DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 14, 2014-- Covidien plc (NYSE: COV) today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) Clearance for the Kangaroo™ feeding tube with IRIS Technology. This first-of-its-kind camera-equipped disposable feeding tube is designed to enhance patient safety by providing visualization for a procedure that is currently blinded.

The Covidien Integrated Real-time Imaging System (IRIS) technology streams a real-time video back to the Kangaroo IRIS monitor, providing visual information that can aid clinicians in identifying key areas of a patient's anatomy. (Photo: Business Wire)

The Covidien Integrated Real-time Imaging System (IRIS) technology streams a real-time video back to the Kangaroo IRIS monitor, providing visual information that can aid clinicians in identifying key areas of a patient’s anatomy. The system also enables medical professionals to save images from the live stream and make notes associated with the image.

Prior to availability of the Kangaroo feeding tube with IRIS technology, feeding tube placement was often done blindly. The risk associated with blind placement is the misplacement of the feeding tube into the patient’s airway, which can potentially cause a punctured lung or even death. The Kangaroo feeding tube with IRIS technology now gives sight where medical professionals were previously blind.

“The Kangaroo feeding tube with IRIS technology is truly unique and was built with patient safety in mind,” said Jim Clemmer, president, Medical Supplies, Covidien. “Covidien is an industry leader in nutritional delivery and enteral feeding devices and products such as the Kangaroo feeding tube with IRIS technology are designed to help improve patient outcomes and set new expectations for medical device product safety and innovation around the world.”

In addition to FDA clearance in the U.S., the Kangaroo feeding tube with IRIS technology is approved for use in Europe, Japan, Canada and Australia. The Kangaroo IRIS monitor is currently programmed with seven languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch.

For more information about the Kangaroo feeding tube with IRIS technology, please visit www.covidien.com/kangarooIRIS.

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 develops, manufactures and sells a diverse range of industry-leading medical device and supply products. With 2013 revenue of $10.2 billion, Covidien has more than 38,000 employees worldwide in more than 70 countries, and its products are sold in over 150 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140414005127/en/

Source: Covidien plc

Covidien
Peter Lucht, 508-452-4168
Vice President
External Communications
Peter.lucht@covidien.com
or
Coleman Lannum, CFA, 508-452-4343
Vice President
Investor Relations
cole.lannum@covidien.com
or
Lisa Clemence, 508-452-4375
Director
Corporate Communications
lisa.clemence@covidien.com
or
Todd Carpenter, 508-452-4363
Senior Director
Investor Relations
todd.carpenter@covidien.com