MEDTRONIC INC
DEF 14A, 1996-07-24
ELECTROMEDICAL & ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS
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                                 SCHEDULE 14A 
                                (RULE 14a-101) 
                   INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT 
                           SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION 

               PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE 
            SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO.      ) 

Filed by the registrant [X] 

Filed by a party other than the registrant [ ] 

Check the appropriate box: 
[ ] Preliminary proxy statement 
[X] Definitive proxy statement 
[ ] Definitive additional materials 
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12 
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 
    14a-6(e)(2))

                                 MEDTRONIC, INC.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

                                 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): 
[X] $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(i)(2) or
    Items 22(a)(2) of Schedule A. 
[ ] $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 
    14a-6(i)(3). 
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. 

     (1)  Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
     (2)  Aggregate number of securities to which transactions applies:
     (3)  Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
          pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11. (Set forth the amount on which the
          filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined.)
     (4)  Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
     (5)  Total fee paid: 

[ ]  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

     [ ]  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
          Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
          fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
          statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

     (1)  Amount previously paid:

     (2)  Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

     (3)  Filing party:

     (4)  Date filed:




                                 NOTICE OF 1996
                               ANNUAL MEETING AND
                                PROXY STATEMENT


                                Medtronic, Inc.
                            7000 Central Avenue N.E.
                             Minneapolis, MN 55432


                                [LOGO] MEDTRONIC



[LOGO] MEDTRONIC                                    7000 Central Avenue N.E.
                                                    Minneapolis, Minnesota 55432
                                                    Telephone: 612/574-4000

                                July 24, 1996

Dear Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to join us for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to
be held this year on Wednesday, August 28, 1996, at 10:30 a.m. (CDT) at
Medtronic's Corporate Center at its Rice Creek facility, 7000 Central Avenue
N.E., Minneapolis (Fridley), Minnesota.

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the Proxy Statement that follow
describe the business to be conducted at the meeting. We will also report on
matters of current interest to our shareholders.

Whether you own a few or many shares of stock, it is important that your shares
be represented. If you cannot personally attend, we encourage you to make
certain that you are represented at the Meeting by signing the accompanying
proxy card and promptly returning it in the enclosed envelope.

Sincerely,

/s/ Winston R. Wallin                   /s/ William W. George
Winston R. Wallin                       William W. George
Chairman of the Board                   President and Chief Executive Officer







                            NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
                                 OF SHAREHOLDERS

                           WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 1996

To Our Shareholders:

The 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Medtronic, Inc. will be held
Wednesday, August 28, 1996, at the Medtronic, Inc. Corporate Center at its Rice
Creek facility, 7000 Central Avenue N.E., Minneapolis (Fridley), Minnesota, at
10:30 a.m. (CDT) for the following purposes:

       1.     To set the size of the Board at 12 directors and to elect four
              Class I directors for three-year terms.

       2.     To approve appointment of Price Waterhouse LLP as the Company's
              independent auditors.

       3.     To take action on any other business that may properly be
              considered at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

These items are more fully described in the following pages of the Proxy
Statement.

Shareholders of record at the close of business on July 5, 1996 will be entitled
to vote at the Meeting and any adjournments of the Meeting.


                                        By Order of the Board of Directors,

                                        /s/ Ronald E. Lund
                                        Ronald E. Lund
                                        Secretary

Approximate Date of Mailing
Proxy Material: July 24, 1996

                           YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.

                 PLEASE DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD
               AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.


[LOGO] MEDTRONIC                        MEDTRONIC, INC.                
                                        7000 CENTRAL AVENUE N.E.       
                                        MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55432   
                                        


                               PROXY STATEMENT
                        ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                               AUGUST 28, 1996

The Board of Directors of Medtronic, Inc. ("Medtronic" or the "Company") is
soliciting the accompanying proxy for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Medtronic to be held on August 28, 1996.

A proxy card is enclosed. In order to register your vote, complete, date and
sign the proxy card and return it in the envelope provided.

When stock is registered in the name of more than one person, each such person
should sign the proxy. If the shareholder is a corporation, the proxy should be
signed in its corporate name by an executive or other authorized officer. If
signed as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, custodian or in
any other representative capacity, the signer's full title should be given.

Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share of Medtronic Common Stock,
$.10 par value, they hold of record as of the close of business on July 5, 1996.
On that date, 239,509,382 shares of Medtronic Common Stock were outstanding. A
quorum (a majority of the outstanding shares) must be represented at the Meeting
in person or by proxy to transact business.

Shares represented by a properly executed proxy received by Medtronic prior to
the Meeting and not revoked will be voted in accordance with the instructions of
the shareholder or, if no instructions are indicated, in accordance with the
recommendations of the Board of Directors. A proxy may be revoked at any time
before it is exercised by written revocation to the Corporate Secretary of
Medtronic or by filing a new written proxy with the Corporate Secretary.

                             ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS AND NOMINEES

The Board of Directors is divided into three classes. The members of each class
are elected to serve three-year terms with the terms of office of each class
ending in successive years. Glen D. Nelson, M.D., Jack W. Schuler, Gerald W.
Simonson and Richard A. Swalin, Ph.D. are the nominees for election to the Board
as Class I directors to serve until the 1999 annual meeting or until their
successors are elected and qualified. All of the nominees are currently
directors and were elected to the Board of Directors by the shareholders. After
13 years of dedicated Board service, Vernon H. Heath has elected not to stand
for re-election. During that time, in addition to active service as a Board
member, Mr. Heath chaired the Compensation Committee, the Corporate Governance
Committee, the Audit Committee and the Technology and Quality Committee.

Mr. Wallin, the current Chairman of the Board of the Company, will retire from
the Board as Chairman and a director on August 28, 1996 in accordance with the
Board's policy of mandatory retirement. The Board of Directors has elected Mr.
George as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer effective upon Mr.
Wallin's retirement in August. The Board also elected Mr. Collins as President
and Chief Operating Officer effective on the same date. In keeping with the
Company's Principles of Corporate Governance, the Board has also appointed Mr.
Schall, an outside director, as Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee, and
in that capacity he will serve as the focal point for issues of concern to
non-employee directors. That appointment is also effective August 28. The
Corporate Governance Committee and its Nominating Subcommittee are in the
process of creating a long-range plan for Board succession and the selection and
recruitment of candidates for Board membership. It is the Board's intention to
add up to three additional directors through this process in order to return to
its former size of 15 members.

All of the nominees standing for re-election have indicated a willingness to
serve if elected. However, if any nominee becomes unable to serve before the
election, the shares represented by the proxy cards may be voted for a
substitute designated by the Board, unless an instruction to the contrary is
indicated on the proxy card.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ELECTING THE NOMINEES.

                         DIRECTOR NOMINEES -- CLASS I
                              (TERM ENDING 1999)

[PHOTO]                             Vice Chairman of Medtronic since July 1988
GLEN D. NELSON, M.D., age 59        and Executive Vice President from August
 DIRECTOR SINCE 1980                1986 to July 1988; Chairman and Chief
 Class I Director                   Executive Officer of American MedCenters,   
 Term expires 1996                  Inc. (HMO management) from July 1984 to     
                                    August 1986; President and Chairman of the  
                                    Board of Trustees of Park Nicollet Medical  
                                    Center (medical services) from 1975 to 1986;
                                    Surgeon at Park Nicollet Medical Center from
                                    1969 to 1986. Also a director of ReliaStar  
                                    Financial Corp., The St. Paul Companies,    
                                    Inc., Carlson Holdings, Inc., and           
                                    Communications Holdings, Inc.               
                                     
[PHOTO]                             Chairman of the Board of Stericycle, Inc.   
JACK W. SCHULER, age 55             (medical waste treatment and recycling      
 DIRECTOR SINCE 1990                business) since 1990; President and Chief   
 Class I Director                   Operating Officer of Abbott Laboratories    
 Term expires 1996                  (health care products) from January 1987 to 
                                    August 1989; a director of that company from
                                    April 1985 to August 1989 and Executive Vice
                                    President from January 1985 to January 1987.
                                    Also a director of Somatogen, Inc., Chiron  
                                    Corporation and non-employee Chairman of    
                                    Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.               
                                    
[PHOTO]                             Private venture capital investor since
GERALD W. SIMONSON, age 66          June 1978; President and Chief Executive
 DIRECTOR SINCE 1962                Officer of Omnetics Connector Corporation
 Class I Director                   (microminiature connectors) since March
 Term expires 1996                  1991. Also a director of Northwest
                                    Teleproductions, Inc., The Chromaline
                                    Corporation, Winthrop Resources
                                    Corporation and Fairview Hospital and
                                    Healthcare Services.

