The Flow Stops Here - GEST 2022

Join Merit Medical for “The Flow Stops Here” at GEST 2022

The Flow Stops Here - GEST 2022Merit will be exhibiting at GEST 2022: Global Embolization Oncology Symposium Technologies. This year’s annual conference features an international audience with in-person training and hands-on workshops in New York, NY. Our theme for this year’s Symposium is The Flow Stops Here, a bold commitment to offering high-quality embolotherapy products and services designed to improve outcomes for physicians and their patients.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE AT BOOTH #801

Embosphere MicrospheresEmbosphere® Microspheres

The most clinically studied spherical embolic, Merit’s Embosphere Microspheres are the clear choice among interventional radiologists. Designed for predictable and durable occlusion for the embolization of symptomatic uterine fibroids, ABMs, and hypervascular tumors, the elastic material allows for temporary compression of up to 33%,1 yielding targeted results for patients and practitioners.

Embocube Embolization GelatinEmbocube® Embolization Gelatin

Specifically designed for embolization of hypervascular tumors and blood vessels to occlude blood flow, Embocube Embolization Gelatin consistently controls hemorrhaging in the peripheral vasculature. Gelatin is cut uniformly in preloaded 1-mL or 3-mL Medallion® Syringes to help ensure seamless prep and accurate delivery.

SwiftNINJASwiftNINJA® Steerable Microcatheter

The SwiftNINJA Steerable Microcatheter is an innovative straight-tip catheter featuring an ergonomic steering dial that navigates up to 180 degrees and enables in vivo control. Consisting of a hydrophilic-coated distal 80 cm, the device delivers exceptional precision and speed navigating even in the most challenging vascular ostium.

We look forward to seeing you at GEST 2022—where #TheFlowStopsHere!

Questions? Contact our Customer Support Center, and speak to one of our representatives via live chat, phone, or email.

Before using any of the Merit products mentioned above, refer to Instructions for Use for indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and directions for use.

REFERENCES

  1. Laurent et al. 1996. “Trisacryl Gelatin Microspheres for Therapeutic Embolization, I: Development and In Vitro Evaluation.” Am J Neuroradial 17:533-540

Breaking Down Osteoporosis with Dr. Altin Stafa

Altin Stafa, MD - NeuroradiologistSuffering a broken hip may seem somewhat common for aging adults, but it can actually be a warning sign for a serious medical condition called osteoporosis, affecting 1 in 5 women over 50. May is Osteoporosis Month, and to gain an understanding of how the disease is prevented and treated, we spoke with Altin Stafa, MD, neuroradiologist at Ca’ Foncello Hospital of Treviso (Italy).

What is osteoporosis, and who is most at risk?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease, or when the quality or structure of bone changes, decreasing bone strength and increasing the risk of fractures or broken bones.

Some consider osteoporosis a “silent” disease, because people with osteoporosis typically do not learn of their diagnosis until first breaking a bone. Fractures can occur in any bone but are most common in bones of the hip, wrist, and vertebrae in the spine.

“Osteoporosis mainly affects women at menopause when levels of bone-bolstering estrogen fall rapidly,” Dr. Stafa explains. “However, it should not be forgotten that men of the same age, even though much less frequently, can also suffer from osteoporosis. In addition, pathological conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism and chronic kidney disease, can cause gender-independent osteoporosis even at a younger age.”

If a parent experiences a broken hip or other broken bone, one may be at higher risk and should discuss with a doctor if screening for osteoporosis is recommended.

What types of fractures are most common among patients with osteoporosis?

Spinal Fractures L1 & L2Fractures are often the first sign of the disease for people living with osteoporosis, and vertebral fractures are among the most frequent type. Why does this happen? “The static and dynamic load which the spine is subjected to is much higher than the one of other bone segments. The spinal segment most frequently affected by compression fractures is the lumbar one, in the lower back region, due to its higher static and dynamic load. Also, the last two thoracic vertebrae, in the mid-back region, are frequently a fracture target because of higher dynamic load, consequent to spinal torsion, flexion, and extension,” Dr. Stafa clarifies.

For some patients with more severe osteoporosis, Dr. Stafa shares that “the mid thoracic vertebrae can also fracture.” He advises giving special attention to the sacrum, that sits below the lumbar vertebrae, which frequently has underdiagnosed fractures. “Compression fractures of the cervical spine in the neck region and of the upper thoracic region are rare,” Dr. Stafa adds.

How are fractures diagnosed and treated?

People experiencing significant, sudden, localized back pain that interferes with daily life should consider seeking medical expertise to evaluate their spine for possible diagnosis of a vertebral fracture. “Even when they are not painful, osteoporotic vertebral fractures may cause a gradual and severe reduction of the vertebral body height, which can negatively impact the biodynamics of the whole spine, causing spinal deformity (i.e., kyphosis), chronic back pain, consequent chest and abdominal space reduction with overall negative impact on the patient’s quality of life,” Dr. Stafa explains.

A number of treatments are available for patients with fractures, according to Dr. Stafa. “Vertebral compression fracture treatments include pain medication, bed rest, and bracing as well as physiotherapy. Although these approaches may help some patients, most of them have found little to no relief or clinical improvement.”

What is vertebral augmentation treatment?

“People with serious pain from fractures may benefit from vertebral augmentation. This minimally invasive procedure has provided substantial, immediate pain relief while reducing progressive vertebral body height reduction and consequent spinal deformity,” Dr. Stafa explains. Vertebral augmentation involves one or two very small incisions in the skin (less than 1 cm in length) to access the vertebral body affected by the fracture, creating channels or cavities inside the vertebral body, and delivering bone cement to stabilize the fracture.

Merit has designed cutting-edge vertebral augmentation products for physicians that address patient-specific needs when treating vertebral compression fractures. “Good clinical outcomes are a result of the ability to control the size, shape, and location of channels and cavities in the vertebrae, using steerable devices, to allow for optimal amount and location of cement, to stabilize the fracture,” Dr. Stafa shares.

Merit Medical is dedicated to collaborating with physicians to innovate the tools needed to help create a better quality of life for people living with osteoporosis. Learn more about our Spine portfolio of diagnostic and interventional products that target spine pathology and reduce pain with minimally invasive precision. Contact our Customer Support Center to learn how you can implement these and more into your practice.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. “Does Osteoporosis Run in Your Family?” https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/osteoporosis.htm
  2. National Institutes of Health. 2022. “Osteoporosis Overview.” https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/overview
Heart Rhythm Society - 2022 Annual Meeting

Merit Medical to Exhibit at HRS 2022: Excellence in EP Access and Lead Management

This week, the EP community is heading to San Francisco for the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) annual meeting. Friday, April 29 – Sunday, May 1, physicians all over the globe will have access to in-person and online sessions. As a leader in EP and CRM, Merit is thrilled to exhibit cutting-edge technologies and host hands-on physician education, the theme this year: “Excellence in EP Access and Lead Management.”

