Covidien to launch new plaque excision system

Covidien has announced the imminent launch of a new device for the treatment of calcified and non-calcified lesion morphologies in small vessels.

The TurboHawk Plaque Excision System will be released in the US and several international territories next month after receiving regulatory clearance last month.

It has been designed to offer a high level of cutting efficiency, allowing physicians to achieve consistently good performance, while its minimally invasive nature provides quicker recovery time for patients.

The TurboHawk device is optimised for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a common vascular condition that can result in extreme pain and non-healing ulcers, as well as limited mobility.

Joe Woody, president for the manufacturer's vascular therapies unit, said: "The new system further exemplifies Covidien's commitment to PAD and improving patients' overall quality of life."

Earlier this month, the company published its financial results for the first quarter of 2011, reporting a five percent year-on-year growth in net sales.