[PHOTO]                             Professor Emeritus since January 1995, and  
RICHARD A. SWALIN, PH.D., age 67    Professor from August 1984 to January 1995, 
 DIRECTOR SINCE 1980                Materials Science and Technology Management,
 (and 1973-1977)                    The University of Arizona; consultant in    
 Class I Director                   technology management since November 1987;  
 Term expires 1996                  President and Chief Executive Officer of    
                                    Arizona Technology Development Corp. from   
                                    February 1987 to November 1987; Dean of the 
                                    College of Engineering and Mines at The     
                                    University of Arizona from September 1984 to
                                    July 1987; Vice President of Research and   
                                    Development at Allied-Signal Corp. from 1977
                                    to 1984. Also a director of BMC Corp.       
                                                                                
                                    
                BOARD MEMBERS CONTINUING IN OFFICE -- CLASS II
                              (TERM ENDING 1997)

[PHOTO]                             Medtronic's President and Chief Executive
WILLIAM W. GEORGE, age 53           Officer since May 1991; President and
 DIRECTOR SINCE 1989                Chief Operating Officer from March 1989 to
 Class II Director                  April 1991. Mr. George has been elected
 Term expires 1997                  Chairman of the Board of the Company
                                    effective August 28, 1996. President,
                                    Honeywell Space and Aviation Systems
                                    (products for commercial and military
                                    aviation markets and space and satellite
                                    applications), from December 1987 to March
                                    1989; President, Honeywell Industrial
                                    Automation and Control, from May 1987 to
                                    December 1987 and Executive Vice President
                                    of that business from January 1983 to May
                                    1987. Also a director of Dayton Hudson
                                    Corporation, Valspar Corporation, Allina
                                    Health System and Imation Corp.;
                                    Chairman-Elect of the Health Industry
                                    Manufacturers Association and Chairman of
                                    the Board of Trustees of the Food and Drug
                                    Law Institute.

[PHOTO]                             Dean, College of Medicine, Ohio State       
BERNADINE P. HEALY, M.D., age 51    University, since October 1995. Director,   
 DIRECTOR SINCE 1993                Section of Health and Science Policy, The   
 (and 1987-1991)                    Page Center, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
 Class II Director                  (nonprofit medical research organization),  
 Term expires 1997                  from May 1995 to October 1995; Physician    
                                    with The Cleveland Clinic Foundation from   
                                    July 1993 to May 1995; Director of the      
                                    National Institutes of Health from April    
                                    1991 to June 1993; Chairman of the Research 
                                    Institute of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
                                    from November 1985 to April 1991; President,
                                    the American Heart Association, National    
                                    Center, from 1988 to 1989; Deputy Director  
                                    of Office of Science and Technology Policy, 
                                    Executive Office of the United States       
                                    President, from 1984 to 1985; Professor of  
                                    Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University      
                                    School of Medicine, from 1977 to 1984; a    
                                    trustee of Battelle Memorial Institute, the 
                                    Hudson Institute and the Brookings          
                                    Institution, and a director of National City
                                    Corporation, Somatogen, Inc., Invacare, Inc.
                                    and Karrington Health, Inc.                 
                                    
[PHOTO]                             Consultant. Retired Vice Chairman and Chief
RICHARD L. SCHALL, age 66           Administrative Officer and director of     
 DIRECTOR SINCE 1971                Dayton Hudson Corporation as of February   
 Class II Director                  1985. Director of Ecolab Inc., First Bank  
 Term expires 1997                  System, Inc., CTL Credit, Inc., and Meritex
                                    Inc.; a trustee of Santa Barbara City      
                                    College Foundation, and a director of the  
                                    Santa Barbara Foundation Finance Committee,
                                    SEE International and Las Positas Park     
                                    Foundation.                                
                                    
                                    
[PHOTO]                             Executive Officer of Allina Health System   
GORDON M. SPRENGER, age 59          (health care delivery) since July 1994;     
 DIRECTOR SINCE 1991                Chief Executive Officer and director of     
 Class II Director                  HealthSpan Health Systems Corporation       
 Term expires 1997                  (health care delivery) from September 1992  
                                    to July 1994; President and Chief Executive 
                                    Officer of LifeSpan, Inc. (health care      
                                    delivery) from 1982 to September 1992; Chief
                                    Executive Officer of Abbott-Northwestern    
                                    Hospital from 1982 to September 1992;       
                                    President of Abbott-Northwestern Hospital   
                                    from 1982 to 1988. Member of Board of       
                                    Regents, St. Olaf College. Also a director  
                                    of The St. Paul Companies, Inc. and Chair of
                                    the Board of the American Hospital          
                                    Association.                                
                                    

               BOARD MEMBERS CONTINUING IN OFFICE -- CLASS III
                              (TERM ENDING 1998)

[PHOTO]                             Consultant since May 1992. Vice Chairman of 
F. CALEB BLODGETT, age 69           General Mills, Inc. (consumer foods and     
 DIRECTOR SINCE 1976                restaurants) from January 1981 to May 1992  
 Class III Director                 and Chief Financial and Administrative      
 Term expires 1998                  Officer of such company from November 1985  
                                    to May 1992, when he retired. Also a        
                                    director of ReliaStar Financial Corp. and   
                                    Waldorf Corporation; a member of Allina     
                                    Health System Investment Committee and a    
                                    trustee of Beloit College.                  
                                    
[PHOTO]                             Medtronic's Chief Operating Officer since
ARTHUR D. COLLINS, JR., age 48      January 1994; Executive Vice President of
 DIRECTOR SINCE 1994                the Company and President of Medtronic
 Class III Director                 International from June 1992 to January
 Term expires 1998                  1994. Mr. Collins has been elected
                                    President of the Company effective August
                                    28, 1996. Corporate Vice President of Abbott
                                    Laboratories (health care products) from
                                    October 1989 to May 1992 and Divisional Vice
                                    President of that company from May 1984 to
                                    October 1989. Held various management
                                    positions both in the U.S. and Europe during
                                    his 14 years with Abbott. Also a director of
                                    First Bank System, Inc., Tennant Company,
                                    GalaGen Inc., the National Association of
                                    Manufacturers and Fairview Physicians
                                    Associates.

[PHOTO]                             Chairman and Professor of the Department
ANTONIO M. GOTTO, JR., M.D., age 60 of Medicine since 1977 and J. S.
 DIRECTOR SINCE 1992                Abercrombie Chair, Atherosclerosis and
 Class III Director                 Lipoprotein Research, since 1976 at Baylor
 Term expires 1998                  College of Medicine and Methodist
                                    Hospital. Director and principal
                                    investigator, Specialized Center of
                                    Research in Arteriosclerosis, National
                                    Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; and
                                    president, International Atherosclerosis
                                    Society.

[PHOTO]                             Professor, Graduate School of Business,
THOMAS E. HOLLORAN, age 66          University of St. Thomas, St. Paul,
 DIRECTOR SINCE 1960                Minnesota since June 1985; Chairman,
 Class III Director                 Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Airports
 Term expires 1998                  Commission, from February 1989 to January
                                    1991; Chairman of the Board of Directors and
                                    Chief Executive Officer of Inter-Regional
                                    Financial Group, Inc. (holding company for
                                    various financial enterprises) from 1976 to
                                    June 1985. Also a director of Flexsteel
                                    Industries, Inc., MTS Systems Corp., ADC
                                    Telecommunications Inc., National City Bank
                                    of Minneapolis, National City Bancorporation
                                    and Meritex, Inc.; chairman and a director
                                    of Malt-O-Meal Company; and a director of
                                    the Minnesota Center for Corporate
                                    Responsibility and the Bush Foundation.

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in
person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting is necessary to elect
each director nominee. For this purpose, a shareholder voting through a proxy
who abstains with respect to the election of directors is considered to be
present and entitled to vote on the election of directors at the Meeting, and is
in effect a negative vote; but a shareholder (including a broker) who does not
give authority to a proxy to vote, or withholds authority to vote, on the
election of directors shall not be considered present and entitled to vote on
the election of directors.

BOARD AND BOARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS
During fiscal 1996, Medtronic's Board of Directors held a total of seven Board
meetings. Each director attended 75% or more of the total meetings of the Board
of Directors and Board committees on which the director served (held during the
period he or she served as a director). The standing committees of the Board of
Directors include the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Finance
Committee, the Corporate Governance Committee and the Technology and Quality
Committee.

AUDIT COMMITTEE. The Audit Committee held three meetings in fiscal 1996.
Committee members are Gotto, Schall, Schuler, Sprenger, Swalin (Chair) and
Wallin. The committee reviews Medtronic's annual financial statements; makes
recommendations regarding Medtronic's independent auditors and scope of auditor
services; reviews the adequacy of accounting and audit policies, compliance
assurance procedures and internal controls; reviews nonaudit services performed
by auditors to maintain auditors' independence; and reports to the Board of
Directors on disclosure adequacy and adherence to accounting principles.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE. The Compensation Committee held three meetings in fiscal
1996. Committee members are Blodgett, Healy, Heath (Chair), Holloran and
Simonson. The committee reviews compensation philosophy and major compensation
and benefits programs for employees; administers certain stock and benefit
plans; and reviews executive officers' compensation.

FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Finance Committee held seven meetings in fiscal 1996.
Committee members are Blodgett, Heath, Holloran, Schall, Simonson and Sprenger
(Chair). The committee reviews and makes recommendations regarding financial
policies and performance objectives as developed by management, including review
of Medtronic's annual and long-range operating plans; assists management in
evaluation of major acquisitions and divestitures from a financial perspective;
reviews changes in capital structure; and reviews banking relationships,
insurance coverage on assets, tax strategies and financial performance and
related matters pertaining to Medtronic's employee pension and supplemental
retirement plans.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE. The Corporate Governance Committee held four
meetings in fiscal 1996. Committee members are Blodgett, Gotto, Healy, Heath,
Holloran, Schall, Schuler, Simonson, Sprenger, Swalin and Wallin (Chair). The
committee addresses all matters of corporate governance; evaluates
qualifications and candidates for positions on the Board; evaluates the
performance of the chief executive officer; reviews major organization changes
and senior management performance; and reviews director compensation philosophy.
The Corporate Governance Committee maintains a Nominating Subcommittee which
considers and recommends to the full Committee criteria for selecting new
directors, nominees for Board membership and the positions of CEO, Chairman and
Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee, and whether a director should be
invited to stand for re-election. The Subcommittee is comprised of the Chair of
the Corporate Governance Committee plus one director selected from each class of
directors. The current Subcommittee held three meetings in fiscal 1996 and
includes Mr. Wallin (Chair), Mr. Blodgett, Dr. Healy and Mr. Heath.

The Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees for Board membership
submitted by shareholders. Nominations by shareholders must be made pursuant to
timely notice in writing to the Corporate Secretary at 7000 Central Avenue N.E.,
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55432. Candidates for director should be persons with
broad training and experience in their chosen fields and who have earned
distinction in their activities. Notice by the shareholder to be timely must be
received not less than 50 nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting or, if less
than 60 days' disclosure of the meeting date is given, not later than the close
of business on the 10th day following the day on which notice of the meeting
date is mailed or public disclosure of such date is made. The notice shall set
forth certain information concerning such shareholder and the nominees,
including their names and addresses, their principal occupation or employment,
the capital stock of the Company which they beneficially own, such other
information as would be required in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the
election of the nominees and the consent of each nominee to serve as a director
if so elected. The chairman of the meeting may refuse to acknowledge the
nomination of any person not made in compliance with the foregoing procedure.

TECHNOLOGY AND QUALITY COMMITTEE. The Technology and Quality Committee held four
meetings in fiscal 1996. Committee members are Gotto (Chair), Healy, Schuler,
Swalin and Wallin. The committee reviews policies, practices, processes and
quality programs concerning technological and product research; reviews efforts
and investments in developing new products and businesses; evaluates Medtronic's
technological education and recognition programs; and reviews quality process
matters with Medtronic's chief quality officer.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Board of Directors of the Company has focused on corporate governance for a
number of years. Over the past 18 months, the Corporate Governance Committee has
made a systematic review of the Board's processes and policies and, as a result
of this process, adopted certain Principles of Corporate Governance (the
"Principles") as a definitive statement of the elements of governance by which
the Board will manage its affairs. The Principles charge the Corporate
Governance Committee with establishing processes and procedures to ensure
effective and responsive governance of the Company and include a description of
the skills/characteristics and the principal duties of the Chair of the
Corporate Governance Committee, criteria for evaluation of individual director
performance, a description of the duties of the Chairman of the Board, and a
Charter of the Board of Directors intended as a tool to assist directors in
fulfilling their responsibilities as Board members. The Principles also set
forth procedures for evaluating and recommending to the Board any changes in the
Principles. The Principles, which are included as Appendix A to this Proxy
Statement, will be reviewed periodically and modified as needed on
recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Directors who are not employees of Medtronic receive an annual retainer of
$21,000, $1,100 per Board meeting, $750 per Board committee or subcommittee
meeting, and reimbursement for reasonable expenses of attending meetings. In
addition to these fees, each committee chair receives an annual retainer of
$3,000 and the non-executive Chairman of the Board receives an annual retainer
of $36,000. If the Chief Executive Officer is the Chairman, no retainer will be
paid and instead the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee will receive an
annual retainer of $15,000 in addition to the above director fees.

The 1994 Stock Award Plan contains provisions permitting directors to elect to
receive all or part of their annual retainer and chairmanship fees in restricted
stock. Restrictions on the stock lapse upon termination as a director due to
death, disability, retirement, or a material change in full-time position or
responsibilities, or upon termination of service as a director with the consent
of the other directors or upon the occurrence of a "change in control" of the
Company as described under "Executive Compensation -- Employment and Change in
Control Arrangements" below.

Under the Company's 1994 Stock Award Plan, each non-employee director
automatically receives an initial stock option grant for Common Stock on the
date he or she becomes a director and an additional automatic annual stock
option grant on the date of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The number of
shares subject to the initial stock option is determined by dividing an amount,
currently equal to $168,059 and increased each year proportionately with any
increase in annual retainer, by the per share closing price of the Company's
Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant. The number of
shares subject to the annual stock option grant is determined by a formula based
on directors' fees. Each grant includes a related grant of limited stock
appreciation rights ("Limited Rights") which are exercisable upon a "change in
control" of the Company, as described under "Executive Compensation --
Employment and Change in Control Arrangements" below. The stock options become
fully exercisable one year after the date of grant, except that the option
granted to a director upon being elected or appointed by the Board will not
become exercisable until the director has also been elected to the Board by the
shareholders. In addition, the plan provides that non-employee directors who
were formerly employees of the Company will receive annual, but not initial,
option grants.

In fiscal 1996, each non-employee director received an annual grant for 822
shares with an exercise price of $46.50; therefore, non-employee directors as a
group received options for a total of 9,042 shares of the Company's Common
Stock, and related limited rights.

Under the Company's retirement plan for directors, each director will receive an
annual benefit, equal to the director's annual retainer in effect when leaving
the Board, following retirement or other cessation of service as a director of
the Company. The annual benefit is payable for a period equal to the years of
service as a director up to a maximum of twenty years. No credit is given for
years of service as a director while an employee of the Company. Each
non-employee director also has group term life insurance in the amount of
$100,000 while a member of the Board.

As part of its overall program to promote charitable giving, the Company's
Foundation matches gifts by directors to qualified educational institutions up
to $4,000 per fiscal year. The Company also has a charitable contribution plan
for all directors of the Company. Upon the death of a director with five or more
years of service, the Company will contribute a total of $1 million to one or
more qualifying charitable institutions recommended by the director and approved
by the Compensation Committee. Directors derive no direct financial benefit from
this program since all charitable deductions accrue to the Company.

Winston R. Wallin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company and its
former chief executive officer, was paid an annual retainer of $36,000 as
Chairman of the Board in fiscal 1996. Mr. Wallin's duties include overseeing
Board governance activities, strengthening relationships between the Board and
management, and consulting with management on business and policy matters. In
addition to the payments indicated, certain other non-cash compensation and
benefits were made available to Mr. Wallin. Mr. Wallin will retire from the
Board on August 28, 1996 in accordance with the Board's mandatory retirement
policy and, in recognition of his years of service to the Company, he will be
provided with an office and a $20,000 per year stipend for secretarial support
for five years after retirement. In addition, the exercise period of Mr.
Wallin's existing stock options has been extended through the end of their
10-year terms.

Earl E. Bakken, Founder and Director Emeritus of the Company, retired from the
Board in August 1994 but continues to act as a consultant to the Company. He was
paid $100,000 for consulting services rendered to the Company during fiscal
1996. Mr. Bakken's duties include representing the Company at major medical
conferences, maintaining relationships with key opinion leaders in the
cardiovascular field, and conducting speaking engagements including employee
meetings and new employee orientation. Mr. Bakken may also attend Board meetings
but does not have the right to vote. He also receives support services,
reimbursement for expenses and certain non-cash benefits. This arrangement is
renewable annually by the Company. Edith W. Martin, Ph.D., who resigned from the
Board effective March 1996, received a $10,000 payment representing the balance
of her retainer for the 1995/1996 year in addition to the standard compensation
arrangements discussed above. From time to time, directors are invited to speak
to employees, for which they are reimbursed their out-of-pocket expenses and
paid an honorarium which is typically about $5,000.

CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Mr. Vernon Heath, a director of the Company, is the sole owner of Rosemount
Office Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of open office furniture systems, which
sold approximately $313,000 of such systems to the Company's Micro-Rel division
in fiscal 1996. Also in fiscal 1996, through a competitive bidding process the
Company selected Carlson Wagonlit Travel as its travel agency for Company
business. Dr. Glen Nelson, who is Vice Chairman and a director of the Company,
is a director of Carlson Holdings, Inc., a family-owned business, which includes
Carlson Wagonlit Travel. Members of Dr. Nelson's family are owners and officers
of Carlson Holdings, Inc. The Company paid fees totaling approximately $590,000
to Carlson Wagonlit Travel for services in fiscal 1996. Management believes that
these transactions were on terms no less favorable to the Company than if made
with unaffiliated third parties.

                SHAREHOLDINGS OF CERTAIN OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS. To the best of Medtronic's knowledge, no shareholder
beneficially owned more than 5% of Medtronic's Common Stock as of July 5, 1996.

