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Press Release August 13, 1998 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Medtronic Announces First Human Implant of New Device to Treat Essential Tremor and Parkinson's Disease MINNEAPOLIS, MN, August 13, 1998 — Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT), today announced the first human use of the Kinetraª Neurostimulator, the next step in treating people suffering from the debilitating symptoms of Essential Tremor or Parkinson’s disease. Because many patients require leads implanted on both sides of the brain to control their shaking and involuntary movement on both sides of their body, the Kinetra Neurostimulator is designed to accommodate two extensions, connected to two leads, and to eliminate the necessity of implanting two separate neurostimulation devices. Kinetra Neurostimulators were implanted into two patients on the same day by Francois Alesch, M.D., at the Hospital Confraternitat in Vienna, Austria. Both patients, a 37-year old male and a 70-year old female, are recovering normally. The two patients had suffered from Parkinson's disease for several years. After their operations, both showed improvement in their Parkinsonian symptoms. The Kinetra Neurostimulator, which contains a battery and microelectronic circuitry, is placed under the skin, usually near the collarbone, and provides mild electrical stimulation to tiny electrodes near the tips of the leads implanted deep in both the left and right sides of the brain. Stimulation is intended to block signals that cause symptoms. Among the Kinetra Neurostimulator's many features is its ability to interface with the hand-held Accessª Therapy Controller, which allows patients to adjust their own therapy within limits preset by the physician. “The operations were a great success,” said Alesch. “The therapy should cause significant improvement in the patients' ability to participate in the activities of daily living, such as tying their own shoes and feeding and dressing themselves. This device is designed for patients with bilateral symptoms. Because only one device is necessary, it is easier to implant.” The new Kinetra Neurostimulator will be used as a power source for Activa Tremor Control Therapy and Activa Parkinson’s Control Therapy. Activa Tremor Control Therapy involves mild electrical stimulation of the thalamus of the brain to control Essential Tremor and tremor associated with Parkinson’s disease. Activa Parkinson’s Control Therapy is designed to stimulate the globus pallidus or the subthalamic regions of the brain to control the major symptoms of Parkinson’s — rigidity (stiffness or inflexibility of the limbs and joints), bradykinesia/akinesia (slowness or absence of movement), postural instability (impaired balance and coordination), in addition to tremor (involuntary rhythmic shaking). The Parkinson’s Control Therapy was recently commercially released in Europe, Australia, and Canada. Activa Parkinson’s Control Therapy, the Kinetra Neurostimulator, and the Access Therapy Controller are not yet cleared for use in the United States. More than one million people across Europe and 500,000 Americans suffer from Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological disorder for which there is no cure. Essential Tremor, the most common neurological movement disorder in this country, affects at least one million people in the U.S. and another one million Europeans. Over time, these diseases become progressively more disabling. “Medtronic is committed to offering the most technologically advanced devices to provide solutions for people suffering from disabling diseases like Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s disease,” said Michael M. Selzer, vice president and general manager of Medtronic's Neurostimulation product line. “The Kinetra Neurostimulator is an excellent example of a device that is designed to provide therapeutic solutions that enhance the quality of patients' lives.” Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, is the world’s leading medical technology company specializing in implantable and interventional therapies. Its Internet address is www.medtronic.com. © Medtronic, Inc. 1999