PRODUCT SHOWCASE AT BOOTH #2034

SafeGuard FocusSafeGuard Focus™ Compression Device

Achieve targeted hemostasis with the SafeGuard Focus, a specialized compression device specifically designed for use in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) pockets.

HeartSpan PortfolioHeartSpan® Portfolio

The HeartSpan portfolio – including the HeartSpan Fixed Curve Braided Transseptal Sheath, the HeartSpan Steerable Sheath Introducer, and the HeartSpan Transseptal Needle – offers advanced needles, introducers, and sheaths that work together to assist with ease of femoral insertion, trauma reduction when crossing the atrial septum, and ergonomic support during long procedures.

Worley LV Lead Delivery SystemWorley™ LV Lead Delivery System

To meet the challenges of cardiac resynchronization therapy, the Worley system provides the solutions needed to reduce implantation times, gain easier access to the target vessel, and improve chances for successful implantation.

Vitale Occlusion BalloonVitale™ Occlusion Balloon

The Vitale Occlusion Balloon maintains hemostasis for up to 30 minutes,* allowing time for patients to stabilize and transition to surgery. Faster inflation, faster deflation, and better kink resistance offers better outcomes for you and your patients.

PHYSICIAN EDUCATION

Hands-On Training: I-CRT Tools & Techniques

Faculty: Seth Worley, MD, FHRS, FACC

Date: Saturday, April 30

Time: 12:45PM – 1:30PM PDT

Location: Booth #2034

Merit is committed to offering physicians the technologies and education opportunities they need to improve patient care. We look forward to discussing what we can do for your practice. See you at HRS 2022!

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Before using any of the Merit products mentioned above, refer to Instructions for Use for indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and directions for use.

*Data on file.

Merit Medical to Showcase Innovative Products and Participate in Hands-on Workshops at Charing Cross 2022

Merit will be exhibiting at this year’s Charing Cross International Symposium 2022, “the leading vascular symposium where Education, Innovation, and Evidence come together.” This year’s symposium will be offered in-person in London and virtually 26-28 April. Merit is hosting two experiential hands-on workshops and two interactive physician education opportunities.

Find us at booth #16 where we’ll be showcasing the following products:

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Hero Graft front cutaway diagram of graft insertion into patientHeRO® Graft

The HeRO Graft, a hemodialysis access graft designed for catheter-dependent patients or those failing fistulas or other grafts, offers a 69% reduction in future infections compared to patients receiving catheters as well as a cost-saving of 23% on average per year.

Surfacer® Inside-Out Access system - Restore Access, Preserve Options - Merit MedicalSurfacer® Inside-Out® Access Catheter System

Pioneered by interventional cardiologist John Gurley, M.D., the Inside-Out approach was developed in response to patients with chronically occluded veins that required life-saving vascular access. Inserted in the femoral vein, the Surfacer® Inside-Out® Access Catheter System locates an exit from the right internal jugular vein, maintaining viable secondary veins if necessary.

Maintain Long-Term Vessel Patency - Merit WRAPSODYMerit WRAPSODY™ Cell-Impermeable Endoprosthesis

Featuring a unique tri-layered endoprosthesis microstructure, the Merit WRAPSODY Cell-Impermeable Endoprosthesis extends long-term vessel patency in patients who experience obstructions in the dialysis outflow circuit. The hydrophilic coating allows pinpoint accuracy, smooth insertion, and withdrawal with top-tier trackability.

Please Note: The Merit WRAPSODY Cell-Impermeable Endoprosthesis is not available for sale or use within the United States.

ClariVein OC Infusion CatheterClariVein® OC Infusion Catheter

A minimally invasive solution for patients, the ClariVein® OC Infusion Catheter features a unique 360-degree rotatable dispersion wire at the distal end. The catheter design has been engineered with a small profile, exceptional flexibility, strong imaging visualization, and excellent pushability.

Please Note: The ClariVein OC Infusion Catheter is not available for sale or use within the United States.

Mini Access Kits - Merit MAKMerit MAK™ Mini Access Kit

To access the vascular system, Merit MAK Mini Access Kits take a very small approach, minimizing bleeding and trauma for the patient. Merit MAK guide wires are carefully engineered with a fully enclosed hoop and available in several configurations. Each kit includes a coaxial introducer/dilator pair, 21G needle, and guide wire.

PHYSICIAN EDUCATION

Edited Case: How to Treat Venous Leg Ulcers Efficiently.
How Low Can You Go?

Faculty: Mr. Leith Williams

Date: Tuesday, 26 April

Time: 16:50-16:55 BST

Location: Kensington 2, Venous and Lymphatic Challenges

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the benefits of treating advanced venous disease with the ClariVein OC/NTNT technique.
• Receive an update of evidence and guidance on the treatment of venous leg ulcers
• Learn a practical approach to the ClariVein OC device and procedure

Satellite Symposium: When to Stent? Which Stent?
Continuing Experience with the WRAPSODY Cell-Impermeable Endoprosthesis

Faculty: Dr. Andrew Wigham, Dr. Ounali Jaffer, and Dr. Robert Jones

Date: Wednesday, 27 April

Time: 10:00-10:30 AM BST

Location: Richmond, Vascular Access Masterclass

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how to manage patients and how to decide their best treatment options (i.e., treatment algorithm)
• Know more about the current WRAPSODY trial pipeline (FIRST, IDE, and Registry)
• Learn how WRAPSODY can be beneficial and cost effective in daily treatment

HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS

Hands-on Vascular Access Workstation with the Merit WRAPSODY, HeRO Graft, and Surfacer

Faculty: Mr. Gilbert

Date: Tuesday, 26 April

Time: 10:00-15:00 BST

Location: Workshop Wing

Hands-on Venous Workstation with the ClariVein OC and Merit MAK Mini Access Kit

Faculty: Mr. Williams

Date: Wednesday, 27 April

Time: 09:30-15:30 BST

Location: Workshop Wing

At Merit Medical, we are equally dedicated to cutting-edge innovation with our medical products and physician education. Merit is proud to participate in Charing Cross 2022, and we look forward to seeing you in person or virtually!

Merit WRAPSODY™ Endoprosthesis and ClariVein® OC are not approved or available for sale in the United States.

Before using any of the Merit products mentioned above, refer to Instructions for Use for indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and directions for use.

