Covidien buys CardioDigital monitoring technology

Medical device and diversified health care company Covidien Ltd. said today that it bought monitoring technology from CardioDigital Inc. for an undisclosed amount.

Covidien, wihch is based in Mansfield, said it purchased signal processing technology that could be used to add new monitoring capabilities to its Nellcor pulse oximetry platform. A spokesman for Covidien declined to detail the potential functions.

Pulse oximeters are sensors that monitor oxygen in the bloodstream. Instead of drawing blood, oximeters are placed on the ear or fingertip.

Covidien said the technology will be used by its Respiratory and Monitoring Solutions business.

CardioDigital is based in Portland, Ore., and is a unit of Scotland-based CardioDigital Ltd.

In morning trading, Covidien shares gained 8 cents to $51.50. (AP)