Covidien to Launch TurboHawk(TM) Plaque Excision System for Small Vessels

New system offers greater efficiency and more
consistent performance for physicians

MANSFIELD, Mass., Feb 15, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) —

Covidien (NYSE:COV), a leading global provider of healthcare
products, today announced that it will launch the TurboHawk(TM)
Plaque Excision System for small vessels next month in the United
States and several international markets. The new system is
intended to treat calcified and non-calcified lesion morphologies
in small vessels, broadening minimally-invasive treatment options
for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). The device received 510(k)
clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in
January.

PAD is one of the most common vascular diseases and occurs when
leg arteries become narrowed or blocked by plaque. These blockages
can result in severe pain for patients, limited physical mobility,
and non-healing leg ulcers. According to the American Heart
Association, approximately eight to 12 million people in the U.S.
suffer from PAD.

The innovative design of the TurboHawk device allows for greater
cutting efficiency, providing physicians access to a device with
more consistent performance. For patients, the minimally invasive
nature of the procedure may lead to faster recovery and shorter
hospital visits.

“The TurboHawk system for small vessels extends the capabilities
demonstrated by TurboHawk Super and Smooth Cutter above the knee to
smaller, below the knee vessels. This translates to improved
delivery and improved plaque excision of mild to moderately
calcified vessels,” said Stacy Enxing Seng, President, Peripheral
Vascular, Covidien.

“The TurboHawk Plaque Excision System for small vessels will
provide physicians and healthcare professionals with a minimally
invasive solution that can improve patient outcomes in the
treatment of PAD,” said Joe Woody, President, Vascular Therapies,
Covidien. “The new system further exemplifies Covidien’s commitment
to PAD and improving patients overall quality of life.”

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.

SOURCE