Distal Radial Access

“A Real Winning Combination”: Prelude IDeal™ and PreludeSYNC DISTAL™ Provide Complete Solution for Distal Radial Access

Distal Radial AccessDistal radial access has emerged as an accessible, optimal solution for physicians seeking to provide the greatest experience for their patients. While femoral and traditional radial access have previously been standard, distal radial offers additional advantages to both patient and operator. To support distal radial artery access, Merit offers a suite of products designed to minimize risk, maximize patient comfort, and provide ease of use for care teams to incorporate.

Ethan C. Korngold, MD, FSCAI - Distal Radial AccessWe spoke with Ethan C. Korngold, MD, FSCAI, interventional cardiologist at Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, OR, to hear his experience choosing two Merit products in particular for his distal radial artery access procedures: the Prelude IDeal Hydrophilic Sheath Introducer and the PreludeSYNC DISTAL, a radial compression device specially created for the distal radial access site.

Why Distal Radial?

Literature shows that radial access provides multiple benefits, including less bleeding complications, decreased procedure cost, and enhanced sheath performance.1

According to Dr. Korngold, patients undergoing distal radial access interventions may experience additional advantages over radial access, including increased mobility post-procedure. “It is much less invasive than traditional radial access—my patients are able to resume normal activities much more quickly,” Dr. Korngold says. “Distal radial access may also lead to less occlusion of the radial artery. I think the important thing is that it preserves the radial artery should future interventions be necessary.”

Mitigating Risk

Prelude IDeal Sheath Introducer - Merit MedicalKinking and compressing are recognized challenges for operators when navigating catheters during radial access procedures.

“It’s very important when performing distal access to have a sheath that’s kink resistant. I really do prefer the kink resistance of the braided Prelude IDeal sheath. I also find it has impressive push forces; it’s a stronger, stiffer sheath that performs better than others I’ve used,” Dr. Korngold explains.

Merit designed the Prelude IDeal specifically to reduce the impact of these risks to patients. Composite braiding technology gives the Prelude IDeal sheath a 13% thinner wall than the leading competitor.2 With proprietary engineering, the sheath is thinner and stronger while achieving 124% increased compression resistance and 23% more kink resistance than the leading competitor.2

Prelude IDeal Compression & Kink Resistance Features

Dr. Korngold shares his firsthand experience with similar products. “I’ve used other non-braided sheaths, both slender and non-slender varieties. I found that even the non-slender varieties are just too prone to kinking. The kink resistance of the Prelude IDeal is excellent; it’s an essential feature for distal radial access.”

Maximizing Patient Comfort

PreludeSYNC DISTAL - Secure, Comfortable and EffectiveDr. Korngold has found that he’s received significantly fewer patient complaints of swelling, discomfort, or hematomas since opting for the PreludeSYNC DISTAL.

Constructed with soft material, the PreludeSYNC DISTAL provides comfortable wear. Its three-strap band configuration allows for an adjustable fit with optional extension if needed especially for larger hands. The PreludeSYNC DISTAL also delivers clear, unobstructed site visibility for focused compression. A built-in Slip-n-Lock™ Cap provides a specialized connection, securing syringes during inflation and deflation, supporting patient safety.

“The PreludeSYNC DISTAL band is really just perfectly designed. Everyone who does distal radial access has experimented with different ways of doing it. No solution is as efficient, convenient, or as comfortable for patients,” Dr. Korngold says.

Ease of Use

Medical devices must be effective, but equally important is ease of use. Dr. Korngold reports that incorporating the Prelude IDeal and PreludeSYNC DISTAL into his practice was seamless.

“It’s very easy to train the care team on how to use them properly,” he says, referring to his experience introducing both products to his staff. “Our nurses on the floor found it very intuitive and easy to manage. Both products fit perfectly into our existing workflows, so I’d say it’s a real winning combination.”

A Complete Solution

Merit is committed to developing tools that improve patient’s lives in partnership with the physicians who provide their care. The Prelude IDeal Hydrophilic Sheath Introducer and PreludeSYNC DISTAL are prime examples of this dedication and have become the go-to tools for distal radial access procedures around the globe.

Discover the Prelude IDeal Hydrophilic Sheath Introducer and the PreludeSYNC DISTAL, and live chat with our Customer Support team to see how you can incorporate them into your practice.

REFERENCES

  1. Rathore S et al. 2010. “Impact of Length and Hydrophilic Coating of the Introducer Sheath on Radial Artery Spasm During Transradial Coronary Intervention.” JACC 3, no. 5 (May): 475 ̶ 483. PMID: 20488402.
  2. 6F Data on File.
Merit Recognizes National Kidney Month

Merit Medical Recognizes National Kidney Month

Merit Recognizes National Kidney MonthMarch is National Kidney Month, and Merit Medical is committed to empowering the health and wellness of people living with chronic kidney disease and their caregivers. At Merit, our goal is to support the renal health community through a vast array of state-of-the-art therapeutic products, physician education courses, and patient education tools that equip clinicians to make a difference for people living with chronic kidney disease.

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 37 million Americans live with chronic kidney disease.1 Although incidences of chronic kidney disease have risen consistently, 9 out of 10 people are not aware of their diagnosis because early-stage kidney disease generally has no symptoms.1

The U.S. Renal Data System 2020 Annual Report cited that approximately 786,000 Americans live with end-stage renal or kidney disease, with 71% (558,000) of those receiving dialysis and 29% (228,000) receiving a kidney transplant.2 People living with end-stage kidney disease require dialysis therapy to regulate body functions, including controlling blood pressure, because their kidneys no longer can.3 Without access to adequate, regular, and affordable dialysis care, people living with end-stage kidney disease will not survive.3

As the number of people impacted by kidney disease continues to increase, Merit’s significant commitment to the renal health community is crucial. Merit is uniquely positioned with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) options for treatments and ancillary products that make a difference for dialysis patients who depend on high-quality care.

Merit Products

HeRO Graft - Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow

Super HeRO®

The Super HeRO Adapter and Support Seal system equips surgeons with standard wall and early cannulation vascular graft options. In addition to reducing hospital admissions due to catheter infections, the Super HeRO helps hospitals and dialysis centers save $3,100 per patient per year when converting catheter-dependent patients to the HeRO graft.

HeRO Graft - Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow

HeRO Graft®

For catheter-dependent patients, or those whose kidney function fails to improve with fistulas or grafts, Merit has engineered a solution: the HeRO Graft, a hemodialysis access graft designed precisely for these patients. Research indicated a 69% reduction in future infections with the HeRO Graft compared to patients receiving catheters.

