Medtronic Named Among World's Most Innovative Companies by MIT Technology Review

Company Recognized for Ground-Breaking Work in the Field of Deep Brain Stimulation

MINNEAPOLIS, March 4, 2010 - Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) today announced that it has been selected as
one of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review's 50
most innovative companies. Known as TR50, the first annual list includes
companies that Technology Review believes have demonstrated superiority in
inventing technology and in using it both to grow their own business and
transform how we live.

Medtronic was recognized for its leadership in the development and
introduction of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Therapy, which helps treat
neurological conditions by delivering controlled electrical pulses to a
specific part of the brain. For more than 15 years, Medtronic has
collaborated with leading physicians and invested in and developed this
therapy. DBS therapy was first commercialized outside the United States in
1995, and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1997 for the
suppression of tremor in the upper extremities. Medtronic has continued to
improve the technology and broaden its applications. Medtronic DBS therapy is
now approved to manage some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and in the
treatment of chronic, intractable dystonia, as well as severe,
treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The company also
received FDA approval in 2009 for Activa(R) PC (primary cell) and Activa RC
(rechargeable), the most advanced neurostimulation systems available,
including the first rechargeable device used in DBS therapy.

"We are honored to be recognized for our work in advancing DBS therapy,"
said Don Deyo, vice president of Product Development and Technology in
Medtronic's Neuromodulation business. "In collaboration with leading
physicians, we pioneered DBS therapy and we have remained focused on
advancing the technology for the benefit of patients worldwide. We are
thrilled that the employees and partners who participated in these technology
innovations are being acknowledged for their efforts."

The TR50 list spans a range of industries including energy, computing,
the Web, biomedicine and materials. Each company in the 2010 TR50 was
evaluated on three criteria: business model, strategies for deploying and
scaling up technologies and likelihood of success. For a complete list of
winners, visit www.technologyreview.com/companywatch/tr50/.

In announcing the selections, David Rotman, editor of Technology Review,
said, "In choosing the TR50, we picked companies with this year's most
important inventions and breakthroughs as well as companies that are
successfully growing businesses and markets around innovative new products."

About Medtronic DBS Therapy

Medtronic DBS Therapy uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar
to a cardiac pacemaker, to deliver carefully controlled electrical
stimulation to precisely targeted areas within the brain. The therapy is
reversible and can be programmed and adjusted non-invasively (without
surgery) by a trained clinician to find the most appropriate type and amount
of stimulation for each patient to maximize symptom control and minimize side
effects.

Medtronic DBS Therapy is currently approved by the FDA for the treatment
of the disabling symptoms of essential tremor, advanced Parkinson's disease,
dystonia, and chronic, severe, treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive
disorder. More than 75,000 people worldwide have received Medtronic DBS
Therapy.

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.

Contacts: Jeff Warren Cindy Resman, Investor Relations Public Relations, +1-763-505-2696, +1-763-526-6248