Covidien Unveils Sonicision™ Cordless Ultrasonic Dissection Device and iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System at 2012 American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress

New cordless instruments offer surgeons increased freedom to move and position devices, allowing for greater precision in the operating room

Sonicision is the medical industry’s first cordless ultrasonic device for bariatric, colorectal, gynecological, urological and general surgical procedures

Sonicision(TM), the medical industry's first cordless ultrasonic dissection device, is a hand-held, pistol-grip style, battery-powered surgical device that is indicated for a wide variety of surgical procedures, including general, bariatric, colorectal, gynecology and urology. The cordless design gives surgeons complete freedom of movement in the operating room--a first in the surgical application of ultrasonic energy. (Photo: Business Wire)

CHICAGO--()--Covidien (NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, will showcase some of its most innovative surgical products at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) annual clinical congress held here at McCormick Place through October 4.

Key Covidien products featured include two groundbreaking innovations: the Sonicision™ cordless ultrasonic dissection device and the iDrive™ Ultra powered stapling system.

“We are committed to bringing clinically relevant and economically valuable innovation to the global healthcare marketplace. We are delivering on this promise with the launch of Sonicision and iDrive Ultra,” stated Bryan Hanson, Group President, Surgical Solutions. “Sonicision and iDrive Ultra are unique, first in the industry and will have a significant impact on the way surgeries are performed.”

Sonicision, the industry’s first cordless ultrasonic dissection device, is a hand-held, pistol-grip style, battery-powered surgical ultrasonic device that is indicated for soft-tissue incision and hemostasis. It is used in a wide variety of surgical procedures, including general, bariatric, colorectal, gynecological and urological. For the first time, surgeons have complete freedom of movement in the operating room when applying ultrasonic energy, due to the device’s cordless design. Research shows that Sonicision provides faster dissection through tissue than does the Harmonic ACE™*1 and produces less surgical plume, creating better visibility in the surgical field2. Feedback from surgeons has been extremely positive and continues to build.

“We have created a true innovation in the medical device industry with Sonicision,” stated Paul Hermes, Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Surgical Solutions. “Covidien has pioneered a game-changer. The device is clinically proven, and the cordless feature is transforming how laparoscopy will be performed in the future. By decreasing the number of electrical cords in the operating room, the new device is safer, more efficient and user-friendly for surgeons, scrub technicians and operating room staff.”

The iDrive Ultra powered stapling system is featured with Sonicision at Covidien’s ACS booth 1819. As the only fully powered reusable endostapler, the iDrive Ultra powered stapling system delivers an unprecedented level of precision in surgical stapling. Compatible with Covidien's market-leading portfolio of Endo GIA™ reloads with Tri-Staple™ technology, the new iDrive Ultra provides better stability3 and more maneuverability.

Hermes continued, “The iDrive Ultra powered stapler is an important step for endostapling. The device’s one-handed control makes it easier to precisely position the stapler on the target tissue. Also, the system’s consistent firing speed and force provide an optimal method to deploy Tri-Staple™ technology.”

Additional Covidien products being shown in booth 1819 at ACS are the Endo GIA™ radial reload with Tri-Staple™ technology, AccuMesh™ positioning system, ProGrip™ laparoscopic self-fixating mesh, Parietex™ composite ventral patch, V-Loc™ wound closure reload for use with EndoStitch™ and SILS™ stitch suturing devices, Barrx™ ablation technology and the LigaSure™ 5 mm blunt tip portfolio. These products represent a comprehensive portfolio of technology-driven solutions that address the ongoing challenges of today’s operating room, from logistics and time management to safety and ease-of-use.

1 When compared to the Harmonic ACE™* as part of a 2010 pre-clinical analysis evaluating the performance of the Sonicision device versus the Harmonic ACE™* on maximum power through 15 cm of porcine mesentery (Covidien test report no. 2-105-10).

2 Kim FJ, Sehrt D, Pompeo A, Molina WR., Comparison of surgical plume among laparoscopic ultrasonic dissectors using a real-time digital quantitative technology. Surg Endosc, 2012.

3 Average 61% reduction in tip travel during firing when compared to Ethicon Endo-Surgery Echelon Flex™* in indicated media, p<0.0005 (Seils D., Tantawy T., Peterson D., Final Report on Results, p. 7, Table 3 (a technical report regarding the final result of a 1 year study focusing on the biomechanical exposures related to laparoscopic stapler use)).

* Harmonic ACE and Echelon Flex are registered trademarks of Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.

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 2011 revenue of $11.6 billion, Covidien has 43,000 employees worldwide in more than 65 countries, and its products are sold in over 140 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.

Contacts

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

Release Summary

Covidien's new cordless instruments offer surgeons increased freedom to move and position devices, allowing for greater precision in the operating room.

Contacts

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