Surfacer Now Available In the United States - Merit Medical

Surfacer® Inside-Out® Access Catheter System

The Inside-Out approach was developed by John Gurley, M.D., in response to patients with chronically occluded veins. The Surfacer Inside-Out Access Catheter System is inserted through the femoral vein and navigated to an exit point in the right internal jugular vein, preserving the viability of secondary central veins.

Home Dialysis Continues to Be a Nationwide Interest

Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters

To improve flow rates by 30%, Merit designed Flex-Neck Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters with an internal diameter (ID) that is 35% larger than competitors. Infant catheters come in one and two cuff configurations, and each catheter kit has a unique stenciling system for improved placement accuracy.

Centros® & CentrosFLO® Hemodialysis Catheters

CentrosFlo® Hemodialysis Catheters

Featuring self-centering curved tips to promote optimal blood flow and minimize recirculation rates, The Centros (without side holes) and the CentrosFLO™ (with side holes) long-term hemodialysis catheters reach the pinnacle of overall catheter performance. Designed by Dr. Stephen Ash, Merit’s 15F catheters feature a large internal lumen, promoting a flow rate up to 450 mL/minutes.

ProGuide™ Chronic Dialysis Catheters

ProGuide™ Chronic Dialysis Catheters

Designed for patient comfort, ease of insertion, and maintenance, ProGuide Chronic Dialysis Catheters are inserted through a valved peel-away sheath or over-the-wire placements and available in catheter lengths from 19 cm to 50 cm (tip to cuff). Available configurations include standalone catheter, basic kit, complete kit, and complete kit with mini access kit.

Physicians and surgeons look to Merit to provide insightful resources and cutting-edge therapeutic products designed to make a difference for people living with chronic kidney disease. Merit designs and innovates leading products specifically for patients receiving dialysis. For more information on how you can incorporate our biopsy products into your practice, please contact Merit Customer Support.

REFERENCES

  1. National Institutes of Health. National Kidney Month 2022. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-kidney-month
  2. American Society of Nephrology. (April 2021). Dialysis Care Around The World: A Global Perspective. Retrieved from https://kidney360.asnjournals.org/content/2/4/604
  3. National Kidney Foundation. Dialysis Info. Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/dialysisinfo
The Solutions for Your Clinical Challenges - Merit Medical

What’s Your Clinical Challenge? We Have a Solution.

As a leader in customer-focused healthcare, Merit Medical’s priority is to ensure that you have the tools you need to care for your patients. Ranging from product kits to education opportunities, our Complete Solutions simplify preparation and streamline procedures to support quality patient care with a trusted, innovative range of medical devices.

BIOPSY

Biopsy Solution

We offer a wide range of reliable biopsy devices for precise samples every time. Our proven soft tissue biopsy brands, such as Achieve®, Temno®, Tru-Cut®, and CorVocet®, offer a complete selection with advanced features to obtain top-quality tissue samples with ease and efficiency.

LEARN MORE >

CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION

Our cardiac catheterization solutions provide you with a variety of tools to help you accurately diagnose and successfully treat patients with heart problems. From sheath introducers, like our Prelude IDeal™, and guide wires to catheters, inflation devices, and more, we offer a number of superior devices for your procedures.

LEARN MORE >

CRITICAL CARE

Critical Care Solutions

When treating vulnerable patients, every product you use matters. We offer a broad spectrum of tools designed for patients being treated in the critical care unit. Merit critical care technologies aim to reduce contaminant exposure, accurately monitor patient blood pressure, and decrease workplace injury, helping you provide treatment that is safe, effective, and efficient.

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DIALYSIS ACCESS

Dialysis Access Solution

Kidney disease is a global issue, and access is the foundation for any successful dialysis procedure. Our comprehensive dialysis access portfolio, including our catheter-dependence reducing HeRO® Graft, brings reliable and innovative solutions to your practice.

LEARN MORE >

PERITONEAL DIALYSIS

Our home dialysis options offer several patient advantages over in-center dialysis, including better kidney disease-related quality of life. We offer virtual and hands-on physician training, a wide range of catheter sizes, accessories, kits, and patient resources.

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RADIAL

Radial access has many well-documented benefits that include improved patient safety, a significant reduction in cost of care, and increased patient and staff satisfaction. We support radial access with a diverse portfolio of innovative products and a world-renowned hands-on physician education program, helping you offer the advantages of radial to your patients.

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DISTAL RADIAL ACCESS

Distal radial artery access offers both patient and operator advantages. To help bring these benefits to your practice, we provide advanced training on the distal technique as well as innovative products to support your procedures, such as the first-to-market PreludeSYNC DISTAL™ Radial Compression Device.

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DRAINAGE

Over the past two decades, we have continually expanded our drainage portfolio to include a diverse range of solutions that work together to help you achieve optimal drainage care. We offer multiple drainage catheters designed to lessen trauma and promote a more accurate placement.

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ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY & CRM

Successful diagnosis and treatment of electrical cardiac activity is crucial—this is why we offer a range of physician education courses and specialized tools to assist in making accurate diagnoses and create effective treatment plans. Features include extra-stiff transseptal needles, ergonomic handles for exceptional control, and advanced introducer systems.

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EMBOLOTHERAPY

Our proprietary embolic products are the most studied on the market and allow for efficient and safe delivery and predictable outcomes. To complement our offerings, we provide excellent ongoing customer service to ensure you have the tools you need for your procedures.

PROSTATIC ARTERY EMBOLIZATION
To help support your prostatic artery embolization (PAE) practice, we offer virtual and hands-on training, trusted products, clinical resources, patient materials, and more.

UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLIZATION
Our uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) solutions offer trusted products that deliver predictable clinical results as well as long-term symptom control.

We also offer extensive patient resources at our Ask4PAE and Ask4UFE sites.

LEARN MORE >

GASTROENTEROLOGY STRICTURE MANAGEMENT

GI Stricture Management

Merit Endoscopy’s fully covered, laser-cut esophageal stent technology provides for accurate placement and minimized migration. In addition to our state-of-the-art stent technology, we deliver best-in-class dilation products, including our BIG60® Inflation Device and our Elation dilation balloons as well as enhanced physician training.

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PULMONARY STRICTURE MANAGEMENT

For patients with tracheobronchial strictures, stent technology can provide rapid palliation and improve quality of life. We offer fully covered, laser-cut tracheobronchial stents and advanced over-the-wire and direct visualization delivery systems. Download case studies and participate in virtual and hands-on training—all designed to help you advance patient care.

