Covidien Makes Multi-Year Contribution to Help AGA Promote Advances in Technology for Gastroenterology Patients

BETHESDA, Md., April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is committed to help shape the gastroenterology practice of the future by fostering the development and adoption of medical technologies for gastroenterology patients. In recognition of this commitment, Covidien has made a generous, multi-year financial contribution of $500,000 to the AGA for the Center for GI Innovation and Technology, becoming the founding friend of the center's "Friends of the Center," and to AGA's Corporate Roundtable.

AGA developed the Center for GI Innovation and Technology to create an environment and process to support the development of technology that can improve patient care under the guidance of evidence-based standards.

"Covidien's support will allow AGA to continue to support medical innovators who are working to improve patient care and safety, as well as health outcomes," said Pankaj J. Pasricha, MD, chair and co-founder of the Center for GI Innovation and Technology. "Covidien's dedication to GI innovation is evident in their recent acquisition of BARRX Medical, Inc., and acknowledgement of the center's global efforts to support innovation and the development of evidence-based technology in digestive and metabolic diseases."

The Friends of the Center are valued members of the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology's strategic advisory board, which will serve to advise the center's executive management board about major issues and trends affecting the development of innovation and new technologies in digestive diseases. The advisory board will also have input in developing the agenda for AGA's annual technology summit, Fostering Innovation in Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, and will explore ideas for new programs and efforts that can further the center's mission.

"We are pleased to be recognized as a founding friend of the Center for GI Innovation and Technology's Friends of the Center," said Greg Barrett, former President and Chief Executive Officer of BARRX Medical which was acquired by Covidien on January 5, 2012. "At Covidien's new G.I. Solutions division, we believe that through this relationship with the AGA we  will continue to create innovative products to help improve the treatment and management of gastrointestinal disorders in a minimally invasive fashion that can help maintain a patient's quality of life."

Learn more about the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology website at www.gastro.org/cgit. To learn more about becoming a Friend of the Center or joining the Corporate Roundtable, please contact Tim Wenz at [email protected].

About the AGA Institute
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to include 17,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. www.gastro.org.

Become an AGA fan on Facebook.
Join our LinkedIn group.
Follow us on Twitter @AmerGastroAssn.
Check out our videos on YouTube.

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 2011 revenue of $11.6 billion, Covidien has 41,000 employees worldwide in more than 65 countries, and its products are sold in over 140 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.

SOURCE American Gastroenterological Association