NORTH HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Covidien, a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced the global rollout of the V-Loc™ absorbable wound closure device, the first surgical device of its kind to feature unidirectional barbed technology that enables surgeons to close dermal wounds quickly and securely without tying knots.
The breakthrough V-Loc surgical device is a self-anchoring loop and barb combination that eliminates the need to tie knots, while distributing tension across the wound and facilitating the simultaneous closure of multiple layers. As a result, closure time with the V-Loc device is 30% to 50% faster than with conventional suturing, as demonstrated by ex-vivo implant studies. This decrease in closure time may reduce the time patients need to spend in the operating room, and with the absence of knots, knot-related complications are potentially reduced.
The V-Loc device was presented today at the American College of Surgeons 95th Annual Clinical Congress in Chicago.
“The V-Loc device is a breakthrough in dermal wound closure technology, and the feedback we are getting from surgeons who have tested the device is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,” said Dr. Michael Tarnoff, Chief Medical Affairs Officer, Surgical Devices, Covidien. “Secure, fast and effective, knotless surgery through our V-Loc device is a simple and elegant solution that can help hospitals and surgeons deal effectively with a number of issues that impact patient outcomes.”
The V-Loc device is intuitive and easy for surgeons to use, requiring no change in standard techniques for dermal wound closure. It can be used in laparoscopic surgical procedures, where tying knots or stapling can be challenging. Evenly spaced barbs throughout the device’s monofilament strand provide secure dermal wound closure. These features, combined with the speed and security of knotless closure, make the V-Loc device ideal for plastic reconstructive, open and laparoscopic dermal wound closure procedures.
For more information about the V-Loc absorbable wound closure device, please visit www.covidien.com/v-loc.
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 three segments: Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies. With 2008 revenue of $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.
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Covidien Diana Sousa, 203-492-7610 Vice President, Communications Surgical Devices diana.sousa@covidien.com or Bruce Farmer, 508-452-4372 Vice President Public Relations bruce.farmer@covidien.com or Coleman Lannum, 508-452-4343 CFA Vice President Investor Relations cole.lannum@covidien.com or Brian Nameth, 508-452-4363 Director Investor Relations brian.nameth@covidien.com
