Covidien Receives FDA Clearance to Market SILS[TM] Port Multiple Instrument Access Port.

New Device Will Enable SILS[TM] Procedures

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. -- Covidien (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced that its Surgical Devices business unit has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market the Covidien SILS[TM] Port Multiple Instrument Access Port for laparoscopic surgeries through a single incision.

The SILS[TM] Port is a single, flexible port that can be fitted through a small incision in the umbilicus which results in a single "hidden scar," a cosmetic advance over the multiple visible scars associated with standard multi-port laparoscopy. The port has the capacity for up to three laparoscopic instruments.

"SILS[TM] Port is the first device specifically indicated for multiple instrument access to the abdomen through a single incision," said Scott Flora, President, Surgical Devices, Covidien. "We led the first surgical revolution with multi-port laparoscopic surgery and Covidien is now leading the way again with SILS[TM] procedures and the new SILS[TM] Port, innovations that offer surgeons an immediate advancement in patient care," he added.

Laparoscopic procedures performed through a single incision are a significant evolution in the world of surgery. While laparoscopy traditionally offers better patient outcomes including less pain and improved cosmesis than the open approach, SILS[TM] procedures have the potential to dramatically extend these benefits. The SILS[TM] Port is scheduled for commercialization in the United States and Europe later this year.

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.