PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Covidien (NYSE:COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced availability of the EverFlex+™ Self-Expanding Peripheral Stent System in Europe.

The EverFlex+ Self-Expanding Peripheral Stent System is the next generation of EverFlex stent technology for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease. The system strengthens Covidien's portfolio of market leading stents used for treating the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and proximal popliteal lesions.

The new EverFlex+ system is designed to reduce the risk of fracture when elongated, improving clinical outcomes for patients. The next generation system offers the same customized technology as the current EverFlex system, retaining similar radial strength and flexibility, but adds even more durability. The EverFlex family of products is engineered to provide unmatched durability in a highly flexible platform, representing a significant advance in nitinol self-expanding stent technology.

“The next generation EverFlex+ system further demonstrates our commitment to the advancement of stent technology and our goal to lead the industry in identifying and treating vascular diseases with breakthrough technologies,” said Joe Woody, President, Vascular Therapies, Covidien.

EverFlex was launched worldwide in March 2006 as the first of the “long stents” for peripheral arterial disease and stenting for the SFA.

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.