A leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced that its Surgical Devices business unit has launched three new access products in Europe, VersaStep(TM) Plus 15mm, Visiport(TM) Plus with fixation and Versaport(TM) Plus RPF 15mm with fixation. The European launch follows the United States introduction of all three products earlier this month.

The VersaStep(TM) Plus 15mm is an innovative bladeless laparoscopic access system with a radially expandable sleeve that minimizes the fascial defect and reduces the downward insertion forces associated with normal trocar insertion. Proven Step(TM) technology is designed to enhance patient safety, save time in surgery and reduce the likelihood of complications, including vascular and visceral injuries. The VersaStep(TM) Plus 15mm complements the existing VersaStep(TM) Plus line and offers all of the benefits of Covidien's proprietary Step(TM) technology.

Scott Flora, President, Surgical Devices, Covidien said  "Step(TM) was the first non-bladed technology in the marketplace and set the standard for safety in laparoscopic entry".  "The VersaStep(TM) Plus15mm will be used in advanced, minimally invasive abdominal surgeries such as gastric banding and gastric bypass that require the use of larger sized instruments
The VisiportTM Plus with fixation supplies a VersaportTM Plus fixation cannula, an enhanced cannula with integrated fixation ribs for excellent port stability, and a VisiportTM Plus optical trocar that provides direct visualization of tissue layers during primary port insertion and allows a combination of controlled blunt and sharp dissection during entry.

The VersaportTM Plus RPF 15mm with fixation is used in advanced laparoscopic procedures as it accommodates larger instrumentation. The VersaportTM Plus RPF 15mm is also now supplied with an enhanced cannula with integrated fixation ribs for excellent port stability.