NORTH HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Covidien (NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced the worldwide launch of the SILS™ Stitch articulating suturing device for advanced laparoscopic surgery, including SILS single-incision procedures. The SILS Stitch instrument expands the Company’s SILS product line, as well as its endoscopic suturing portfolio, which includes today’s leading automated endosuturing product, the Endo Stitch™ instrument and reloads.

The new SILS Stitch instrument is the only automated suturing device with articulating features and rotating tip to deliver optimal mobility. Its new features, which include 75- degree articulation, 360-degree tip rotation and added length, give surgeons enhanced access and maneuverability. This unique combination takes endoscopic suturing to the next level of performance by offering maximum control and unparalleled access, even at the most challenging angles of laparoscopic surgery.

Dr. Dana Portenier, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, said, “The SILS Stitch instrument can be procedure-enabling in single-incision cases where the benefits of articulation overcome the limitations we have by not having triangulation. In standard laparoscopy, we’ve used triangulation to overcome the limitations of working with straight instruments, but the SILS Stitch device will enable us to attack the tissues where they lie, rather than pull them to the places that are convenient for us.”

The new device can be used in a wide variety of fields adopting the minimally invasive approach, including gynecological procedures where suturing remains a key challenge. The SILS Stitch instrument affords gynecological surgeons the access they need during a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Dr. Stuart Hart, Assistant Professor, Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, and Co-Director, USF Center for the Advancement of Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery, said, “I would use SILS Stitch in any laparoscopic surgery where I typically perform laparoscopic suturing, such as traditional total laparoscopic hysterectomy or single-incision laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic uterosacral ligament vault suspension and laparoscopic myomectomy.”

The SILS Stitch instrument is being presented at the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in San Francisco, May 15-19, 2010, and at SURFF (Surgical Film Festival®) events. These presentations bring together minimally invasive surgeons on a regional basis to learn more about innovative minimally invasive techniques. SILS Stitch is also part of the Innovation: Delivered tour, a mobile program launched in April 2010 to introduce hospitals around the country to the SILS Port Multiple Instrument Access Device and other innovations in Covidien’s SILS portfolio.

Covidien actively works with leading surgeons worldwide to develop and promote advanced minimally invasive approaches to surgery, including SILS procedures. In April 2009, Covidien launched SILS Port, a multiple-instrument access platform for SILS procedures. The SILS Stitch device is the latest in a series of recent additions to the Company’s unique portfolio of SILS products.

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 2009 revenue of $10.7 billion, Covidien has 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.

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