MANAGEMENT SHAREHOLDINGS. The following table shows the number of shares of
Medtronic Common Stock beneficially owned by Medtronic's directors, executive
officers identified in the Summary Compensation Table below, and all directors
and executive officers as a group as of July 5, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER            BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP(1)(2)
<S>                                 <C>
F. Caleb Blodgett                              92,902
Arthur D. Collins, Jr.                        236,266
William W. George                             861,141(3)
Antonio M. Gotto, Jr., M.D.                    15,204
Bobby I. Griffin                              222,146
Bernadine P. Healy, M.D.                        9,210
Vernon H. Heath                                46,102(4)
Thomas E. Holloran                             73,718
Glen D. Nelson, M.D.                          599,237
Robert L. Ryan                                 88,877
Richard L. Schall                             113,946
Jack W. Schuler                                32,988
Gerald W. Simonson                             32,652
Gordon M. Sprenger                             17,750
Richard A. Swalin, Ph.D.                       29,642
Winston R. Wallin                             728,667(5)
Directors and executive officers
 as a group (22 persons)(2)                 3,803,998
</TABLE>

(1)    No director or executive officer beneficially owns more than 1% of the
       shares outstanding. Medtronic's directors and executive officers as a
       group beneficially own approximately 1.6% of the shares outstanding.

(2)    Includes the following shares not currently outstanding but deemed
       beneficially owned because of the right to acquire them pursuant to
       options exercisable within 60 days (on or before September 5, 1996) as
       follows: F.C. Blodgett, 8,422 shares; A.D. Collins, Jr., 154,220 shares;
       W.W. George, 608,402 shares; A.M. Gotto, Jr., 12,878 shares; B.I.
       Griffin, 83,895 shares; B.P. Healy, 4,710 shares; V.H. Heath, 28,902
       shares; T.E. Holloran, 18,662 shares; G.D. Nelson, 214,055 shares; R.L.
       Ryan, 80,204 shares; R.L. Schall, 28,902 shares; J.W. Schuler, 8,422
       shares; G.W. Simonson; 8,422 shares; G.M. Sprenger, 13,942 shares; R.A.
       Swalin, 24,702 shares; W.R. Wallin, 178,388 shares; and all directors and
       executive officers as a group, 1,697,513 shares.

(3)    W.W. George disclaims beneficial ownership of 24,172 shares included in
       the above table, which are held by the George Family Foundation, a
       charitable trust of which he is one of the trustees.

(4)    V.H. Heath disclaims beneficial ownership of 2,000 shares included in the
       above table, which are held by The Heath Foundation, a charitable trust
       of which he is the trustee.

(5)    W.R. Wallin disclaims beneficial ownership of 6,000 shares included in
       the above table, which are held by The Wallin Foundation, a charitable
       trust of which he is one of the trustees.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE. Section 16(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's directors and executive
officers to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of the Company's
Common Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock
Exchange, and the Company is required to identify any of those individuals who
failed to file such reports on a timely basis. To the best of the Company's
knowledge, based upon a review of such reports furnished to the Company and
written representations that no other reports were required, there were no late
filings by the Company's directors or executive officers in fiscal 1996, other
than by Dr. Nelson, who inadvertently did not file a timely report of gifts made
in January 1995, and Mr. Sprenger, who inadvertently did not file a timely
report of a stock purchase in April 1993. All such reports were subsequently
filed.

                   REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON
                      FISCAL 1996 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Compensation Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors is
responsible for establishing compensation policy and administering the
compensation programs of the Company's executive officers. The Committee is
comprised of five independent outside directors. The Committee generally meets
three times a year to review executive compensation policies, design of
compensation programs and individual salaries and awards for the executive
officers. The purpose of this report is to inform shareholders of the Company's
compensation policies for executive officers and the rationale for the
compensation paid to executive officers in fiscal 1996.

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
The Company's compensation program is designed to motivate and reward executives
responsible for attaining the financial and strategic goals essential for the
Company's long-term success and continued growth in shareholder value. The
compensation program has been designed to provide a competitive level of total
compensation and offers incentive and equity ownership opportunities directly
linked to the Company's performance and shareholder return. The Committee
believes it is in the best interests of the shareholders to reward executives
when the Company's performance goals are achieved and to provide significantly
less compensation when these goals are not met. Therefore, a significant portion
of executive compensation is comprised of "at risk" performance- and stock-based
incentives.

Key objectives of the compensation program are to:

       *      Provide a strong, direct link between the Company's short- and
              long-term financial and strategic goals and executive
              compensation.

       *      Motivate executives to achieve corporate, business unit and
              geographic operating goals through an emphasis on
              performance-based compensation.

       *      Align the interests of executives with those of the Company's
              shareholders by providing a significant portion of compensation in
              Company Common Stock.

       *      Provide competitive total compensation in order to attract and
              retain high caliber key executives critical to the long-term
              success of the Company.

To maintain a competitive level of total executive compensation, the Committee
annually evaluates the compensation packages of certain competitor companies.
This group consists of competitors of the Company that derive at least 25% of
their revenues from medical devices or equipment. This analysis provides the
Committee with competitive data on the mix of compensation elements, the balance
of short- and long-term incentives, and overall compensation levels. Differences
in company size are adjusted through statistical analysis. Most of the surveyed
companies are included in the industry group presented in the performance graph
on page 14 of this Proxy Statement. The Committee also uses annual
cross-industry compensation data from a survey of more than 300 U.S.
manufacturing companies, including many Fortune 1,000 companies and industry
competitors. The Committee's goal is to position the target total compensation
for executive officers at the median of the marketplace and the actual total
compensation in excess of the median when the Company outperforms the target
performance goals. In fiscal 1996, due to strong corporate operating performance
and stock appreciation, the actual total compensation of executive officers and
of the chief executive officer was generally above the median of the
above-described peer and cross-industry groups.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION PROGRAM
The key components of the Company's executive officer compensation program are
base salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives. These elements are
described below. In determining compensation, the Committee considers all
elements of an executive's compensation package.

BASE SALARY. The Committee annually reviews the base salaries of executive
officers. In determining appropriate salary levels, the Committee considers
individual performance, level of responsibility, scope and complexity of the
position, and salary levels for comparable positions at the peer and
cross-industry companies referenced above. In addition, in determining the base
salary for the chief executive officer, the Committee also considers annual
operating performance, strategic planning and succession planning for senior
management. Factors considered in determining base salary are not assigned
pre-determined relative weights.

Effective fiscal 1996, the compensation committee approved a merit increase of
13.2% For Mr. George. In determining the size of the merit increase, the
committee took into consideration the strong operating performance of the
company, which significantly exceeded annual financial targets, Mr. George's
leadership role in the continuing development and implementation of the
company's strategic goals and the compensation levels of the ceo positions in
the surveyed companies referenced above.

ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARDS. The purpose of the Company's annual incentive plan is
to provide a direct annual financial incentive to executive officers and key
managers who achieve corporate operating, business unit and geographic
performance goals established under the Company's annual operating plan.

Executive officers are eligible for target awards under the annual incentive
plan ranging from 50% to 65% of base salary, with 65% in the case of the chief
executive officer. The size of the target award is determined by the executive
officer's position and competitive data for similar positions at the peer and
cross-industry companies referenced above. The Company sets aggressive
performance goals and, in keeping with the strong performance-based philosophy,
the resulting awards decrease or increase substantially if actual Company
performance fails to meet or exceeds targeted levels. The awards can range from
0% to 150% of the target amounts, and a threshold level of performance is
required before any payout occurs. For fiscal 1996, corporate operating
performance was assessed against a target measure of corporate profit after
taxes and after-tax return on net assets, with these measures given respective
weights of 60% and 40%. Business unit and geographic financial performance were
assessed against target measures of earnings before interest and taxes, revenue,
after-tax return on net assets and/or net asset turnover, with these measures
assigned respective weights that vary for each participant. In addition, award
payouts to participants could be increased by up to 5% depending on either
corporate or geographic performance against the Company's long-term strategic
revenue growth goal. In fiscal 1996, all executive officers earned annual
incentive compensation because their respective performance levels were
exceeded.

Mr. George's annual incentive compensation is based solely on the corporate
operating performance of the Company. For fiscal 1996, Mr. George earned an
award of 150% of the target level because actual corporate profit after taxes
and after-tax return on net assets (weighted at 60% and 40%, respectively)
exceeded the maximum performance targets. Mr. George's award was increased by an
additional 5% because the Company significantly outperformed its long-term
strategic goal for revenue growth.

In keeping with the Company's philosophy of encouraging stock ownership by
executives, the Company offers a program which allows executives to elect to
receive stock options in lieu of some or all of the cash compensation earned
under the annual incentive plan. By foregoing cash compensation for stock
options, the variable "at risk" component of the executive's compensation
package is extended and executives are further motivated to perform to increase
shareholder value over the long term. Under the program, the amount of the stock
option grant is determined by the Committee based on consideration of a number
of factors, including a present value estimate of stock option value, the degree
of risk incurred by the executive and the positive economic impact to the
Company.

For fiscal 1996, all of the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table
below elected to participate in the program. Mr. George elected to forego
$200,000 of annual incentive compensation and was granted an option to purchase
up to 15,059 shares at an exercise price of $53.125, which was the fair market
value of the Company's stock on April 30, 1996.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS. Long-term incentives are provided to executive
officers primarily through the Company's performance share and stock option
programs.

The primary purpose of the performance share program is to motivate executive
officers to achieve the long-term performance goals of the Company. These
targets are based on the Company's long-term financial goals, with consideration
given to an historic analysis of the Company and peer group companies'
performance. The target award for each executive officer is also approved by the
Committee based on the scope and complexity of the position and competitive
compensation data.

