Covidien Introduces New Surgical Access Devices at SAGES 2013

Company enters wound protector market with new SurgiSleeve™; Expands Versaport™ bladeless optical trocar portfolio

The SurgiSleeve(TM) wound protector is easy to place, and since the material is three times stronger on average than what is used in the leading competitive product, the likelihood of tearing during a procedure is reduced. (Photo: Business Wire)

BALTIMORE--()--Covidien (NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, is launching two new surgical access devices at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), which starts today. At the meeting, the Company also plans to conduct a number of hands-on labs to showcase innovative surgical solutions that address unmet clinical needs in bariatric, colorectal, hernia, endoluminal and other procedures.

Covidien enters the fast-growing wound protector market with the global launch of SurgiSleeve™. Used in both open and minimally invasive surgery, the new access device protects the wound site from contamination and also provides excellent exposure and visualization. The SurgiSleeve wound protector is easy to place, and since the material is three times stronger on average than what is used in the leading competitive product1, the likelihood of tearing during a procedure is reduced.

The introduction of the Versaport™ Bladeless Optical 12 mm Trocar is the newest addition to the wide offering of Covidien access products. It offers surgeons visualization during trocar placement to help clinicians minimize the risk of trocar injuries. It shares the same proprietary cannula design as the rest of Covidien’s optical and bladeless trocar family, offering excellent fixation for port security and stability.

“Collaborating with the global surgical community, we continue to expand and complement our extensive product portfolio. We are focused on delivering high quality, high value solutions that meet both clinical and economic needs,” said Steve Blazejewski, President, Surgical Supplies, Covidien.

In addition to the new SurgiSleeve and Versaport devices, Covidien is showcasing the latest enhancements to many of its most impactful innovations, including the Sonicision™ cordless ultrasonic device, iDrive™ Ultra powered stapling system, Endo GIA™ Tri-Staple™ technology platform, LigaSure™ portfolio, V-Loc™ Wound Closure reload, Barrx™ ablation system, AbsorbaTack™, Parietex™ and ProGrip™ portfolios. For more information, please visit SAGES Booth #211.

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 2012 revenue of $11.9 billion, Covidien has 43,000 employees worldwide in 70 countries, and its products are sold in over 140 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.

1. Comparison of mean strengths between SurgiSleeve™ wound protector and Alexis® wound protector as part of a February 9, 2012 Puncture Resistance Material Evaluation (Report # 2151-002; report on file). Statistically significant P value is 0.004.

Alexis is a registered trademark of Applied Medical Resources Corporation

Contacts

Covidien
John Jordan, 508-452-4891
Manager, Communications
john.jordan@covidien.com
or
Coleman Lannum, CFA, 508-452-4343
Vice President, Investor Relations
cole.lannum@covidien.com
or
Marguerite Copel, 203-821-4720
Vice President, Communications
marguerite.copel@covidien.com
or
Todd Carpenter, 508-452-4363
Senior Director, Investor Relations
todd.carpenter@covidien.com

Release Summary

Covidien launches two new surgical access devices at the annual meeting of the SAGES. Covidien is also showcasing medical innovations, including the Sonicision™, iDrive™ Ultra, Tri-Staple™ platform.

Contacts

Covidien
John Jordan, 508-452-4891
Manager, Communications
john.jordan@covidien.com
or
Coleman Lannum, CFA, 508-452-4343
Vice President, Investor Relations
cole.lannum@covidien.com
or
Marguerite Copel, 203-821-4720
Vice President, Communications
marguerite.copel@covidien.com
or
Todd Carpenter, 508-452-4363
Senior Director, Investor Relations
todd.carpenter@covidien.com