Covidien introduces EEA Hemorrhoid & Prolapse Stapler Set with DST Series Technology

Covidien (NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced that it is entering the hemorrhoidopexy market for the first time with EEA^TM Hemorrhoid & Prolapse Stapler Set with DST Series^TM Technology.

The new, innovative instrumentation features important advances in hemorrhoid stapler technology and design that address what surgeons say are their biggest challenges in performing the hemorrhoidopexy procedure. Covidien is demonstrating the new technology at the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons annual scientific meeting this week.

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common ailments in the U.S., affecting more than half the population, according to industry estimates. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy, in which internal hemorrhoidal tissue is internally stapled and excised, is considered a less painful alternative to surgical hemorrhoidectomy.

The EEA Hemorrhoid & Prolapse Stapler Set is designed to facilitate each of the four steps in the hemorrhoidopexy procedure - dilation, purse-string placement, tissue incorporation and stapling and resection. It is the only circular stapler kit equipped with a detachable anvil with holes, transparent winged port and clear anoscope kit and bridge. These features allow for better tissue access and visibility and consistent results in purse-string placement, staple formation through DST Series Technology and tissue volume capture and incorporation.

Dr. Sang W. Lee, Associate Professor of Surgery, Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill-Cornell Medical College, said, "Before Covidien's introduction of the EEA Hemorrhoid & Prolapse Stapler Set, I think that the adoption of hemorrhoidopexy was limited, mainly due to the limitations of the device that was available then. Surgeons were frustrated because of poor exposure and difficulties in properly applying the device. I think that Covidien's new hemorrhoid stapler changes all that. It provides significantly better exposure and clear visualization of underlying anatomic landmarks to facilitate the accurate placement of purse-string sutures, which is the key component of the operation. In my practice, I found that the new Covidien device allows me to provide more consistent results with outstanding clinical performance. I will not perform the procedure without it!"

As part of its commitment to evidence-based medicine, Covidien is organizing a clinical study involving the EEA Hemorrhoid & Prolapse Stapler Set with DST Series Technology. Covidien also is publishing a series of clinical experience papers.