MINNEAPOLIS, October 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Medtronic, Inc. today announced it will distribute Obex NeuroFilm(TM) Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier in markets outside the US in collaboration with Tissuemed, a leading company in the research, development, design and manufacture of products utilizing adhesive polymer technology for medical applications.

Under the terms of its agreement with Tissuemed, Medtronic will act as exclusive distributor for the Obex NeuroFilm(TM) barrier, selling the product through its direct operations and partners in most of Europe as well as other key markets.

The Obex NeuroFilm(TM) product is a synthetic ready-to-use self-adhesive barrier for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak prevention. It acts as a sealant which is commonly placed over a suture line or other repaired dura resulting from a neurosurgical procedure. The film clings to tissue and bonds, forming a seal over the tissue surface within 30 seconds.

The Obex NeuroFilm(TM) barrier gives surgeons the flexibility to work immediately to seal any openings from sutures or other dural repairs, helping to create a water-tight seal to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. This bioresorbable product stays where it is applied, remaining intact until it is largely absorbed in the weeks following a neurosurgical procedure.

A preclinical study has shown that the Obex NeuroFilm(TM) sealant has the potential to provide a useful adjunct in the reduction of CSF leaks during and after neurosurgical procedures.

We are pleased to collaborate with Tissuemed to bring this revolutionary product to surgeons, said Mark Fletcher, president of the Neuro Technologies and ENT businesses at Medtronic. The Obex NeuroFilm product is an important strategic addition to our industry-leading portfolio of products for neurosurgeons.

Medtronic is a global leader in medical device technology and we look forward to leveraging our partnership for the benefit of surgeons and patients, said Nick Woods, CEO of Tissuemed. We are pleased to offer this easy-to-use, innovative solution to operative challenges faced by neurosurgeons that may help improve patient outcomes.

About the Surgical Technologies Business at Medtronic

The Surgical Technologies business develops products for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat; surgical devices and implantable products for the treatment of cranial, spinal and specialty small-bone conditions; and state-of-the-art navigation equipment used in operating rooms to assist physicians in neuro and spinal surgery procedures.

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. (http://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.

About Tissuemed

Tissuemed, based in Leeds, UK, is a leading medical device company with a reputation for technical innovation dating back over twenty years. The company has its origins in the development of tissue-based therapeutic devices including developing the first tissue heart valve to gain regulatory approval in Europe, subsequently developing living vascular grafts and collagen patches. The company developed light-activated surgical adhesives for which Tissuemed was the Gold Winner of the Medical Design Excellence Award in 2001.

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.

Obex NeuroFilm(TM) is a trademark of Medtronic, Inc. Tissuemed(R) is a registered trademark of Tissuemed Ltd.

SOURCE: Medtronic Inc.

CONTACT: Contacts: Jeff Warren, Investor Relations, +1-763-505-2696; BrianHenry, Public Relations, +1-763-505-2796