Medtronic to Settle Kickback Claims

Medtronic Inc., the world’s largest maker of electronic heart-rhythm implants, agreed to pay $40 million to settle civil claims that its Sofamor Danek unit paid kickbacks to get doctors to use the company’s spinal products.

The U.S. government alleged that Minneapolis-based Medtronic paid kickbacks in the form of sham consulting deals and royalties, as well as lavish trips.