DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun. 3, 2014-- Covidien plc, a leading global provider of health care products and recognized innovator in patient monitoring and respiratory care devices, today announced the European commercial launch of its Nellcor™ Respiration Rate System. In addition to the Adult Respiratory Sensor, the system includes the Nellcor™ Respiration Rate Version 2.0 software and Nellcor™ Bedside Respiratory Patient Monitoring System, PM1000N, both of which recently received CE Mark approval.

With this addition to the Nellcor™ Respiratory Function portfolio – a single-sensor, pleth-based respiration rate monitoring technology – clinicians now can monitor a patient’s SpO2, pulse rate and respiration rate through a single integrated finger sensor.

Respiration rate is a critical vital sign that can act as an early indicator of respiratory complications. The Nellcor™ Respiration Rate System provides this critical information through a continuous, non-invasive patient monitoring platform that enables clinicians to review respiratory trend data over the course of a patient’s treatment. The system is accurate – reporting respiration rates of ± 1 breath per minute when compared to respiration rate derived from a capnography-based reference – easy to use, and may enable earlier intervention in the case of respiratory compromise.

“The methods we currently have available to monitor respiration rate are not always accurate, despite the fact that it is a critical vital sign,” said Dr. Graham Douglas, Respiratory Unit, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. “The Respiration Rate system from Covidien gives us a better picture of a patient’s overall respiratory status, does not change the workflow of our clinical staff and allows us to better provide effective treatment through a finger sensor that is familiar to clinicians and comfortable for patients.”

A comprehensive and continuous patient monitoring strategy encompassing respiratory rate, pulse oximetry and capnography has the potential to reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative respiratory compromise, improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of care. Approximately 77 percent of patients suffering adverse events have at least one vital sign missing from documentation immediately before the event.1 Recent recommendations from the Joint Commission, American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation suggest continuous electronic monitoring for adult patients receiving medication for postoperative pain management. Nellcor™ Respiration Rate Version 2.0 Software can help clinicians meet these recommendations and improve the overall safety of this at risk patient population.

“This single integrated sensor technology is a significant development in the patient monitoring industry,” said Matt Anderson, vice president and general manager, Patient Monitoring, Covidien. “It supports Covidien’s goal of being on the forefront of cutting-edge medical technology to enable clinicians to provide better patient care.”

More information on the product is available by visiting www.covidien.com/respirationrate. Learn more about the dangers of respiratory compromise at www.covidien.com/respiratorycompromise.

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.

1. Chen J, Hillman K, Bellomo R, Flabouris A, Finfer S, Cretikos M. The impact of introducing medical emergency team system on the documentations of vital signs. Resuscitation. 2009;80(1):35-43.

Source: Covidien

Covidien
Rhonda Luniak, 303-406-8743
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rhonda.luniak@covidien.com
or
Lisa Clemence, 508-452-4375
Director
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