Covidien unveils new V-Loc suture

Covidien has made an addition to its range of V-Loc wound closure devices with the launch of a new non-absorbable, uni-directional barbed suture.

Described by the company as a world first, the V-Loc PBT enables surgeons to permanently close incisions without needing to tie knots.

The new product joins a range that already includes the V-Loc 90 and V-Loc 180 absorbable wound closure devices.

All three offerings were displayed at the recent American College of Surgeons' 97th Annual Clinical Congress in San Francisco.

"With this new addition to our knotless suture portfolio, surgeons have an even broader array of choices for closing surgical incisions safely, quickly and effectively," said Peter Schommer, vice-president of global product marketing for wound closure at Covidien.

He added that the company remains committed to "developing innovative devices to improve patient outcomes".

Covidien's board of directors declared a 12.5 percent increase in the quarterly dividend rate in September, reflecting the company's strong performance so far this year.