Covidien a leading global provider of healthcare products, announced that it will launch the TurboHawk Plaque Excision System for small vessels next month in the United States and several international markets. The new system is intended to treat calcified and non-calcified lesion morphologies in small vessels, broadening minimally-invasive treatment options for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). The device received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration in January.

PAD is one of the most common vascular diseases and occurs when leg arteries become narrowed or blocked by plaque. These blockages can result in severe pain for patients, limited physical mobility, and non-healing leg ulcers. According to the American Heart Association, approximately eight to 12 million people in the US suffer from PAD.

The innovative design of the TurboHawk device allows for greater cutting efficiency, providing physicians access to a device with more consistent performance. For patients, the minimally invasive nature of the procedure may lead to faster recovery and shorter hospital visits.

“The TurboHawk system for small vessels extends the capabilities demonstrated by TurboHawk Super and Smooth Cutter above the knee to smaller, below the knee vessels. This translates to improved delivery and improved plaque excision of mild to moderately calcified vessels,” said Stacy Enxing Seng, president, Peripheral Vascular, Covidien.

“The TurboHawk Plaque Excision System for small vessels will provide physicians and healthcare professionals with a minimally invasive solution that can improve patient outcomes in the treatment of PAD,” said Joe Woody, president, Vascular Therapies, Covidien. “The new system further exemplifies Covidien's commitment to PAD and improving patients overall quality of life.”

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.