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KITS & PACKS

Designed to bring convenience and efficiency to your office, our kits and packs solutions can help simplify prep and procedure, support quality patient care, and reduce inventory levels. Our team analyzed hundreds of kits and created a set of standard configurations that meet the needs of the majority of cath labs, interventional radiology, and vascular surgery departments. We also offer customizable kits to fit your unique procedural needs.

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SPINE

Through a diverse portfolio of sophisticated steerable technologies, we deliver complete procedural solutions designed to treat pathologies of the vertebrae, reduce pain, and improve patient quality of life. Our comprehensive education programs and unique products allow physicians to address patient-specific needs and physician preference in the treatment of vertebral pathologies.

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VENOUS

Venous Solutions from Merit Medical

Our minimally invasive venous solutions are designed to treat symptoms, minimize post-operative pain, and provide faster recovery. Explore products, accessories, and kits, packs, and trays—each complementing the next to provide you with better patient outcomes.

LEARN MORE >

Merit’s dedication to comprehensive customer care starts with providing the tools you need to treat your patients. Ready to get started? Available via email, phone, and live chat, our Customer Support team is here to help find a solution for you. Browse our virtual in-service and product support videos, all designed to help you obtain additional product knowledge and insights. We look forward to working with you.

Merit Medical - American Heart Month 2020 - Merit is a Heart Company

American Heart Month

Merit Medical - American Heart Month 2020 - Merit is a Heart Company

Merit Medical is a company with heart. We’re a team with a common goal of improving the lives of people worldwide. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate February as Heart Month—because we believe that heart health and heart disease prevention are topics that affect everyone.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally.1 According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths.1 Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke.1

Merit has a long history of supporting heart health through a number of product innovations. In 1987 we started with a single groundbreaking product—a stronger and safer coronary control syringe. More than thirty years later, our cardiac portfolio has expanded, providing interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists with more options to treat patients.

When it comes to our Merit team, we take heart health seriously. Some of the ways we prioritize heart health every day include employee health screenings, healthy meal options in our facility cafés, convenient opportunities to engage in physical activity, and a smoking cessation program.

Merit’s Chief Wellness Officer Dr. Nicole Priest offers regular wellness talks, broadcasting to employees worldwide, including a special heart talk, and provides regular newsletters to keep our team up to date on the latest health recommendations and tips for disease prevention.

Merit is proud to recognize Heart Month. Check back throughout February to see all the ways we’re raising awareness about heart health and working together to prevent heart disease.

To help our employees take better care of their hearts, we provided self-care and stress-reducing tips as well as healthy recipes to try at home.

10 Under 10: Easy Winter Meals – 10 Recipes for under $10 with 10 ingredients (or less!)

Love Your Heart: Self-Care Tips for Heart Health – Taking time to care for your heart can be challenging, but it’s easier than you think.

This month, across the nation, our Merit family wore red to honor #HeartMonth—because losing even one life to heart disease is too many. #MeritStrong

Wearing Red to Honor Heart Month - Merit Medical
Rocking Red in Support of Heart Month - Merit Medical

Rocking the red in support of #HeartMonth! Looking great, Team Merit! ❤️ #CompanyCulture #MeritStrong

Merit Medical is a company with heart. We’re a team with a common goal of improving the lives of people worldwide, which is why we dressed for the occasion, together shining a bright light on #HeartMonth. #MeritStrong

A Company with Heart - Merit Medical
Raising Awareness Today Equals a Better Tomorrow - Merit Medical

We’re spreading the love all throughout #HeartMonth by wearing red and showing off our solidarity as a team. By raising awareness of heart disease today, we’re all working together for a healthier tomorrow. #MeritStrong

No matter where we are or what we do at Merit, our team is honoring #HeartMonth together. #MeritStrong #CompanyCulture

Honoring Heart Month Together - Merit Medical
Merit Strong - Happy Heart Month from Richmond

Happy #HeartMonth from our team in Richmond, VA! #MeritStrong

Merit Richmond facility employees are getting their hearts pumping with a morning #HeartMonth workout! Thank you, Rosalind Johnson, Merit HR Manager, for putting this workout together and prepping healthy snacks for the Merit team!

Today is #WearRedDay, a time we all come together to spread awareness about #heartdisease. Thank you to our Merit São Paulo team for recognizing this important cause! #HeartMonth

WearRed for Heart Month - Sao Paulo Brazil

REFERENCES

  1. World Health Organization. June 11, 2021. “Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs).” https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
Simplifying Patient Treatment with ReSolve ConvertX

ReSolve ConvertX® and Treatment of Biliary Obstructions in Pancreatic Cancer: A Physician’s Experience

Simplifying Patient Treatment with ReSolve ConvertXPancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer worldwide. In the US alone, approximately 60,430 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year. Biliary obstructions are a common condition associated with pancreatic cancer. Patients with biliary obstructions often experience discomfort, such as abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, jaundice, and fever. Left untreated, biliary obstructions can lead to serious complications, including infection.

To help treat this patient population, Merit Medical offers the ReSolve ConvertX Biliary Stent System, a unique technology designed for temporary internal drainage in individuals with severe biliary obstructions.

The below case study and physician discussion presents successful treatment of a biliary obstruction with the ReSolve ConvertX in a patient with terminal pancreatic cancer.

CASE STUDY

Patient Profile: Elderly patient with terminal pancreatic cancer. Malignant tumor growth led to obstructions in the right and left hepatic ducts. Traditional bilateral biliary drains were placed to relieve symptoms of jaundice, infections, and abdominal pain.

Complications: Patient experienced frequent accidental pulling on the external portion of the drainage systems and returned to the interventional radiology department for multiple reinterventions. Lesions developed due to bile leakage through the existing track and irritating the skin. Patient also expressed that the two external bags were burdensome.

Procedure: Both biliary drains were removed over an Amplatz-style wire and were replaced with the ReSolve ConvertX Biliary Stent System. After both ReSolve ConvertX drains were in place, they were each converted, leaving only the stent portions in place.

Outcomes/Results: After placement, patient was happy with the treatment and able to experience relief and an improvement in quality of life.

Sample flouro of ReSolve ConvertX Biliary Stent Placement
Sample flouro of ReSolve ConvertX Biliary Stent Placement

Listen in as Mark H. LeQuire, MD, FACR, Diagnostic, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist at Montgomery Radiology Associates, discusses this case further in an in-depth interview.

ReSolve ConvertX Tip

  • When placing bilaterally, ensure both systems are in place before stent conversion. If the first drain is converted to a stent before the second one is in place, it increases the risk of dislodging the first stent while placing the second.

Learn more about the advantages the ReSolve ConvertX can offer your patients and practice by visiting the product page or contacting the Merit Customer Support Center.