The program provides the possibility of earning a payout in Company Common Stock
and cash at the end of a three-year performance cycle. As with short-term
incentive compensation, a threshold level of performance is required before
payout occurs. At the end of each three-year cycle, the award earned can range
from 0% to 180% of the initial performance share units awarded. Performance
targets are consistent with the Company's long-term financial goals and were
measured in fiscal 1996 based on three-year cumulative earnings per share and
three-year average after-tax return on net assets, with these two measures given
equal weight in determining performance level. The value of the award is
determined by the average price of the Company's Common Stock for the last 20
trading days of the performance cycle, up to a maximum of three times the grant
price of the performance shares. At least half of the award must be paid in the
Company's stock, with the other half paid in cash or Company Common Stock at the
discretion of the Committee. The plan is thus aligned with both financial
results and shareholder value, as the percentage payout varies with financial
performance, and the value of the performance share units varies with the stock
price.

For the three-year cycle ended in fiscal 1996, the Company achieved cumulative
earnings per share and average after-tax return on net assets significantly in
excess of performance targets. Consequently, the payout for this cycle for all
executive officers, including Mr. George, was 180% of the target award. Because
of the significant appreciation in the Company's stock price during the
performance cycle, the value of the award was limited to the maximum share price
allowed by the program.

The Company's stock option program provides compensation opportunities that
directly link the interests of management and shareholders, and aid in retaining
key executive officers. Executive officers are eligible for annual grants of
stock options. Guideline levels of options are prepared based on competitive
data from the peer and cross-industry companies referenced above. Individual
awards are based on the individual's responsibilities and performance, ability
to impact financial performance and future potential. These factors are not
assigned pre-determined relative weights. All individual stock option grants for
executive officers are reviewed and approved by the Committee. Executive
officers receive gains from exercised stock options only to the extent that the
fair market value of the stock has increased since the date of option grant.

In fiscal 1996, Mr. George was granted an annual stock option to purchase up to
15,704 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an average exercise price of
$54.125 per share.

TOTAL COMPENSATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. Mr. George's total compensation
for fiscal 1996 was designed so that a significant portion of pay was linked to
Company performance. Of his total compensation, 80% was derived from variable
annual and long-term incentive elements. This "at risk" portion of compensation
was heavily weighted with long-term incentives (approximately 59% of Mr.
George's total compensation was derived from stock option and performance share
programs). The emphasis on "at risk" and long-term incentives is intended to
align Mr. George's compensation with the achievement of long-term growth and
performance by the Company.

DEDUCTIBILITY CAP ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Internal Revenue Code generally denies the deduction for compensation in
excess of $1,000,000 paid to executive officers named in the Proxy Statement,
subject to an exception for "performance-based" compensation. Performance-based
compensation, as defined in the tax law, is not subject to this limitation on
deductibility provided that certain shareholder approval and other requirements
are met. The Committee has determined that it will make every effort, consistent
with sound executive compensation principles, to ensure that all amounts paid to
the executive officers named in the Proxy Statement are deductible by the
Company. The Committee expects that all performance-based compensation paid
under its 1994 Stock Award Plan and Management Incentive Plan will qualify for
deductibility.

CONCLUSION
The executive officer compensation program administered by the Committee
provides incentive to attain strong financial performance and an alignment with
shareholder interests. The Committee believes that the Company's compensation
program focuses the efforts of the Company's executive officers on the continued
achievement of growth and profitability for the benefit of the Company's
shareholders.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE:

Vernon H. Heath, Chair                        Thomas E. Holloran  
F. Caleb Blodgett                             Gerald W. Simonson  
Bernadine P. Healy, M.D.                      



                     SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The graph and table below compare the cumulative total shareholder return on the
Company's Common Stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total
return on the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Medical Products and Supplies Index over
the same period. The graph and table assume the investment of $100 in each of
the Company's Common Stock, the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Medical Products and
Supplies Index on May 1, 1991 and that all dividends were reinvested.

       COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG MEDTRONIC,
         S&P 500, AND S&P MEDICAL PRODUCTS & SUPPLIES INDUSTRY INDEX


                                    [GRAPH]


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
MEDTRONIC        $100.00     $118.56     $119.16     $138.42     $275.68     $395.83
S&P 500           100.00      114.05      124.56      131.20      154.05      200.47
S&P MP&S          100.00      110.50       88.15       82.67      128.83      174.08
</TABLE>


                            EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the cash and non-cash compensation for each of
the last three fiscal years ended April 30, 1996 awarded to or earned by the
Chief Executive Officer and each of the other four most highly compensated
executive officers of the Company.

                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
                                                                            ---------------------------------------
                                                 ANNUAL COMPENSATION                 AWARDS                 PAYOUTS
                                         ---------------------------------  -------------------------       -------
                                                                            RESTRICTED     SECURITIES
                                                               OTHER ANNUAL    STOCK       UNDERLYING         LTIP       ALL OTHER
                               FISCAL    SALARY       BONUS    COMPENSATION   AWARDS      OPTIONS/SARS      PAYOUTS     COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION     YEAR      ($)          ($)        ($)(1)      ($)(2)        (#)(3)(4)        ($)(6)        ($)(7)
- - ---------------------           ----    --------    --------     -------      -------        -------       ----------   ------------
<S>                             <C>     <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>
William W. George               1996    $600,000    $415,000(3)       --           --         30,763       $1,295,977    $50,712
President and Chief             1995     530,007     303,368(4)       --           --         67,228          894,841     41,911
Executive Officer               1994     479,991     324,282          --           --        128,596(5)       490,677     55,085

Glen D. Nelson, M.D.            1996     440,000           0(3)  $ 5,266           --         43,020          899,231     39,210
Vice Chairman                   1995     409,956           0(4)   24,708           --         65,686          620,896     39,047
                                1994     369,996     208,308      21,111           --         27,952          334,990     31,366

Arthur D. Collins, Jr.          1996     440,000     343,000(3)      787           --         17,195          702,011     38,061
Chief Operating Officer         1995     384,313     228,454(4)    2,212           --         47,616          484,790     29,700
                                1994     335,833     164,699       1,461           --         15,972               --    131,889(8)

Robert L. Ryan                  1996     335,500           0(3)       --           --         26,214          648,177     27,234
Senior Vice President and       1995     316,499           0(4)      391           --         45,040               --     23,146
Chief Financial Officer         1994     300,000     135,120          --           --         26,556               --     94,599(9)

Bobby I. Griffin                1996     325,000           0(3)    1,462           --         26,967          586,484     30,412
Executive Vice President        1995     298,732      40,307(4)    3,974           --         36,324          405,136     24,112
and President, Pacing           1994     271,575     110,585       2,973      $12,480         15,972          230,014     26,305

</TABLE>

(1)    Amounts payable by the Company in above-market interest under deferred
       compensation plan.

(2)    On June 23, 1993, Mr. Griffin received a restricted stock award for 780
       shares in connection with his induction into the Company's honorary
       technology society. The shares vested 100% on June 22, 1994. Dividend
       equivalents were paid on the restricted stock held by Mr. Griffin. As of
       April 30, 1996, Messrs. George, Nelson, Collins, Ryan and Griffin held no
       restricted stock.

(3)    "Bonus" column does not include fiscal 1996 cash bonus payments of
       $200,000, $418,000, $75,000, $268,400 and $260,000 which Messrs. George,
       Nelson, Collins, Ryan and Griffin, respectively, elected to forgo in
       order to receive stock options granted in lieu of part or all of their
       cash bonus compensation under the annual incentive plan. These stock
       options are included in the "Securities Underlying Option/SARs" column.
       See "Report of the Compensation Committee on Fiscal 1996 Executive
       Compensation -- Annual Incentive Awards" and "Option/SAR Grants in Last
       Fiscal Year," below.

(4)    "Bonus" column does not include fiscal 1995 cash bonus payments of
       $150,000, $323,701, $75,000, $208,256 and $170,000 which Messrs. George,
       Nelson, Collins, Ryan and Griffin, respectively, elected to forgo in
       order to receive stock options granted in lieu of part or all of their
       cash bonus compensation under the annual incentive plan. These stock
       options are included in the "Securities Underlying Option/SARs" column.
       See "Report of the Compensation Committee on Fiscal 1996 Executive
       Compensation -- Annual Incentive Awards" and "Option/SAR Grants in Last
       Fiscal Year," below. That column also includes stock options granted in
       fiscal 1995 to replace certain discontinued non-qualified supplementary
       retirement benefits.

(5)    Includes stock option to purchase up to 89,728 shares of Common Stock in
       exchange for terminating existing non-qualified retirement benefit of
       $100,000 per year for life.

(6)    Includes the value of both cash and stock earned in fiscal 1996 under the
       Company's long-term incentive plan described in "Other Long-Term
       Incentive Awards" below. The stock for the fiscal 1996 payment was valued
       at $54.1375 per share, the average fair market value for the last 20
       trading days in April 1996.

