2008-10-07 18:14:01 -

covidien.com - Covidien Joel Weinberg, 203-492-5576 Manager - Media Relations Surgical Devices joel.weinberg@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 or Wayde McMillan, 508-452-4387 Director Investor Relations wayde.mcmillan@covidien.com Covidien (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), a leading global provider

of healthcare products, today announced that it has launched a new website called www.yourhernia.com to educate the general public about inguinal hernias and the benefits of minimally invasive surgery as an option for patient treatment.

"Each year, approximately 5 million people in the United States develop inguinal hernias, yet only about 625,000 inguinal hernia repairs are performed, " said Scott Flora, President, Surgical Devices, Covidien. "One of the many goals of our new website is to demystify the hernia procedure for men, who are 10 times more likely to develop an inguinal hernia than women," he added.

The website provides an extensive list of surgeons that inguinal hernia sufferers or their family and friends can use to contact a local surgeon for a consultation. The website also offers detailed information about the causes and types of inguinal hernias, enabling patients to clearly understand the need to seek treatment.

Yourhernia.com is one of several new Covidien online initiatives that are focused on patient education. Earlier this year, Covidien launched bariatrics4diabetes.com, an educational website focused on bariatric surgery as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes, and colondisease.com, which discussed colorectal cancer and its treatment options.

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.

¶ Surgical Devices Business Unit Will Provide In-Depth Listing of
Surgeons throughout the United States Who Are Available for
Consultation