2021 Gold Stevie Award Winner - Women in Business

Notable Awards and Recognitions in 2021

2021 Gold Stevie Award Winner - Women in BusinessAt Merit Medical, we believe success happens when we continuously challenge ourselves to grow and improve. As this year comes to a close, we are proud to announce that during 2021, we were recognized for our growth and achievements by several notable organizations.

Each award received is a testament to our mission of improving the lives of people, families, and communities throughout the world. Whether it was through the actions we took to reduce our environmental footprint or protocols put in place to keep our employees safe during the pandemic—2021 was a year of perseverance and determination to make a difference.

Utah Business 2021 Green Business Award

Merit’s global headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT, received the 2021 Green Business Award, which recognizes organizations and individuals making positive strides to promote sustainability within the Utah community. Merit specifically won in the Corporate Initiative category for the actionable steps taken to reduce the company’s environmental footprint, now and in the future:

2021 Utah Green Business Award WinnerDesigning an Environmental Management System

As a global manufacturer of medical devices, Merit plays a significant role in contributing to a sustainable future. Sound environmental practices are beneficial to our employees, our customers, and the patients whose lives benefit from our products. Our Environmental Management System is designed to measure, monitor, and facilitate continuous improvement to ensure we meet our sustainability goals. This includes:

  • Diverting waste from landfills by recycling materials, such as metal, plastic, wood, and cardboard
  • Eliminating additional shipping materials through our Merit Smart Shipping™ program
  • Supporting an on-site garden to reduce the amount of produce shipped to our facility
  • Striving for a zero-food-waste policy

Looking Forward

As a leader in the healthcare industry, we have implemented specific goals centered around combating climate change and reducing our usage of water resources. Learn more about our commitment to a sustainable future here.

By building on our past successes and taking the initiative to improve year over year, we aim to positively impact both communities in Utah and around the globe.

The Stevie® Awards for Frontline Medical Hero of the Year

This year Dr. Nicole Priest, Chief Wellness Officer at Merit, won gold in the Stevie Awards for Frontline Medical Hero of the Year for her efforts in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic at our Merit facilities worldwide.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Dr. Priest was instrumental in innovating safe ways to enable employees to continue working. In addition to enforcing social distancing and mask guidelines before state and federal mandates were established, Dr. Priest ensured that educating employees on safe pandemic practices was a top priority. Through bi-monthly Wellness Newsletters, she provided case updates, healthy lifestyle guidance, and information as the pandemic unfolded.

She also partnered with the Salt Lake Health Department to bring vaccine education sessions directly to our campus, and in May of 2021, the Merit Care clinic began offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all employees and their dependents, creating an accessible avenue to help stop the spread of the virus. Thanks to Dr. Priest’s efforts, Merit was able to continue operations safely and efficiently throughout 2020.

Utah Business 2021 Healthcare Heroes

2021 - Utah Business - Healthcare HeroesFred Lampropoulos, Merit Founder and CEO, was recognized as a 2021 Healthcare Hero for his leadership in guiding Merit through the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the onset of the pandemic, Mr. Lampropoulos was quick to adapt Merit’s strategy to ensure employees were able to safely continue producing the life-saving medical devices the company is known for. By working closely with Dr. Nicole Priest, Chief Wellness Officer at Merit, Mr. Lampropoulos ordered and implemented COVID-19 safety measures, including mask mandates, social distancing, and temperature screening for employees on campus, and instructed many departments to move to a work-from-home solution where possible.

In order to further support employees during this uncertain time, Mr. Lampropoulos developed new travel policies, approved a pandemic sick leave policy, and began providing free meals to Merit employees working on campus through the on-site cafeteria. Thanks to his commitment to his employees, their families, and the communities we serve, Merit was able to continue designing, manufacturing, and shipping essential medical devices while maintaining employee morale during the pandemic.

These great achievements are the result of our dedicated teams working every day to make a difference. Thank you, Team Merit! We look forward to seeing what we accomplish in 2022!

Merit Garden Accomplishments in 2021

2021 Merit Garden Accomplishments

Merit Garden Accomplishments in 2021In 2016, Merit Medical CEO Fred Lampropoulos established the Merit Salt Lake Employee Garden with the mission of boosting employee health and morale by providing fresh, nutritious produce. Since its founding five years ago, our garden team has accomplished exactly that. Through employee engagement programs, sustainability efforts, and charitable work, the Merit Employee Garden is thriving.

With another garden season successfully completed, it’s time to reflect on how we’ve grown in 2021 — and helped our team, our community, and our environment flourish in the process.

Employee Participation

2021 saw record numbers for many of our garden programs.

50 DIVISIONS

With 190 employees representing 50 different Merit departments, our garden box program was a huge success. Employees enjoyed a record year of produce to take home to their families.

562 VISITS

Our U-Pick program, where employees can select their own basket of fresh produce in exchange for 10 minutes of volunteer gardening, drew 260 employees from 73 Merit departments, totaling 562 visits in all.

5,400 POUNDS

Merit team members who participated in U-Pick enjoyed 5,400 pounds of delicious and healthy fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs. That’s 2,400 pounds more than 2020!

Garden Fresh Goods

Our gardeners certainly have green thumbs, and our employees enjoyed the rewards.

  • 13,000 plants thrived in the Merit greenhouse — 4,500 of which were purchased by Merit employees.
  • 210 cut flower arrangements were purchased by employees to brighten up a room or bring joy to a loved one.
  • 2,500 pounds of produce was prepared into delicious meals in our Merit Salt Lake employee cafeteria.
  • 2,000 plants were grown to be used by our Salt Lake landscaping team.

Giving Back

Philanthropy and charity are part of what makes Merit great. The Employee Garden is just one avenue for giving back to our community.

Garden sales generated $15,000 for the Candy Cane Program, helping employees in need have a brighter holiday season.

Fruits & Vegetables - Healthy Living640 pounds of produce was donated to low-income senior centers.

Fresh Produce Donations400 surplus vegetable starter plants were donated to a local Title I school, where they were planted in their community garden and distributed to families to plant at home.

2,500 pounds of surplus produce was given away to Merit employees at the community garden table.

Going Green

Merit’s commitment to sustainability includes our garden efforts, too.

  • 6 tons of green waste was taken to the Trans-Jordan landfill to make compost.
  • All inedible produce was donated to feed farm animals at Roots Charter School, a nonprofit alternative high school in Salt Lake City.

See Our Year in Photos

For a closer look at what our garden is up to, watch this video of pictures taken throughout the year.

None of these achievements would be possible without our dedicated Employee Garden team. Thank you! We can’t wait to see what will grow in 2022.