(7)    Amounts in this column for fiscal 1996 include the following: the Company
       contributed $6,000 under the employee stock ownership plan for each of
       the named executive officers for fiscal 1996; the Company contributed
       $9,500 to Messrs. George and Griffin, $9,000 to Messrs. Nelson and
       Collins, and $6,000 to Mr. Ryan to match employee contributions under the
       401(k) supplemental retirement plan; and the Company contributed $35,212,
       $24,210, $23,061, $15,234 and $14,912 to Messrs. George, Nelson, Collins,
       Ryan and Griffin, respectively, under the non-qualified supplemental
       benefit plan.

(8)    Includes $100,000 employment award for 1994 in connection with his
       initial hiring.

(9)    Includes $89,550 in relocation expenses.

OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth for each of the named executives the stock
options granted by the Company in fiscal 1996 and the potential value of these
stock options determined pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission
requirements. No stock appreciation rights were granted to the named executives
in fiscal 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT
                                                                                     ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
                                                                                     STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
                                  INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                                      FOR OPTION TERM
                                  -----------------                                      ---------------
                        NUMBER OF      % OF TOTAL
                       SECURITIES     OPTIONS/SARS    EXERCISE
                       UNDERLYING      GRANTED TO      OR BASE
                      OPTIONS/SARS    EMPLOYEES IN      PRICE     EXPIRATION     0%         5%            10%
NAME                       (#)         FISCAL YEAR     ($/SH)        DATE        ($)      ($)(3)         ($)(3)
- - ----                   -----------     -----------     ------        ----        ---      ------         ------
<S>                      <C>           <C>             <C>         <C>           <C>    <C>            <C>
W. W. George             15,704(1)         2.1%        $54.125     11/30/05      $0     $  535,487     $1,351,467
                         15,059(2)         2.1          53.125     05/01/06       0        504,006      1,272,015

G. D. Nelson, M.D.       11,547(1)         1.6          54.125     11/30/05       0        393,738        993,720
                         31,473(2)         4.3          53.125     05/01/06       0      1,053,362      2,658,485

A. D. Collins, Jr.       11,547(1)         1.6          54.125     11/30/05       0        393,738        993,720
                          5,648(2)         0.8          53.125     05/01/06       0        189,032        477,080

R. L. Ryan                6,005(1)         0.8          54.125     11/30/05       0        204,763        516,783
                         20,209(2)         2.8          53.125     05/01/06       0        676,370      1,707,029

B. I. Griffin             7,390(1)         1.0          54.125     11/30/05       0        251,990        635,974
                         19,577(2)         2.7          53.125     05/01/06       0        655,218      1,653,645

</TABLE>

(1)    These stock options granted to the named executive officers have an
       exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant and
       vest annually in 25% increments.

(2)    These stock options were granted in lieu of all or part of the cash
       compensation earned for fiscal 1996 under the Company's annual incentive
       plan. Because the executives elected to forego cash compensation to
       receive the options, which were granted on 5/1/96, the options are 100%
       vested at grant. See "Report of the Compensation Committee on Fiscal 1996
       Executive Compensation -- Annual Incentive Awards."

(3)    The hypothetical potential appreciation shown in these columns reflects
       the required calculations at annual rates of 5% and 10% set by the
       Securities and Exchange Commission, and therefore is not intended to
       represent either historical appreciation or anticipated future
       appreciation of the Company's Common Stock price.

AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
The following table sets forth for each of the named executive officers the
value realized from stock options exercised during fiscal 1996 and the number
and value of exercisable and unexercisable stock options and stock appreciation
rights held at April 30, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        NUMBER OF
                                                       SECURITIES
                                                        UNDERLYING               VALUE OF
                                                       UNEXERCISED              UNEXERCISED
                                                       OPTIONS/SARS            IN-THE-MONEY
                                                        AT FISCAL             OPTIONS/SARS AT
                                                       YEAR-END (#)       FISCAL YEAR-END ($)(1)
                                                       ------------       ----------------------
                         SHARES         VALUE
                        ACQUIRED       REALIZED        EXERCISABLE/            EXERCISABLE/
NAME                   ON EXERCISE       ($)          UNEXERCISABLE            UNEXERCISABLE
- - ----                   -----------     --------       -------------            -------------
<S>                    <C>             <C>           <C>                  <C>
W. W. George                  0               0      606,124/174,011       $26,140,196/5,212,532
G. D. Nelson, M.D.            0               0       212,745/55,293         6,276,061/1,283,227
A. D. Collins, Jr.            0               0       152,190/54,893         4,905,284/1,221,036
R. L. Ryan                6,600        $271,656        75,761/45,477         1,385,522/1,195,252
B. I. Griffin                 0               0        83,103/32,504           1,914,991/735,915

</TABLE>

(1)    Value of unexercised in-the-money options is determined by multiplying
       the difference between the exercise price per share and $53.125, the
       closing price per share on April 30, 1996, by the number of shares
       subject to such options. Amounts include stock options granted on 5/1/96
       in lieu of cash compensation earned for fiscal 1996 under the Company's
       annual incentive plan. See "Report of the Compensation Committee on
       Fiscal 1996 Executive Compensation -- Annual Incentive Awards."

OTHER LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS
The following table sets forth the number of performance share units granted to
each of the named executives in fiscal 1996 under the Company's 1994 Stock Award
Plan and the performance-based award formula under such plan.

           LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS -- AWARDS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR(1)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS
                                                                UNDER NON-STOCK PRICE
                                                                     BASED-PLANS
                        NUMBER OF      PERFORMANCE OR    ----------------------------------
                      SHARES, UNITS     OTHER PERIOD
                         OR OTHER           UNTIL
                          RIGHTS         MATURATION      THRESHOLD      TARGET      MAXIMUM
NAME                       (#)            OR PAYOUT         ($)          ($)          ($)
- - ----                       ---            ---------         ---          ---          ---
<S>                       <C>          <C>                <C>          <C>          <C>
W. W. George              8,300        5/1/95- 4/30/98    $88,810      $444,050     $799,290
G. D. Nelson, M.D.        5,478        5/1/95- 4/30/98     58,615       293,073      527,531
A. D. Collins, Jr.        5,478        5/1/95- 4/30/98     58,615       293,073      527,531
R. L. Ryan                3,714        5/1/95- 4/30/98     39,740       198,699      357,658
B. I. Griffin             3,598        5/1/95- 4/30/98     38,499       192,493      346,487

</TABLE>

(1)    Payout of awards is based on achieving specified levels of designated
       performance objectives during a three-year performance cycle. Payout can
       range from 0% to 180% of units granted, with 20% and 180% as the
       threshold and maximum payouts, respectively. Payout of 100% of the units
       granted represents the target payout. Awards are payable at least 50% in
       Common Stock, with the remainder paid in cash or Common Stock at the
       discretion of the Compensation Committee. The value in dollars is
       determined when the award is earned based on the average fair market
       value per share for the last 20 trading days of the performance cycle.
       For illustrative purposes, the value of estimated future payouts was
       determined using the closing price of the Common Stock on July 5, 1996
       ($53.50 per share). See "Report of the Compensation Committee on Fiscal
       1996 Executive Compensation -- Long-Term Incentive Plans" above.

PENSION PLAN
The Company's pension plan is a defined benefit, tax qualified retirement plan
covering most U.S. employees and generally provides 40% of the average of the
highest five consecutive years of compensation (including certain incentive
compensation) in the final ten years of service, offset by a Social Security
allowance as published each year by the Internal Revenue Service. The table
below illustrates the annual benefits payable to participants who retire at age
65 with the indicated years of service with Medtronic and with the indicated
five-year highest average annual compensation. The benefits have been calculated
on a 50% joint and survivor annuity basis, before reduction for any amounts that
may be available from Medtronic's former Retirement Account Plan. The
compensation considered in determining the pensions payable to the below-named
executive officers is the compensation shown in the "Salary" and "Bonus" columns
of the Summary Compensation Table on page 15.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    FIVE-YEAR
     AVERAGE                   YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE COMPANY
     ANNUAL        ---------------------------------------------------------
COMPENSATION(1)       15          20          25          30           35
   ----------      --------    --------    --------    --------     --------
<S>                <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
   $  200,000      $ 35,028    $ 46,704    $ 58,380    $ 70,055     $ 74,434
      400,000        70,948      94,597     118,246     141,895      150,764
      600,000       106,868     142,490     178,113     213,735      227,094
      800,000       142,788     190,384     237,980     285,575      303,424
    1,000,000       178,708     238,277     297,846     357,415      379,754
    1,200,000       214,628     286,170     357,713     429,255      456,084
    1,400,000       250,548     334,064     417,580     501,095      532,414

</TABLE>

(1)    Calculated by considering a participant's compensation levels during the
       ten-year period immediately preceding retirement. The credited years of
       service (rounded to the nearest whole year) for the executive officers
       named in the Summary Compensation Table were as follows at April 30,
       1996: W.W. George, 7 years; G.D. Nelson, 10 years; A.D. Collins, Jr., 4
       years; R.L. Ryan, 3 years; and B.I. Griffin, 23 years.

