New device provides one-step sealing of blood vessels and tissues

Improve the efficiency of laparoscopic and open surgery

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Covidien's LigaSure Maryland jaw vessel sealer and divider in three lengths for open and laparoscopic surgery. (Photo: Business Wire)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Covidien's LigaSure Maryland jaw vessel sealer and divider in three lengths for open and laparoscopic surgery. (Photo: Business Wire)

The curved jaw of the LigaSure Maryland Jaw Vascular Sealer and Divider allows the surgeon to separate, grasp and seal tissue. (Photo: Business Wire)

The LigaSure Maryland lower jaw design provides an efficient traverse speed and is sealed in one step with an activation button built into the handle of the device. (Photo: Business Wire)

Boulder, Colorado--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Expanding its industry-leading vascular and tissue sealing product portfolio, Covidien (NYSE:COV) received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510 (k) LigaSure™ Maryland Jaw Bone Open Permit/laparoscopic sealer/divider. In addition, Covidien has completed all European requirements for CE marking of products. The company expects to launch new ship seals and dividers in the United States and the European Union this quarter.

The LigaSure Maryland mandibular device is designed to improve the efficiency of laparoscopic and open surgery, combining LigaSure's energy-based vascular sealing technology with the functions of three common surgical tools: the Maryland dissector, which is a blunt surgical tool with a curve The lower jaw is used to separate, grasp and manipulate tissue; non-invasive tissue grabber and cold surgical scissors. The design of the new LigaSure Maryland jaw device allows surgeons to grasp, seal, and cut tissue in a minimum of steps and reduce instrument changes.

"For 15 years, surgeons have relied on LigaSure technology because it reduces blood loss1,2, shortens operation time1,2, and shortens hospital stay1 compared to sutures," said Chris Barry, Covidien Senior Surgery President. "LigaSure Maryland Jaw Bone provides surgeons with an efficient, versatile, and versatile one-step sealing option, and further demonstrates Covidien's commitment to expanding energy equipment options with solutions tailored to specific procedures and surgeons' use needs."

Setting the industry standard, LigaSure technology has been used in more than 8 million vessel sealing procedures worldwide.

The LigaSure blood vessel sealing technology is supported by the ForceTriad™ energy platform and controlled by the TissueFect™ sensing technology. The platform monitors tissue changes 3,333 times per second and adjusts the energy output accordingly to provide the appropriate energy for the desired tissue effect. LigaSure Vascular Seal uses the body's own collagen and elastin to create a permanent fusion zone. Covidien's proprietary technology can fuse blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, tissue bundles and pulmonary vasculature up to 7 mm long.

The LigaSure Maryland mandibular device is available in three lengths. Covidien plans to introduce a 37 cm version to some customers in early 2014, and a shorter 23 cm and longer 44 cm options later this year. Covidien designed the LigaSure Maryland Jaw Bone Device for minimally invasive surgery, including urology, angioscopy, thoracoscopy, and thoracoscopy, as well as gynecological surgery for vascular ligation and segmentation.

For more information about LigaSure products, please visit: http://surgical.covidien.com/products/vessel-sealing#technology

Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient treatment and creates value through clinical leadership and outstanding performance. Covidien develops, manufactures and sells a variety of industry-leading medical equipment and supply products. Covidien's 2013 revenue was 10.2 billion U.S. dollars, it has more than 38,000 employees in more than 70 countries/regions, and its products are sold in more than 150 countries/regions. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.

1 Ding Z, Wable G, Rane A. The application of Ligasure bipolar diathermy system in vaginal hysterectomy. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2005; 25(1): 49-51.

2 Levy B, Emery L. A randomized trial of suture and electrosurgical bipolar vessel closure during vaginal hysterectomy. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2003;102(1):147-151.

Covidien plc John Jordan, 508-452-4891 Communications Manager john.jordan@covidien.com or Coleman Lannum, CFA, 508-452-4343 Vice President, Investor Relations cole.lannum@covidien.com or Marguerite Copel, 203-821 -4720 Vice President of Communications marguerite.copel@covidien.com or Todd Carpenter, 508-452-4363 Senior Director of Investor Relations todd.carpenter@covidien.com

Expanding its industry-leading vascular and tissue sealing product portfolio, Covidien received FDA 510(k) approval for use in LigaSure™ Maryland Jaw/laparoscopic seal/separator.

Covidien plc John Jordan, 508-452-4891 Communications Manager john.jordan@covidien.com or Coleman Lannum, CFA, 508-452-4343 Vice President, Investor Relations cole.lannum@covidien.com or Marguerite Copel, 203-821 -4720 Vice President of Communications marguerite.copel@covidien.com or Todd Carpenter, 508-452-4363 Senior Director of Investor Relations todd.carpenter@covidien.com