Covidien introduces Endo GIA Radial Reload with Tri-Staple technology for LAR procedures

Covidien (NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced the launch of the Endo GIA™ Radial Reload with Tri-Staple™ technology.    

The Radial Reload is the newest addition to Covidien's line of stapling products featuring Tri-Staple technology and the latest innovation in the Company's growing colorectal surgery device portfolio. The Radial Reload allows surgeons to cut and securely staple colon tissue up to 2 cm deeper into the pelvis than Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc.'s Contour^® Curved Cutter Stapler during low anterior resection (LAR) procedures.

"When performing LAR procedures, surgeons are faced with the challenge of completely resecting colorectal tumors or diseased tissue in the deep pelvis, while maintaining good visualization and appropriate distal margins with the ultimate goal of sphincter preservation and avoidance of an ostomy," said David E. Rivadeneira, MD, FACS, FASCRS, Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery and Director of the Colon and Rectal Program at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center and St. Charles Hospital. "In the cadaver study sponsored by Covidien, we demonstrated that the Radial Reload provides better access and visualization deep in the pelvis during open LAR, as compared to the Ethicon Contour® Curved Cutter Stapler. Deeper access into the lower pelvis can potentially help improve a surgeon's ability to perform sphincter salvage procedures and avoid a colostomy bag, which improves a patient's quality of life."

The Radial Reload allows for an open or laparoscopic approach through a hand port or similar access device, and enables surgeons to operate with uncompromised access, visibility and maneuverability in the deep pelvis when performing LAR procedures. The Radial Reload incorporates Tri-Staple technology and its design benefits, such as less stress on tissue during compression and clamping, potentially greater perfusion into the staple line⁴ and the ability to manage tissue variability.

The Radial Reload will be on display at exhibit booth #101 during the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) Annual Scientific Meeting in San Antonio, Texas from June 2-6, 2012.

The Radial Reload builds on a legacy of innovation in colorectal surgery device design that first started with the introduction of the Company's first EEA™ Circular Stapler in the late 1970s. Last year, Covidien launched its first reusable powered stapling product for colorectal surgery, the iDrive™ and Right Angle Linear Cutter.

"Covidien is setting new standards for access, maneuverability and staple line security in LAR procedures with this innovative new design for the Radial Reload," said Mike Primavera, Director of Product Development, Surgical Solutions, Covidien. "Using feedback from our customers, we designed the device to deliver optimal performance, even in the most challenging cases."