For more information on how Merit works to improve the lives of employees, take a look at our Employee Wellness, Health, and Safety page.

Women's Leadership Initiative at Merit Medical

Building a Culture of Inclusivity: Merit Welcomes the Women’s Leadership Initiative

Women's Leadership Initiative at Merit MedicalSince Merit Medical’s founding in 1987, our team has been proud of our inclusive workforce. It’s part of our culture. We believe mutual respect, equality, and having appreciation for each other’s differences make our company stronger.

To maintain this commitment to promoting inclusivity, Merit is proud to introduce the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI). As the first-ever affinity group at Merit, the WLI brings multiple benefits to members and strengthens Merit’s overall company culture.

The Women’s Leadership Initiative

Tracy Wood - Chair of Women's Leadership Initiative 2021

Tracy Wood

VP of Strategic Accounts
Chairperson of WLI

The Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) offers professional growth, networking, opportunities for personal and professional enrichment, such as mentoring, professional and leadership development, career evolution, and community-involvement activities.

“It’s about promoting a culture of inclusion,” says Tracy Wood, Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Merit and chair of the WLI. “Our goal is to cultivate growth by sharing perspectives, allowing colleagues to network, and facilitating additional professional development opportunities to help further people’s careers with Merit.”

As an affinity group—an employer-recognized collection of individuals who share similar interests and goals, such as encouraging inclusivity and diversity—the WLI hopes to enhance the Merit experience for all employees.

Affinity Group Advantages: Diversity is Essential to a Company’s Growth

Alisha Jerauld - Vice President of Environment, Social, and Governance

Alisha Jerauld

Vice President of Environment, Social, and Governance

Affinity groups create spaces for networking, resources for mentorship, and training for professional development. Diverse workplaces enjoy improved financial success and growth, and data supports it. Studies suggest when efforts are made to curate a diverse workforce where all employees feel valued, regardless of gender, race, or other factors, it invites better innovation and boosts creativity—which leads to greater financial returns.

“Companies who have greater gender diversity on all levels of management outperform companies who don’t by as high as 25%,” says Alisha Jerauld, Vice President of Environment, Social, and Governance at Merit, referencing this 2020 study that followed the financial performance of companies who made efforts to be more inclusive. “When you have that type of diversity involved with strategizing, you have access to new ideas and perspectives, allowing the company to reach new markets and innovate new products.”

Building Bridges in STEM

Lucia Irazabal, Senior Engineer II & Vice Chair Women's Leadership Initiative

Lucia Irazabal

Senior Engineer II
Vice Chair of WLI

As a leading medical device company, Merit offers a catalog of life-changing products that relies on the talented and creative engineers who design and build them. Lucia Irazabal, Senior Engineer II at Merit, became involved with the WLI in part to build a network of support for women in engineering and leadership positions to encourage employee retention.

“Both through my education and in the workplace, I have experienced being one of the few women on a team,” says Ms. Irazabal, vice chair of the WLI. “Merit is taking a great step developing the WLI. It’s important to have a space to share your perspective, find support, and relate to others who can offer both personal and professional guidance.”

Recently, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that even though women make up nearly half of the U.S. Workforce, only about 27% of STEM workers are women. As a result, women in STEM careers often discover it is more difficult to find a supportive network of those who share their experiences.

“Even the process of organizing the WLI has increased awareness of women in the workplace. I have had the opportunity to work with women from all areas of the company,” Ms. Irazabal says. As a testament to this observation, WLI meetings have been met with substantial interest with hundreds of employees, both men and women, voluntarily giving their time and attention to these important discussions.

Men Welcome, Too: Everyone Can Join the WLI

 

One of the chief goals of the WLI is to promote inclusion and share perspectives, and as a result, all employees are encouraged to join. Including everyone, regardless of gender, helps programs like the WLI thrive.

“Involving men helps them understand some of the challenges women and diverse employees face in the workplace,” Ms. Wood says. “Many of the men who joined told me they have women on their teams, and they want to be better prepared to help everyone succeed.”

While some of the barriers holding women back are big, others may go unnoticed until called into question. “When men are more aware of these issues, they often become allies who help to create positive change,” Ms. Jerauld says. “It helps by building a strong network of support.”

Looking Forward

The WLI is making positive strides at Merit, and Ms. Wood states there is more to come. “We plan to have one event each month over the next year that will focus on educating employees about a range of topics, from networking to career advancement,” she says.

The WLI believes by including and uplifting voices and perspectives, Merit will be better equipped to meet the goals outlined in the company mission:

UNDERSTAND. INNOVATE. DELIVER.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Let’s Talk Lung Cancer: An In-Depth Interview with Dr. Reddy

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.1 In the United States, more people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer.2 November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and to help us gain a better understanding of the condition, the screening process, and treatment options, we sat down with Chakravarthy Reddy, MD, pulmonologist at the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, UT.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs change or mutate, resulting in abnormal cell growth. These cells multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor and spreading to other parts of the body.

“Stage one or stage two, where patients are potentially curable, have almost no symptoms at all; it’s always incidentally found,” Dr. Reddy explains. “A patient has a scan for some other reason, and the cancer is detected in the lungs.”

When lung cancer symptoms do manifest, they can include a cough that worsens or does not resolve, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, wheezing, weakness or fatigue, and weight loss.4 “Unfortunately, by the time a patient presents with symptoms, they’re in advanced stages, and their survival is not as good,” says Dr. Reddy.

What Are Risk Factors for Lung Cancer?

Smoking is by far the leading cause of lung cancer, putting people who smoke at a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers.5

In addition to smoking, breathing secondhand smoke is also dangerous, increasing the risk of lung cancer.6 “We always talk about smokers, but there is a correlation between people who live with smokers and their risk for developing lung cancer,” Dr. Reddy adds. “Secondhand exposure does increase the risk of developing cancer.”

The American Cancer Society lists other risk factors for lung cancer, which include:5

Risks and Warnings

Radon
A naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon is the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. Potential risk areas are homes with basements.

Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil.7 People who work with asbestos (e.g., in mines, mills, textile plants, shipyards, and where insulation is used) are several times more likely to die of lung cancer.

Carcinogens
Exposure to cancer-causing agents, such as uranium, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, nickel compounds, coal products, and diesel exhaust can increase lung cancer risk.

Personal or Family History
If an individual has lung cancer, there is a higher risk of developing another lung cancer. Brothers, sisters, and children of people who have had lung cancer may have a higher risk.

Previous Radiation Therapy to the Lungs
People who have had radiation therapy to the chest for other cancers are at a higher risk of lung cancer, particularly if they smoke.

