Covidien launches new endoscopic stapling platform

Covidien has announced the global launch of a new endoscopic stapling platform which is set to improve the ease and flexibility of laparoscopic procedures.

The medical technology firm’s new Tri-Staple technology functions across a wider range of tissue thicknesses than previous devices and will be utilised in various Covidien products released over the next 12 months.

It will make its debut with the newly-launched Endo GIA Ultra Universal stapler and Endo GIA Reloads, which are specified for thoracic, bariatric, colorectal, and gynaecological surgery, among other applications.

In addition, Covidien will be sponsoring a number of clinical trials of its new technology and plans to present results from the studies throughout the year.

Bob Desantis, vice-president of endomechanical and intelligent devices research and development at Covidien, said: “We ? went back to the drawing board to design a brand new system that gives surgeons many of the capabilities they told us they needed.”

Last week, Covidien announced that it has agreed a deal to acquire the cerebral and somatic oximetry specialist Somanetics, with the takeover set to be completed at the end of July 2010.