Covidien launches AS Meniscal Repair Device

Covidien has announced the launch of a new surgical device for meniscal repair, representing the latest addition to its sports surgery range.

The AS Meniscal Repair Device allows surgeons to perform 'all-inside' minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to repair a torn meniscus in the knee, using the gold standard all-suture method of fixation.

It works with only one thumb slide actuation and no complex components, while the clear laser-etched depth markings on the specially coated needles allow for precision in depth of penetration.

Bench-top tests conducted using the device confirm that it is able to deploy sutures with strong holding power consistently and reliably, without the need for any anchors.

Peter Marshall, director of research and development at Covidien, said: "The innovation seen in the design of the AS Meniscal Repair Device provides orthopaedic surgeons with the confidence and security of an all-suture repair without the concern of rigid implant placement in soft tissue."

Last month, the company received a recommendation from the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence for the use of its BIS brain monitoring system in measuring the depth of anaesthesia.