Covidien Introduces the VascuSeal? Vascular Sealant System to the European Marketplace

Covidien (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare

products, today announced that its Surgical Devices business unit has

introduced the VascuSeal™ Vascular Sealant

System throughout Europe and in select Middle East markets. VascuSeal™ offers surgeons a unique advanced hydrogel that provides an immediate

blood-tight seal that is effective intraoperatively and throughout the

critical healing period. VascuSeal™, which is

CE-Marked, is intended for use as a surgical sealant during arterial and

venous reconstructions to seal suture lines.
Unlike a hemostatic agent, a vascular sealant can seal blood leaks and

does not depend on either the time for the blood to clot or the strength

of the blood clot to perform successfully. The VascuSeal™ Sealant System offers surgeons a valuable tool to reduce bleeding from

the suture line in vascular bypass procedures, and reduces

post-operative complications associated with suture line bleeding.
The VascuSeal™ sealant technology is a

patented synthetic, absorbable hydrogel delivered by a dual syringe

applicator. The device can be stored at room temperature and prepared in

less than two minutes. VascuSeal™ sealant

polymerizes within seconds when sprayed on the suture line and is blue

in color which provides the vascular surgeon visualization of coverage

and thickness of the material upon application. Postoperatively

VascuSeal™sealant continues to seal the

suture line as healing progresses under the gel. After several days, the

hydrogel breaks down into water-soluble molecules that are absorbed and

cleared through the kidneys.
"The VascuSeal™ Vascular Sealant System represents another innovative product in the

BioSurgery marketplace," said Scott Flora

President, Surgical Devices, Covidien. "We

expect VascuSeal™ to be well-received by

surgeons looking to improve patient outcomes, save time and reduce blood

loss during surgical procedures," added Flora.
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 four segments: Medical Devices, Imaging Solutions

Pharmaceutical Products and Medical Supplies. With 2007 revenue of

nearly $9 billion, Covidien has more than 42,000 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.