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Special Charge | 12 Months Ended
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Apr. 28, 2017
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] |
Special Charge | Special Charge During fiscal year 2017, in continuing the Company's commitment to improve the health of people and communities throughout the world, the Company recognized a special charge of $100 million for a charitable contribution to meet the multi-year funding needs of the Medtronic Foundation, a related party non-profit organization. During fiscal year 2016, the Company recognized a special charge of $70 million in connection with the impairment of a debt investment. During fiscal year 2015, the Company recognized special gains of $138 million, which consisted of a $41 million gain on the sale of a product line in the ENT division, and a $97 million gain on the sale of an equity method investment. These special gains were partially offset by a $100 million charitable contribution that the Company made to the Medtronic Foundation.

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