Covidien plc announced that its Nellcor(TM) pulse oximetry portfolio, which is used to measure arterial oxygen saturation, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for motion claims. This makes Covidien the first company to receive FDA clearance for a motion-tolerant bedside pulse oximeter portfolio that is also compliant with ISO 80601-2-61 (International Organization for Standardization standards for pulse oximetry). Devices covered by the action include: Nellcor Bedside SpO2 Patient Monitoring System, Nellcor Bedside Respiratory Patient Monitoring System, Nellcor N-600x Pulse Oximetry Monitoring System. Pulse oximeters provide early warning of dangerous respiratory complications, enabling clinicians to detect and address life-threatening events sooner. Nellcor devices rely on cardiac-based signals to provide a more accurate reading that is closely tied to the patient's physiology. This drives consistent performance during various challenging conditions, such as patient motion, noise and low perfusion, which can impede the assessment of patient respiratory status. Covidien offers comprehensive pulse oximetry training through its new Professional Affairs and Clinical Education Online Platform to support the safe and effective use of motion-tolerant pulse oximeters. For customers, Covidien further offers in-service programs, in-house continuing education programs and field-based technical training tools. The Nellcor Bedside SpO(2) Patient Monitoring System, Bedside Respiratory Patient Monitoring System, and N-600x Pulse Oximetry Monitoring System are indicated for prescription-use only for the continuous non-invasive monitoring of functional oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin (SpO(2)) and pulse rate. They are intended for neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients, and for well or poorly perfused patients in hospitals, hospital-type facilities, intra-hospital transport and home environments.

Covidien plc announced that on May 6, 2013, John M. Connors, Jr. notified the company of his intention to retire from the company's Board of Directors on September 27, 2013, the end of the company's fiscal year. This decision is not the result of any disagreement between Mr. Connors and the company or its management.

Covidien plc announced the appointment of Jacqueline Strayer as Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, effective immediately. She will report to José E. Almeida, Chairman, President and CEO and be located in Mansfield, MA. In this role, Strayer will be responsible for leading Covidien's global communications strategies. This encompasses both internal and external communications initiatives worldwide, including corporate marketing, public relations, media relations, financial communications, crisis communications, issues management, philanthropy and the company's digital presence. She joins Covidien from Johnson Controls where she served as Vice President, Corporate Communications and was an elected officer of the company.