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BOULDER, Colo.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Covidien (NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products and recognized innovator in patient monitoring and respiratory care devices, today announced it will label the Covidien Nellcora" Respiration Rate Version 1.0 Software and the Adult Respiration Rate Sensor with the CE Mark, making the new respiratory monitoring platform available throughout the European Economic Area (EEA). The company plans a limited market release starting in January 2012, which will allow select European hospitals to be the first to use the new technology.

"Respiration rate is a critical vital sign that can provide an early warning of respiratory complications that may require immediate intervention"

The Covidien Nellcor Respiration Rate software derives a patientas respiration rate from changes in the pulse oximetry signal that occur as a result of breathing.

aRespiration rate is a critical vital sign that can provide an early warning of respiratory complications that may require immediate intervention,a said Scott Kelley, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Respiratory and Monitoring Solutions, Covidien. aDespite its clinical importance, current methods of respiration rate monitoring are not always adequate. The addition of Respiration Rate to the Covidien Nellcor Respiratory Function portfolio provides a more holistic monitoring solution using a single, integrated sensor. Instead of merely knowing a patientas blood oxygen levels, we can now look at aspects of ventilation, or the passing of air into and out of the body. This gives dedicated care teams a more complete picture of a patientas respiratory status, so they can provide effective treatment and maintain patient safety.a

aWe are pleased to CE Mark the new Covidien Nellcor Respiration Rate software and sensor. We believe this technology offers significant advancements in patient monitoring,a said Robert White, President, Respiratory and Monitoring Solutions. aThis important milestone reflects Covidienas commitment to making investments in clinically relevant product innovations designed to improve patient outcomes.a

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 41,000 employees worldwide in more than 65 countries, and its products are sold in over 140 countries. For further information, visit [ www.covidien.com ].