New Infinity SmartPod®, Technology Offers Excellence in Patient Monitoring Products

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Covidien (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), a leading global supplier of healthcare products, today announced the integration of its Nellcor OxiMax™ oximetry system into Dräger bedside monitors with the new Infinity® SmartPod®. The partnership between Covidien and Dräger, a world-leading manufacturer of medical equipment, brings quality products to market that are designed to continue to improve patient outcomes.

Dräger’s new Infinity SmartPod with Nellcor OxiMax pulse oximetry system, which is installed primarily in critical-care areas such as the Emergency, OR and Neonatal Care departments, incorporates the latest Nellcor OxiMax pulse oximetry system. Customers will have the added flexibility to choose the OxiMax system with Dräger patient monitors. This allows the Infinity monitors* to be compatible with Covidien’s family of specialty sensors, which work only with Nellcor OxiMax technology. Covidien’s innovative sensors -- including the Max-Fast™ forehead sensor used for patients with poor perfusion and the SoftCare™ nonadhesive sensor line for patients with sensitive skin -- enable effective, comfortable care throughout the high-acuity and critical-care areas of the hospital.

“The integration of our OxiMax system into the Dräger monitors offers greater value to customers by providing access to the best-in-class technology of both organizations,” said Chris Lowery, General Manager and Vice President, Patient Monitoring, Covidien. “Our specialty sensors help clinicians provide specialized care and are designed to improve the outcomes for patients with complex conditions.”

The Nellcor pod incorporates cardiac-based signal processing algorithms, enabling clinicians to track SpO₂ and pulse rate during difficult monitoring challenges, such as during signal interference or low perfusion.

“The new Nellcor pod expands Dräger’s portfolio of SpO₂ solutions and gives our customers the opportunity to take advantage of the Nellcor OxiMax oximetry system,” said Heidi Murphy, Senior Product Manager for Dräger. “This technology expands the value of Dräger’s patented Pick and Go® solution, which enables all vital sign parameters that were being monitored at the bedside to continue to be monitored on transport, even during challenging patient transports between units.”

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 2008 revenue of nearly $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.

Dräger. Technology for Life^®

The Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA is an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology. Dräger products protect, support and save lives. Founded in 1889, in 2007 Dräger generated revenues of around €1.8 billion. The Dräger Group is currently present in more than 190 countries and has about 10,000 employees worldwide. Please visit www.draeger.com for more information.

*Infinity Delta, Delta XL, Kappa, Gamma X XL and Vista XL patient monitors.

Nellcor, OxiMax, Max-Fast, and SoftCare are trademarks of Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC.

Infinity, SmartPod, and Pick and Go are trademarks of Dräger Medical or Siemens Medical Systems.