Certain limitations on the amount of benefits under the Company's tax qualified
retirement plan were imposed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 ("ERISA") and Tax Reform Act of 1986 ("TRA"). The Company's non-qualified
supplemental benefit plan provides for the restoration of benefits to officers
who may be affected by those limitations so that, in general, total benefits
will be equal to the level of benefits which would have been payable under the
Company's retirement plan and employee stock ownership plan but for the ERISA
and TRA limitations. The amounts shown in the pension plan table above include
the additional retirement benefits provided under the non-qualified supplemental
benefit plan.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION 
In fiscal 1996, the members of the Compensation Committee were Heath (Chair),
Blodgett, Healy, Holloran, and Simonson. Mr. Holloran served in various
capacities as an officer of the Company from 1961 to 1975, including serving as
president of the Company from January 1974 to December 1975. Under Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, Mr. Holloran is considered an outside
director until the date of the 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, at which
time he will rotate off the Committee.

EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS

CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS. The executive officers of the Company, including
those named in the Summary Compensation Table, have change in control agreements
(the "Agreements") with the Company. The Agreements operate only upon the
occurrence of a "change in control" as described below. Absent a "change in
control" the Agreements do not require the Company to retain the executives or
to pay them any specified level of compensation or benefits. 

Each Agreement provides that for three years after a "change in control" there
will be no adverse change in the executive's salary, bonus, opportunity,
benefits or location of employment. If during this three-year period the
executive's employment is terminated by the Company other than for cause, or if
the executive terminates his employment for good reason (as defined in the
Agreements, and including compensation reductions, demotions, relocation and
excess travel), or voluntarily during the 30-day period following the first
anniversary of the "change in control," the executive is entitled to receive an
accrued salary and annual incentive payment through the date of termination and,
except in the event of death or disability, a lump sum severance payment ("Lump
Sum Payment") equal to three times (two times in the event of termination by the
executive in the aforementioned 30-day period) the sum of his base salary and
annual bonus (and certain insurance and other welfare plan benefits). Further,
an additional payment ("gross-up") is required in an amount such that after the
payment of all taxes, income and excise, the executive will be in the same
after-tax position as if no excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code had been
imposed.

Generally, and subject to certain exceptions, a "change in control" is deemed to
have occurred if: (a) a majority of Medtronic's Board of Directors becomes
comprised of persons other than persons for whose election proxies have been
solicited by the Board, or who are then serving as directors appointed by the
Board to fill vacancies caused by death or resignation (but not removal) of a
director or to fill newly created directorships; (b) another party becomes the
beneficial owner of at least 30% of Medtronic's outstanding voting stock; or (c)
Medtronic's shareholders approve a definitive agreement or plan to merge or
consolidate Medtronic with another party (other than certain limited types of
mergers), exchange shares of voting stock of Medtronic for shares of another
corporation pursuant to a statutory exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of all
or substantially all of Medtronic's assets, or liquidate or dissolve Medtronic.

If a "change in control" of the Company occurred mid-fiscal 1997 (November 1,
1996) and resulted in the involuntary termination of the named executives at
such time or the termination by such executives for good reason, the Lump Sum
Payment to be made under such Agreements to those executive officers named in
the Summary Compensation Table above would be approximately as follows: W.W.
George, $3,177,900; G.D. Nelson, $2,260,800; A.D. Collins, Jr., $2,260,800; R.L.
Ryan, $1,586,250; and B.I. Griffin, $1,575,000. Such amounts are exclusive of
the additional gross-up payment required under each of the Agreements as a
result of excise taxes.

In addition, events substantially identical to those described above also
constitute a "change in control" under certain of the Company's compensation
plans. The effects of a change in control under these plans with respect to the
compensation of each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation
Table are described below.

If a "change in control" of the Company occurs, awards under the Company's
Management Incentive Plan will accelerate and, subject to certain limitations
set forth in the plan, each participant will be entitled to a final award based
on certain assumptions as to target performance and salary. If a "change in
control" of the Company occurred mid-fiscal 1997 (November 1, 1996), the awards
under this plan to be paid to those executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table above would be approximately as follows: W.W. George,
$417,300; G.D. Nelson, $282,600; A.D. Collins, Jr., $282,600; R.L. Ryan,
$176,250; and B.I. Griffin, $175,000.

The Company's stock award plans and agreements thereunder provide that in the
event of a "change in control" of the Company, all restrictions under
outstanding restricted stock awards shall immediately lapse and the restricted
stock period with respect to all such shares shall be deemed to have expired,
and performance share awards shall vest immediately in a pro rata amount based
on the portion of the performance period elapsed prior to the "change in
control" and certain assumptions as to the anticipated performance which would
have been achieved during the applicable performance period. If a "change in
control" of the Company occurred mid-fiscal 1997 (November 1, 1996) and further
assuming for this purpose a market price for the Company's Common Stock at such
time of $53.50 (the July 5, 1996 New York Stock Exchange closing price), the
awards to be paid to those executive officers named in the Summary Compensation
Table above would be approximately as follows for the performance share awards:
W.W. George, $1,626,552; G.D. Nelson, $1,115,027; A.D. Collins, Jr., $1,064,951;
R.L. Ryan, $761,884 and B.I. Griffin, $725,247. None of the named executive
officers has outstanding restricted stock awards.

The Company's stock award plans and agreements thereunder also provide for or
permit acceleration of the exercisability of outstanding stock options upon the
occurrence of certain events (such as certain tender offers or exchange offers
for the Company's stock, certain changes in control of the Company, a merger or
consolidation of the Company with another entity, or a sale of substantially all
of the Company's assets or certain plans therefor) or at the discretion of the
Board of Directors.

Limited stock appreciation rights ("Limited Rights") granted under the stock
option plans are exercisable, with certain limitations, at any time within the
thirty-day period following a "change in control" of Medtronic. Upon exercise of
Limited Rights, the holder is entitled to receive an amount in cash for each
share with respect to which the Limited Rights are exercised equal to the
difference between the option exercise price per share of stock covered by the
underlying option and the fair market value per share as of the date of
exercise. If Limited Rights are exercised, the underlying option will no longer
be exercisable to the extent of the number of shares with respect to which the
Limited Rights were exercised.

If a "change in control" occurs, subject to certain limitations, Medtronic's
contributions to the employee stock ownership plan for that year will equal the
greater of Medtronic's target percentage contribution (currently 2.5% of
aggregate covered employee compensation in fiscal 1996) or, if a "change in
control" occurs after the first quarter of a plan year, the percentage
contribution Medtronic would have made upon completion of the plan year based on
performance as most recently projected by Medtronic prior to the "change in
control" and disregarding the effects of the "change in control."

If a "change in control" occurs during a plan year, subject to certain
limitations, Medtronic's matching contribution to the 401(k) supplemental
retirement plan shall equal the greater of Medtronic's target percentage
matching contribution (currently 62.5% of the first 6% of a participant's
contribution in fiscal 1996), or if the "change in control" occurs after the
first quarter of a plan year, the percentage contribution Medtronic would have
made upon completion of the plan year based on performance as most recently
projected by Medtronic prior to the "change in control" and disregarding the
effects of the "change in control."

OTHER EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS. Under the Company's postretirement survivor
benefit plan, designated beneficiaries or the estate of each executive officer
who retires with the Company (as defined in the Company's tax-qualified employee
retirement plans) shall be entitled to receive following the officer's death a
lump sum payment equal to the annual salary of such officer in effect at the
date of retirement.

                      APPROVAL OF SELECTION OF AUDITORS

Upon recommendation of its Audit Committee, Medtronic's Board has selected Price
Waterhouse LLP, certified public accountants, as independent auditors for
Medtronic for the fiscal year ending April 30, 1997. That firm has acted as
independent auditors for Medtronic for more than 20 years, and the Board
considers it highly qualified. Although it is not required to do so, the Board
of Directors wishes to submit the selection of Price Waterhouse LLP for
shareholders' approval at the Meeting. If the shareholders do not give approval,
the Board will reconsider its selection.

Representatives of Price Waterhouse LLP will be present at the Meeting, will
have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire and will be available to
respond to appropriate questions.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF THIS
APPOINTMENT.

                                   GENERAL

The costs of soliciting proxies will be borne by Medtronic, including the
reimbursement to record holders of their expenses in forwarding proxy materials
to beneficial owners. Directors, officers and regular employees of Medtronic,
without extra compensation, may solicit proxies personally or by mail,
telephone, fax, telex, telegraph or special letter.

Medtronic has retained Chase Mellon Shareholder Services, a firm that provides
professional proxy soliciting services, to aid in the solicitation of proxies
for a fee of $9,500 plus reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

Any shareholder proposals for the Company's 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
(anticipated date August 27, 1997) must be received by the Company by March 28,
1997 in order to be included in the Company's Proxy Statement. The proposals
also must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations.

Medtronic's 1996 Annual Shareholders Report, including financial statements, is
being sent to shareholders of record as of July 5, 1996, together with this
Proxy Statement.

MEDTRONIC WILL FURNISH TO SHAREHOLDERS WITHOUT CHARGE A COPY OF ITS ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1996, AS FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, UPON RECEIPT OF WRITTEN REQUEST ADDRESSED
TO: INVESTOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, MEDTRONIC, INC., 7000 CENTRAL AVENUE N.E.,
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55432.

The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be presented at the Annual
Meeting. If any other business properly comes before the Annual Meeting or any
adjournment thereof, the proxies will vote on that business in accordance with
their best judgment.

