Covidien’s contrast delivery system combines its unit-dose Ultraject™ prefilled contrast media syringes with its Optivantage™ DH power injectors to provide the only RFID-enabled contrast delivery solution available in North America. RFID is an automatic identification technology that captures, stores and transmits data between the Ultraject syringe and the Optivantage DH power injector using devices called RFID transponders, or tags.
“Covidien’s new, innovative system has the potential to reduce medical errors and increase efficiency in CT imaging,” said Steve Hanley, President of Covidien Imaging Solutions. “We expect this technology to be the platform for future innovation.”
With RFID technology, the system creates an intelligent interface between the contrast media syringe and the power injector that enables radiology technologists to better ensure that each patient receives the prescribed drug and drug dose during a procedure. The interface allows the injector to physically alter the RFID label on a syringe once it is used, which substantially reduces the probability of life-threatening air injections or air embolisms because the system automatically prevents the injection of contents from a previously used RFID-labeled syringe. Covidien’s system also indicates if the drug in an RFID-labeled syringe is past its expiration date. Additionally, the system automatically transfers drug and achieved exam protocol information onto a printed label for the patient record, which reduces the need for manual data entry, thereby improving efficiency and accuracy.
As the pioneer in prefilled syringes for contrast imaging, Covidien has helped customers reduce the risk of certain medication-dispensing and mislabeling errors that may occur when clinicians manually fill syringes from bulk packaging. The integration of RFID technology into the Covidien contrast delivery system builds on the Company’s ongoing efforts to address safety-related needs in radiology departments. RFID-labeled syringes strengthen Covidien’s ability to help radiology facilities address Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) and U.S. Pharmacopoeia 797 standards, which are aimed at ensuring compliance with labeling and unit-dose requirements, as well as the use of aseptic techniques.
“Risk reduction is one of the key challenges facing the radiology community,” Hanley added. “Our new delivery system underscores Covidien’s commitment to helping our customers address safety-related concerns.”
Covidien expects its contrast delivery system with RFID technology to be available in the summer of 2008.
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 2007 revenue of nearly $9 billion, Covidien has more than 42,000 employees worldwide in 57 countries, and its products are sold in over 130 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.
COVIDIEN, COVIDIEN with Logo and ™ marked brands are trademarks of Covidien AG or its affiliate. © 2008 Covidien AG or its affiliate. All rights reserved.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on our management’s current beliefs and expectations, but are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances, which may cause actual results or Company actions to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by these statements. The factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to satisfaction of closing conditions related to the Retail Products business transaction, the integration of businesses we have acquired or may acquire in the future, changing technologies, product development and market acceptance of our products, the cost and pricing of our products, manufacturing, competition, customers’ capital spending and government funding policies, changes in governmental regulations, the use and protection of intellectual property rights, litigation and exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in our filings with the SEC. We disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by law.
Contact:
Covidien JoAnna Schooler, 314-654-3543 Director, Public Relations joanna.schooler@covidien.com or Nancy Stauder, 314-654-8548 Director, U.S. Marketing Communications nancy.stauder@covidien.com or Coleman Lannum, CFA, 508-452-4343 Vice President, Investor Relations cole.lannum@covidien.com or Bruce Farmer, 508-452-4372 Vice President, Public Relations bruce.farmer@covidien.com
Source: Covidien
