator manufactured by Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) is the preferred treatment method after diet modification for patients diagnosed with Meni[c]re's Disease in an only hearing ear. The survey was conducted among a nonrandom sample of clinically active members of the American Otological Society and the American Neurotology Society by researchers from the Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Dietary modification was recommended as first-line therapy by 99 percent of the survey respondents, including moderate to strict salt restriction, decreased caffeine intake and avoidance of alcohol. A diuretic was also recommended by 96 percent of respondents.

When asked what they would offer if initial treatment failed, respondents chose the Meniett[R] device first and most frequently over therapies such as intratympanic corticosteroids, endolymphatic sac mastoid shunt, intratympanic gentamicin perfusion and endolymphatic sac vein decompression.

"We agree that the Meniett[R] makes the most sense as the second-line treatment of choice for this difficult problem. It has demonstrative efficacy and a low-risk profile," stated Jon Isaacson, M.D., associate professor of Surgery and director of Otology/Neurotology at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and co-conductor of the survey.

Approximately 2.6 million people in the United States and Europe1 suffer from Meni[c]re's disease, a disorder associated with excess fluid in the inner ear. This complex disease is characterized by vertigo in combination with hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and pressure in the ear. The origin is unknown and there is no cure, which makes managing the disease difficult when symptoms are severe. Unpredictable vertigo attacks with nausea and vomiting can be very debilitating, with patients unable to work or perform routine activities.2

About the ENT Business at Medtronic

Located in Jacksonville, Fla., the ENT business at Medtronic (www.MedtronicENT.com) is a leading developer and manufacturer of products to treat diseases of the ear, nose and throat (ENT). Patients seeking additional information about Meni[c]re's disease and the Meniett device should visit www.meniett.com.

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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 27, 2007. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

1. Stahle J, Stahle C, Arenberg IK. The incidence of Meni[c]re's disease. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1978;104:99-102.

2. Anderson JP and Harris JP. Impact of Meni[c]re's disease on quality of life. Otol Neurotol. 2001;22:888-894.