                                        By Order of the Board of Directors,
                                        
                                        /s/ Ronald E. Lund, Secretary
                                        Ronald E. Lund, Secretary
                                        MEDTRONIC, INC.
                                            

                                                                    APPENDIX A

                               MEDTRONIC, INC.
                      PRINCIPLES OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
                                     
I.     PURPOSE AND NATURE OF PRINCIPLES

       These principles have been adopted by Board resolution as a definitive
       statement of the elements of governance by which the Board will manage
       its affairs.

       These principles replace all previous Board policies on this subject and
       will be reviewed and modified by the Board as needed on recommendation of
       the Corporate Governance Committee. 

II.    CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

       This Committee consists of all of the outside directors and is chaired by
       the Chairman of the Board except at times when the Chairman and CEO are
       the same. In such case, it will be chaired by the Chair of the Corporate
       Governance Committee. The Skills/Characteristics and the Principal Duties
       of the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee are attached hereto as
       Exhibits 1 and 2, respectively. The Committee is intended to provide a
       forum for outside directors to address all issues of Corporate
       Governance.

       The principal elements of the charter of the Governance Committee shall
       be to:

       *      Adopt, regularly monitor and recommend to the Board any
              modifications of these principles of Corporate Governance which
              may be necessary.

       *      Recommend to the Board the selection and replacement, if
              necessary, of the CEO and periodically evaluate the performance of
              the CEO and of the Board as a whole.

       *      Conclude each Committee meeting with an executive session.

       *      Form from its ranks a Nominating Subcommittee consisting of the
              Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee, plus one member from
              each class of directors, selected by the Chair of the Corporate
              Governance Committee, to recommend to the full committee:

              *      Criteria for selection of new directors and nominees for
                     vacancies on the Board.

              *      Candidates for Board membership and for the positions of
                     CEO, Chairman and Chair of the Corporate Governance
                     Committee.

              *      A decision on the tendered resignation of a director for
                     reason of change of employment.

              *      To evaluate the performance of any director whose term is
                     expiring and whether such director should be invited to
                     stand for reelection. Attached hereto as Exhibit 3 are the
                     Criteria for Evaluation of Individual Director Performance.

       *      Act on recommendations made by the Nominating Subcommittee.

       *      Establish any Special Committee which may be necessary to properly
              govern ethical, legal or other matters which might arise.

       *      Review and approve for all meetings of the Board and all
              committees an annual calendar recommended by the Chairman and CEO.

       *      Review and determine the philosophy underlying directors'
              compensation and be informed regarding the Compensation
              Committee's actions in approving executive compensation and the
              underlying philosophy for it.

       *      In carrying out its duties, the Committee and Nominating
              Subcommittee will consult with and solicit the views of the CEO.

III.   OFFICES OF THE CHAIRMAN AND THE CEO

       The Board does not have a firm policy as to whether the position of the
       Chairman and the position of the CEO should be separate and intends to
       preserve the freedom to decide what is in the best interest of the
       company at any point of time.

       However, the Board does strongly endorse the concept of one of the
       outside directors being in a position of leadership for the rest of the
       outside directors. If at any time the CEO and Chairman are the same, the
       Corporate Governance Committee will elect a Chair of the Corporate
       Governance Committee from the membership of the Committee.

       The principal duties of the Chairman of the Board are attached as Exhibit
       4.

IV.    COMMITTEES -- STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES

       The standing committees of the Board shall be:

              *      Corporate Governance Committee and its Nominating
                     Subcommittee

              *      Audit Committee

              *      Compensation Committee

              *      Finance Committee

              *      Technology and Quality Committee

       Each committee shall have a charter approved by that committee and by the
       Committee on Corporate Governance. The Board will adopt a charter,
       attached as Exhibit 5, to assist directors to understand their
       responsibilities and the role of the Board.

       Each committee shall be chaired by an outside director who shall serve as
       chair no longer than three successive years.

       As a general rule, directors shall serve on two committees in addition to
       the Corporate Governance Committee. Membership on committees shall be
       rotated to provide all directors experience on all committees; however,
       this principle of rotation should not deprive the Board of expertise that
       directors possess. 

V.     BOARD COMPOSITION, SELECTION AND TENURE OF DIRECTORS

       Directors who are currently employed by the company shall be deemed
       "inside" directors; and all others shall be deemed "outside" directors,
       including former employees of the company.

       Outside directors shall always constitute at least a majority of the
       Board, and there shall be no more than three inside directors on the
       Board at any time.

       To more closely align their interests with those of shareholders
       generally, directors are encouraged to own stock of the company in an
       amount equal to five times the annual Board retainer fees. Such holdings
       should be considered long-term investments and be achieved within five
       years of joining the Board. Trading in the company's stock is
       discouraged.

       An inside director shall submit his or her resignation from the Board
       upon termination of his or her active service as an employee.

       A director shall retire from the Board at the annual meeting of
       shareholders next following his or her attaining the age of 70.

       An outside director shall tender a written offer to resign from the Board
       after a material change in that director's full-time position or
       responsibilities.

VI.    BOARD MEETINGS

       At this time six regular meetings are held each year. One meeting is
       usually an extended meeting focusing on long-range strategies of the
       company and will normally be held away from Minneapolis, preferably at or
       near one of the company's facilities. The Corporate Governance Committee
       shall determine from time to time the appropriate number of meetings.

       Appropriate officers of the company may be invited by the Chief Executive
       Officer and Chairman of the Board to attend the general session of all
       Board meetings.

       Prior to a regular Board meeting, with direction from the Chairman of the
       Board or Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee and the Chief
       Executive Officer, an agenda for the meeting and any information or
       material for review will be sent to the directors. Development of the
       agenda is the responsibility of the Chairman of the Board, in
       collaboration with the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee.
       Directors may request that additional subjects be placed on the agenda.



                               MEDTRONIC, INC.
                                                                         PROXY
                      ANNUAL MEETING -- AUGUST 28, 1996

The undersigned appoints WINSTON R. WALLIN and RONALD E. LUND, and each of them,
as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, to represent and
vote, as designated below, all shares of the undersigned at the 1996 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of Medtronic, Inc. at the Medtronic, Inc. Corporate
Center at its Rice Creek facility, 7000 Central Avenue N.E., Minneapolis
(Fridley), Minnesota, at 10:30 a.m., Central Daylight Time, on Wednesday, August
28, 1996, and at any adjournment thereof.

The Board of Directors recommends votes FOR:

1. Set board size at twelve members and elect Class I directors for three
year terms:

Nominees: GLEN D. NELSON, M.D., JACK W. SCHULER, GERALD W. SIMONSON and 
          RICHARD A. SWALIN, PH.D

[ ]   FOR all nominees listed above (except those whose names have been written 
      on the line below) 

[ ]   WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed above

           (TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY NOMINEE, WRITE THAT
                       NOMINEE'S NAME ON THE LINE BELOW.)
      
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

            (CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED AND DATED ON THE OTHER SIDE)



2. Approve appointment of Price Waterhouse LLP as independent auditors.
                   [ ] FOR   [ ] AGAINST   [ ] ABSTAIN

In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business
as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.


                                          Date: __________________________, 1996

                                          ______________________________________

                                          ______________________________________

                                          ______________________________________
                                          PLEASE DATE AND SIGN ABOVE exactly as
                                          name appears, indicating, if
                                          appropriate, official position or
                                          representative capacity. If stock is
                                          held in joint tenancy, each joint
                                          owner should sign.

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO
DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH PROPOSAL. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MEDTRONIC, INC.




                               MEDTRONIC, INC.
                                                                         PROXY
                      ANNUAL MEETING -- AUGUST 28, 1996

The undersigned appoints WINSTON R. WALLIN and RONALD E. LUND, and each of them,
as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, to represent and
vote, as designated below, all shares of the undersigned at the 1996 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of Medtronic, Inc. at the Medtronic, Inc. Corporate
Center at its Rice Creek facility, 7000 Central Avenue N.E., Minneapolis
(Fridley), Minnesota, at 10:30 a.m., Central Daylight Time, on Wednesday, August
28, 1996, and at any adjournment thereof.

The Board of Directors recommends votes FOR:


1. Set board size at twelve members and elect Class I Directors for three 
   year terms:
 
Nominees: GLEN D. NELSON, M.D., JACK W. SCHULER, GERALD W. SIMONSON AND
          RICHARD A. SWALIN, PH.D.

[ ]   FOR all nominees listed above (except those whose names have been written
      on the line below) 

[ ]   WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed above

             (TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY NOMINEE, WRITE
                     THAT NOMINEE'S NAME ON THE LINE BELOW.)


- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


            (CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED AND DATED ON THE OTHER SIDE)

2. Approve appointment of Price Waterhouse LLP as independent auditors.
                        [ ] FOR   [ ] AGAINST   [ ] ABSTAIN

In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business
as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO
DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH PROPOSAL. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

                                                          Benefit Plan Shares 
                                                          ESOP Shares         
                                                          Restricted Shares   
                                                          Registered Shares   
                                                          

                                          Date: __________________________, 1996

                                          ______________________________________

                                          ______________________________________

                                          ______________________________________
                                          
PLEASE DATE AND SIGN ABOVE exactly as name appears, indicating, if appropriate,
official position or representative capacity. If stock is held in joint tenancy,
each joint owner should sign.






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