Covidien to Be Presenting Sponsor for American Diabetes Association EXPOs in New York and Minneapolis

Sponsorship Reinforces Covidien`s Focus on Our Resolution Program Educating,
Inspiring and Engaging Americans in the Fight Against Type 2 Diabetes and
Obesity

NORTH HAVEN, Conn.--(Business Wire)--
Covidien (NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of health care products, today
announced it will be the presenting sponsor of the American Diabetes
Association`s Diabetes EXPOs in New York City and Minneapolis. In addition,
Covidien is sponsoring educational workshops at the Diabetes EXPOs in Atlanta,
Boston, and Seattle in the spring of 2010.

The Diabetes EXPO will be held in New York City on September 26, 2009, at the
Jacob Javits Convention Center and in Minneapolis on October 24, 2009, at the
Minneapolis Convention Center.

In May 2009, Covidien launched the nationwide Our Resolution program that
educates, inspires and engages Americans who struggle with diabetes and obesity.
Teaming with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the nation`s largest and
leading voluntary health organization dedicated to the fight against diabetes,
is the newest element of the Our Resolution program.

"In January 2009, the ADA`s `Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes` added a
section on bariatric surgery noting that people with type 2 diabetes and a body
mass index of 35 and above may be candidates for bariatric surgery1," said
Michael Tarnoff, M.D., FACS, Chief Medical Officer & Vice President Medical
Affairs, Surgical Devices, Covidien. "The EXPO is a perfect opportunity for us
to interact with the public and showcase the life-changing opportunities and
lifestyle choices available through bariatric surgery for people battling
obesity and type 2 diabetes."

According to the World Health Organization, the worldwide incidence of diabetes
is projected to grow from 171 million cases to 366 million worldwide by 20302.
According to the ADA, the overall economic cost of diabetes in the U.S. in 2007
was estimated at $174 billion3.

"Diabetes EXPO provides the public with a unique opportunity to talk with health
care experts and obtain important medical and nutrition information," said
Elizabeth Seaquist, M.D. Chair of the Minneapolis Diabetes EXPO. "For people who
might have questions about bariatric surgery or mistakenly think that this is a
`quick fix` to a health problem, they will benefit from learning as much as
possible about what this treatment entails, the need for life-long lifestyle
support, and medical monitoring. We are pleased that Covidien has chosen to be a
Presenting Sponsor of our EXPOs in New York City and Minneapolis and is willing
to share information about potential risks and benefits of bariatric type of
surgery in both the short and long-term."

Covidien`s workshops at EXPO will explore the future of bariatric surgery and
its role in helping resolve type 2 diabetes. Francesco Rubino, M.D., a
world-renowned expert on the surgical treatment of type 2 diabetes and the head
of the innovative Diabetes Surgery Center at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell
Medical College, will educate attendees on the application of bariatric surgery
in the management of type 2 diabetes.

"For some, bariatric surgery is a life-saving therapy, and new studies suggest
that the surgical resolution of diabetes is possible, "said Dr. Rubino. "It is
imperative that patients and physicians be exposed to educational initiatives
that present the benefits and risks of bariatric surgery in a balanced way.
Patients deserve the right to choose a therapeutic option with life-saving
potential."

Dr. Judith Korner, Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine and
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Columbia University and Director of
the Weight Control Center at Columbia University Medical Center, will discuss
the pharmacological and medical implications of a lifelong regimen of diabetes
medications.

"For most patients, getting blood glucose under control is a daunting task that
requires several medications," stated Dr. Korner. "It is important to choose
these medications wisely as some may cause weight gain, making it even more
difficult to control glucose levels."

Author, motivational speaker and frequent Oprah Winfrey Show guest Stacey
Halprin will present the patient aspect of bariatric surgery by sharing her
personal experience of managing type 2 diabetes through surgery. Halprin lost
over 300 lbs. after undergoing gastric bypass in 2002. She is the author of
Winning After Losing; How to Keep the Weight Off Forever and has given countless
talks on her journey from a morbidly obese woman with type 2 diabetes to a
healthy, active woman.

In addition to Our Resolution, Covidien launched an educational bariatric
website, www.bariatrics4diabetes.com. The site contains detailed information on
bariatric surgery and its impact on diabetes, and features success stories of
people who have undergone the surgery and experienced resolution of their type 2
diabetes.

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 three segments:
Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies. With 2008 revenue of $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.

1Diabetes Care, January 2009 32:S3-S5; doi:10.2337/dc09-S003

2 World Health Organization, Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and
Health
http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/facts/diabetes/en/index.html

3 American Diabetes Association original study, Economic Costs of Diabetes in
the U.S. in 2007, http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/31/3/596.full"`

Covidien
Diana Sousa, 203-492-7610
Vice President, Communications
Surgical Devices
diana.sousa@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
Brian Nameth, 508-452-4363
Director
Investor Relations
brian.nameth@covidien.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009