N@N

PLYMOUTH, Minn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--[ Covidien ] (NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced the launch of the Viancea" Crossing Catheter and Enteera" Re-entry System for treating chronic total occlusions (CTOs) endovascularly. The devices are now available in the United States, the European Union (EU) and other select international markets.

"Effective devices for CTO crossing and re-entry can expand the number of patients who have access to endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease, which may help patients avoid more invasive treatments and allow physicians to offer amputation-saving procedures."

aManagement of the lower extremity CTO remains challenging for endovascular physicians,a said David B. Jessup, MD of PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Washington. aEffective devices for CTO crossing and re-entry can expand the number of patients who have access to endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease, which may help patients avoid more invasive treatments and allow physicians to offer amputation-saving procedures.a

For effective treatment, physicians must be able to successfully cross lesions. The new tools from Covidien are designed to enable access to the distal end of a lesion, allowing physicians to treat even the most challenging lesions endovascularly. Together, the [ Viance Crossing Catheter ] and the [ Enteer Re-entry System ] offer a solution that leverages the skill and finesse of the physician rather than brute force or capital equipment.

aCovidien now offers a unique solution for the treatment of CTOs,a said Brian Verrier, Vice President and General Manager, Peripheral Vascular, Covidien. aBy adding these products to our market-leading peripheral portfolio, we strive to demonstrate our commitment to advancing the treatment of vascular disease worldwide by delivering innovation that achieves both clinical and economic value for our healthcare partners.a

Competitive crossing devices rely on more aggressive cutting, grinding or pounding motions and can be more difficult to control. Moreover, the distinctive shape of the re-entry balloon enables it to self-orient within the vessel. No other product on the market utilizes this balloon technology for a re-entry system.

The announcement was made at the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe ([ CIRSE 2012 ]) Annual Congress.

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.

Photos/MultimediaGallery Available: [ http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50410865&lang=en ]