Covidien Announces New Data on Minimally Invasive Surgical Tools to be Presented at SAGES 2011

Covidien (NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, announced that new data on its laparoscopic surgical products will be presented at SAGES 2011, the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. Covidien’s products will be highlighted in two podium presentations, two video sessions and eight poster presentations. The meeting runs from March 30 to April 2, 2011, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX.

Endo GIA(TM) Curved Tip Reloads with Tri-Staple(TM) Technology - Covidien's unique curved tip reload (with optional flexible introducer) provides surgeons with enhanced direct visualization, smooth access to the surgical site, and the ability to dissect and manipulate tissue and vessels in various challenging stapling applications. (Photo: Business Wire)

Located at booth 317, the Company also will demonstrate the latest advancements in general, bariatric and colorectal surgical instrumentation.

Surgeons attending the conference will be able to attend hands-on training in the latest minimally-invasive techniques, including laparoscopic surgery through a single incision, aboard the Covidien Innovation Tour truck that will be parked at the Covidien booth on the exhibit floor.

SILS™ procedures are among the most significant advances in laparoscopic surgery in the last 20 years. The company has replicated a lab environment inside a tractor trailer to provide a mobile training center for laparoscopic surgeons who want to provide innovative surgery to patients but don’t have the time to travel to a course. The Innovation Tour training program covers single incision techniques with Covidien’s SILS product line and its other surgical tools for minimally-invasive surgery.

For more information, please visit www.covidien.com/SAGES2011.

SILS Port

The SILS Port is an advanced surgical product designed to perform laparoscopic surgery through a single incision. This product is designed to give surgeons the ability to use multiple instruments with maximal maneuverability through a single incision.

The SILS port leaves a virtually hidden scar when used in the umbilicus and has the potential to minimize postoperative pain when compared to traditional open procedures.

SILS Hand Instruments

These latest advancements in endoscopic tissue manipulation enhance the surgeon’s flexibility and visualization when performing complex laparoscopic procedures, including SILS procedures. These instruments comprise the SILS Clinch, SILS Hook, SILS Shears and SILS Dissector. Each product offers infinite positions of dynamic articulation within semi-hemispherical space and the ability to lock the instrument shaft and angle through an articulation lock lever.

The SILS Port also works with Covidien’s SILS Stitch Articulating Suturing Device.

Endo GIA™ Black Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology

Covidien's unique black reloads enable surgeons to confidently and consistently staple in extra-thick tissue applications previously beyond the indications of any stapler used for minimally invasive surgery.

Endo GIA Curved Tip Reloads with Tri-Staple Technology

Covidien’s unique curved tip reload (with optional flexible introducer) provides surgeons with enhanced direct visualization, smooth access to the surgical site, and the ability to dissect and manipulate tissue and vessels in various challenging stapling applications.

iDrive™ Right Angle Linear Cutter (RALC)

This innovative, reusable stapling platform offers microprocessor-controlled precision and push-button control. The RALC was also specially designed to give surgeons deeper access to, and better visibility in, the pelvis¹ for low anterior resection procedures.

V-Loc™ Absorbable Wound Closure Device

The V-Loc wound closure device is a revolutionary technology that eliminates the need to tie knots, so surgeons can close incisions up to 50% faster without compromising strength and security. The V-Loc device offers secure, fast and effective wound closure.

LigaSure™ 5 mm Laparoscopic Instrument

The LigaSure 5 mm is a single-use instrument with sealing and cutting capabilities. This blunt tip, laparoscopic sealer/divider combines the signature sealing consistency of LigaSure technology and the longest cutting length available, compared with other commercially available 5 mm laparoscopic sealing devices, with improved grasping.

Parietex™ Optimized Composite Mesh (PCO Optimized)

510(k) clearance pending. With optimized collagen film, innovative textile design and integrated fixation sutures, PCO Optimized delivers optimal protection, integration, fixation and handling for ventral hernia repair.

AbsorbaTack™ Fixation Device

A sterile, single-use device designed for fixation of prosthetic material, such as hernia mesh, to soft tissues in laparoscopic abdominal wall surgeries and open hernia repair. The tack is constructed of an absorbable synthetic polyester copolymer derived from lactic and glycolic acid.

The EEA™ Hemorrhoid and Prolapse Stapler Set with DST Series™ Technology

The EEA Hemorrhoid and Prolapse Stapler Set with DST Series Technology is the next generation of Hemorrhoidopexy. It enables the surgeon with new levels of access, visibility and consistency.

ABOUT COVIDIEN

Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien manufactures, distributes and services a diverse range of industry-leading product lines in three segments: Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies. With 2010 revenue of $10.4 billion, Covidien has approximately 42,000 employees worldwide in more than 60 countries, and its products are sold in over 140 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.

¹ When compared to EES Contour®, iDrive & RALC could be placed deeper and provide better visibility in male cadavers; data on file.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6663915&lang=en