Covidien Announces Iowa Health System's Conversion to the Nellcor[TM] OxiMax[TM] Pulse Oximetry System.

Largest Integrated Healthcare System in State, Serves More than 1.8 Million Patients Annually

BOULDER, Colo. -- Iowa Health System (IHS), the largest integrated healthcare provider in the state, has adopted use of the entire portfolio of Covidien (NYSE:COV) Nellcor[TM] OxiMax[TM] pulse oximetry products. The Nellcor OxiMax Pulse Oximetry Systems developed by Covidien, a leading global supplier of healthcare products, provide efficient and safe monitoring of patient oxygenation levels and are used at medical facilities worldwide.

IHS treats nearly one of every three patients in Iowa and is the largest integrated medical provider in the state. The system encompasses seven affiliates in Iowa and western Illinois and has more than 1.8 million patient visits annually.

The IHS mission is to deliver the "Best Outcome for Every Patient Every Time." Full standardization on Nellcor pulse oximetry products will allow IHS to provide innovative technology to every patient in its entire community of facilities.

"Iowa Health System is committed to providing the right solutions for the best outcomes," said April Fitzer, Vice President of Contracting, IHS. "We are excited to partner with Covidien for pulse oximetry technology to achieve that goal."

The flagship product of the Nellcor line -- the OxiMax N-600x pulse oximeter-- delivers accurate, reliable readings of patient oxygen levels and features SatSeconds[TM] alarm management and Nellcor OxiMax technology.

"We are committed to providing tools needed by healthcare professionals for enhanced patient safety," said Doug Bartlett, Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Patient Monitoring, Covidien. "The OxiMax platform delivers outstanding efficiency and safety. It is a critical tool that enables healthcare professionals to deliver superior quality of care and patient safety in today's increasingly demanding healthcare environment. We are delighted that IHS has chosen to adopt the full line of Nellcor pulse oximetry products."

Monitoring oxygen saturation level is critical in the healthcare setting, particularly for patients with high body mass index, undergoing surgery, reduced consciousness because of pain medication or exhaustion, or have a history of sleep apnea, snoring and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Also at high risk are the elderly, 65 years and older, who according to the Centers for Disease Control, are the largest population of patients entering U.S. hospitals.

The OxiMax SPD(TM) Alert feature detects repetitive patterns of desaturation in adults that are indicative of reductions in airflow through a patient's upper airway into the patient's lungs. With its easy-to-comprehend display and historical data, the system provides meaningful information about a patient's status.

In addition to the clinical benefits of the OxiMax N-600x pulse oximeter platform, system standardization is also cost-effective for the healthcare facility, decreasing the need for capital expenditures. With the use of the latest OxiMax sensors, clinicians have access to innovative technology.

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 2008 revenue of nearly $10 billion, Covidien has more than 41,000 employees worldwide in 59 countries, and its products are sold in over 140 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.