Leading health care products company,
Covidien plc.
(
COV
) recently received 510(k) approval from the U.S. Food and Drug
Association (FDA) for its iDrive Ultra powered stapling system. It
is a first of its kind fully powered, battery-operated, reusable
endoscopic stapler used during laparoscopic and open surgeries. The
system will be available in the U.S. early in the fourth quarter of
2012.
The iDrive Ultra system is the latest offering from Covidien's
Endomechanical Instruments under the Medical Devices business.
Stapling products are already contributing to the growth of this
business segment. The opportunity presented by this revolutionary
powered stapling device with unique in-built features should be
accretive to the company's top-line.
The iDrive Ultra system is the first stapler compatible with
Covidien's entire range of Endo GIA reloads with Tri-Staple
technology. The Tri-Staple technology integrated into the iDrive
Ultra system enables better perfusion into the staple line, exerts
lower pressure on tissue during compression and clamping and
manages tissue variability effectively.
In addition, the iDrive Ultra system has been specifically designed
for multi-patient use and is also environmentally friendly. With
advanced features and extensive articulations, the system can be
easily maneuvered without the application of manual firing force.
All these special features will improve surgical precision and
efficacy, resulting in better patient safety.
Covidien is a leading global health care products company with a
history of developing high-quality products in a cost-effective
manner. It competes with
Johnson & Johnson
(
JNJ
),
Becton Dickinson
(
BDX
) and
C.R. Bard
(
BCR
), among others. The company plans to bolster sales with the help
of strategic acquisitions.
Covidien remains committed to rolling out new products and
technologies, focusing on emerging markets, and boosting market
share in core segments through investments in its sales and
marketing infrastructure.
However, sustained pricing/procedure volume pressure, fluctuating
foreign exchange rates, a sluggish U.S. and European economy
represent major headwinds. We currently have a Neutral
recommendation on Covidien, which carries a short-term Zacks #4
Rank (Sell).
BARD C R INC (BCR): Free Stock Analysis Report
BECTON DICKINSO (BDX): Free Stock Analysis
Report
COVIDIEN PLC (COV): Free Stock Analysis Report
JOHNSON & JOHNS (JNJ): Free Stock Analysis
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