Covidien Launches Three Access Products in Europe for Advanced Minimally Invasive Procedures

Covidien (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), a leading global provider of
healthcare products, today announced that its Surgical Devices
business unit has launched three new access products in Europe,
VersaStep(TM) Plus 15mm, Visiport(TM) Plus with fixation and
Versaport(TM) Plus RPF 15mm with fixation. The European launch follows
the United States introduction of all three products earlier this
month.

The VersaStep(TM) Plus 15mm is an innovative bladeless
laparoscopic access system with a radially expandable sleeve that
minimizes the fascial defect and reduces the downward insertion forces
associated with normal trocar insertion. Proven Step(TM) technology is
designed to enhance patient safety, save time in surgery and reduce
the likelihood of complications, including vascular and visceral
injuries. The VersaStep(TM) Plus 15mm complements the existing
VersaStep(TM) Plus line and offers all of the benefits of Covidien´s
proprietary Step(TM) technology.

"Step(TM) was the first non-bladed technology in the marketplace
and set the standard for safety in laparoscopic entry," said Scott
Flora, President, Surgical Devices, Covidien. "The VersaStep(TM)
Plus15mm will be used in advanced, minimally invasive abdominal
surgeries such as gastric banding and gastric bypass that require the
use of larger sized instruments," added Flora.

The VisiportTM Plus with fixation supplies a VersaportTM Plus
fixation cannula, an enhanced cannula with integrated fixation ribs
for excellent port stability, and a VisiportTM Plus optical trocar
that provides direct visualization of tissue layers during primary
port insertion and allows a combination of controlled blunt and sharp
dissection during entry.

The VersaportTM Plus RPF 15mm with fixation is used in advanced
laparoscopic procedures as it accommodates larger instrumentation. The
VersaportTM Plus RPF 15mm is also now supplied with an enhanced
cannula with integrated fixation ribs for excellent port stability.

ABOUT COVIDIEN LTD.

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 four segments: Medical Devices,
Imaging Solutions, Pharmaceutical Products and Medical Supplies. With
2007 revenue of nearly $9 billion, Covidien has more than 43,000
employees worldwide in 57 countries, and its products are sold in over
130 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our
business.