From Cotton to Cutting Edge: The Hidden. Story of the MedicalGiant You Never Knew

This episode uncovers the fascinating yet largely unknown story of Covidien, a medical device giant that operated behind the scenes for over a century. From its origins in a small textile mill in 1903 to becoming a global leader in surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and wound care products, the company's journey was anything but ordinary. Initially known as the Kendall Company, it evolved through strategic acquisitions, eventually becoming part of Tyco Healthcare—a division caught in the shadow of one of the most infamous corporate scandals of the early 2000s involving ex-CEO Dennis Kozlowski. In 2007, the healthcare arm was spun off into an independent entity named Covidien, a brand crafted to symbolize life and collaboration. As a standalone company, it invested heavily in innovation, particularly in minimally invasive surgery, creating life-saving tools like advanced surgical staplers and pulse oximeters. Despite its many contributions to modern medicine, the company also faced controversy, notably around the acquisition of Newport Medical Instruments and the subsequent halt of a low-cost ventilator project. Ultimately, in 2015, Covidien was acquired by Medtronic in a $42.9 billion deal that sparked debate due to its tax inversion structure, allowing Medtronic to legally relocate its headquarters to Ireland for more favorable tax treatment. Though the name 'Covidien' no longer exists independently, its legacy lives on within Medtronic’s Minimally Invasive Therapies Group, continuing to influence hospitals, operating rooms, and patients’ lives worldwide. The episode highlights how this once-obscure company shaped everyday healthcare practices, often without public recognition, and explores what the future holds for the technologies it pioneered—ranging from AI-assisted diagnostics to smart, connected home health devices. It's a tale of transformation, innovation, and the complex intersection of business, ethics, and healthcare.

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