PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Covidien (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced that its Surgical Devices business unit has launched the Covidien SILS™ Port Multiple Instrument Access Port for laparoscopic surgeries through a single incision.

The device, now available in the United States and throughout Europe, is being introduced at the annual convention of the Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), held this week in Phoenix. SILS™ Port is one of several innovative devices featured at Covidien booth # 511 as part of the Company’s Innovation: Delivered theme at the conference. A Thursday evening educational symposium hosted by Covidien will feature the SILS™ Port and the new Duet TRS™ reload with tissue reinforcement.

The SILS™ Port is a single, flexible port that may be fitted through a small incision in the umbilicus that results in a single “hidden scar,” a cosmetic advance over the multiple visible scars associated with standard multi-port laparoscopy. The port has the capacity for up to three laparoscopic instruments.

“SILS™ Port is the first device specifically indicated for multiple instrument access to the abdomen through a single incision,” said Bob DeSantis, Vice President, Mechanical Devices, Research and Development, Covidien. “Covidien led the first surgical revolution with multi-port laparoscopic surgery, and we are now leading the way again with SILS™ procedures,” he added.

The SILS™ Port is designed to offer surgeons an immediate advancement in patient care. When the SILS™ Port is combined with several other devices in the Company’s portfolio, surgeons will have a complete toolbox available for this new and emerging technique.

Laparoscopic procedures performed through a single incision are a significant evolution in the world of surgery. While laparoscopy traditionally offers better patient outcomes than does the open approach, including less pain and improved cosmesis, SILS™ procedures have the potential to dramatically extend these benefits.

SILS™ is an advanced laparoscopic procedure for which specialty training is strongly recommended. Contact your local Covidien Surgical Devices Specialist for training opportunities. For more information about the product, please visit www.silsport.com.

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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 four segments: Medical Devices, Imaging Solutions, Pharmaceutical Products and Medical Supplies. With 2008 revenue of nearly $10 billion, Covidien has more than 41,000 employees worldwide in 59 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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