Air Pollution
In cities, air pollution can increase the risk of lung cancer, with some research suggesting approximately 5% of all deaths from lung cancer may be due to outdoor air pollution.

Who Should Be Screened for Lung Cancer?

The recommended screening test for lung cancer is a low-dose CT scan.8 According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force, those eligible for screening must meet the three-pronged criteria:9

Age ǀ Adults aged 50-80 years
Smoking History ǀ Individuals with a 20 pack-year smoking history
Tobacco Exposure ǀ Current smokers or those who have quit within the past 15 years

Age is a straightforward benchmark, but calculating a pack-year may seem foreign to most. “Multiply the number of packs of cigarettes you smoke per day by the number of years you’ve smoked. This gives you the value, which we call pack-years,” Dr. Reddy explains. An example would be if a person has smoked a pack of cigarettes for 20 years or two packs for 10 years, each of these instances would calculate a 20 pack-year history.

The third criterion addresses tobacco exposure—but what is the significance of a 15-year time span? “It takes about 15 years for the risk [of lung cancer] to normalize,” Dr. Reddy says. “If it’s been less than 15 years since the patient quit, then the third criterion for lung cancer screening is met.”

This also means if a patient does not meet the criteria, screening will not happen. Dr. Reddy encourages people who are under 50 who have a 20 pack-year history to speak with a physician about any concerns, personal risk factors, and the benefits of being screened.

What Lung Cancer Treatment Options Are Available?

When lung cancer is caught early, there are more curative options. Unfortunately, as Dr. Reddy mentioned, lung cancer is normally caught in late stages. A surgery called a lobectomy, which removes one of the lobes in the lung, is only an option for stage 1 or 2 cancer. “Patients who come in with lung cancer don’t have healthy lungs to begin with,” Dr. Reddy says. “It’s more likely they also have emphysema from smoking, and they probably won’t tolerate removal of even a lobe.”

If a patient’s lung function is borderline, Dr. Reddy suggests another surgical option called a wedge resection, where the lobe is spared, and only the cancer is removed. “It’s not preferred, but if that’s the only option, it’s better than not doing anything,” Dr. Reddy says. “If their lung function is any worse than that, then we clearly cannot do any surgery at all. We have to think of second-line approaches, such as radiation therapy.”

According to Dr. Reddy, lung cancer that spreads first to the lymph nodes in the chest is still potentially curable. However, once it leaves the chest and invades the chest cavity and other parts of the body, such as the adrenal glands, the brain, or bones, it is potentially no longer curable. When this occurs, palliative care is the only option, relieving symptoms and mitigating suffering while optimizing patient quality of life.

Elation Pulmonary Balloon Dilater - Pulmonology Products - Merit Endoscopy

To relieve common lung cancer symptoms, such as shortness of breath or a persistent cough, there are options. “One of the things we do is use balloons to dilate [the airway passages],” Dr. Reddy explains. “Merit makes Elation® balloons, which we find extremely useful, especially because they are available in short, two-centimeter balloon configurations.”

AERO Tracheobronchial Stent - Pulmonology Products - Merit Med Endoscopy

A second approach is to stent the tumor in the lung to maintain the patency of the airway. An option for this line of treatment would be Merit’s AERO® Tracheobronchial Stents. “Patients notice an improvement immediately, almost right after they wake up from the procedure,” Dr. Reddy says. “The radial force of the AERO stent actually keeps the airway open, and that improves shortness of breath.”

Lung Cancer Awareness Resources

As lung cancer awareness is heightened this month, it is critical to share facts about the importance of screening with loved ones and encourage those who smoke to quit.

Knowledge is power, and having health resources to help understand lung cancer better is important. In addition to information about the disease, the below organizations provide a wide range of topics, including survivor stories and ways to get involved throughout the month, helping patients and families in their battle against lung cancer:

Lung Cancer Foundation of America
American Lung Association
GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer

Support for Merit Employees

If you smoke and need help quitting, sign up for our Employee Smoking Cessation program. Contact Dr. Priest for more information.

Merit Medical is dedicated to improving the lives of people, families, and communities worldwide. Learn more about the trusted interventional and palliative treatment options we offer to help physicians care for lung cancer patients.

References:

  1. World Health Organization. 2021. “Cancer Key Facts.” https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. “Lung Cancer Statistics.” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/statistics/
  3. American Lung Association. 2021. “Lung Cancer Basics.” https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/basics
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. “What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/symptoms.htm
  5. American Cancer Society. 2019. “Lung Cancer Risk Factors.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. “Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke.” https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/health_effects/index.htm
  7. United States Environmental Protection Agency. n.d. “Learn About Asbestos.” https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. “Who Should Be Screened for Lung Cancer?” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/screening.htm
  9. United States Preventive Task Force. 2021. “Lung Cancer: Screening.” https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lung-cancer-screening
Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Merit’s Commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness MonthMerit Medical is committed to reducing the burden that cancer places on patients and their loved ones. To further demonstrate this commitment for the third year in a row, Merit is partnering with and supporting Breastcancer.org, an organization dedicated to helping women make sense of the complex medical information about breast cancer, so they can make the best decisions for their lives.

Throughout October, Merit joins Breastcancer.org to advocate the importance of mammography screening in detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages.

For those diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing surgery, watch the video below to see how SCOUT® is improving the patient experience.

Want to see how Merit employees were supporting Breast Cancer Awareness in 2021? Take a look here.

ClariVein OC - treatment for endovenous mechanochemical ablation

ClariVein® OC 5-Year Follow-up Results: Good Occlusion Rate, No Major Complications

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in the legs, also known as varicose veins, is a relatively common condition, with worldwide prevalence ranging between 10% and 30%. Varicose veins can result in a number of symptoms, including pain, leg swelling, itching, and skin discoloration. Individuals with the condition may experience diminished quality of life and loss of work productivity. Finding treatment options that are effective and comfortable for the patient have been an area of interest in the endovascular community. ClariVein OC - treatment for endovenous mechanochemical ablation

A study by researchers in Verona, Italy, found that endovenous mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) treatment with the ClariVein® OC Infusion Catheter was associated with a good occlusion rate, comparable with other techniques, including thermal techniques, without major complications. This is one of the first reports in literature for MOCA treatment of symptomatic varicose veins with 5-year results. With little long-term data pertaining to this type of treatment, the aim of the study was to evaluate long-term occlusion rates.

This retrospective single-center study was published in Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. Mirandola et al. treated 395 primary, symptomatic, unilateral, incompetent varicose saphenous veins in an outpatient setting. Of these patients, none were treated bilaterally in the same session. The majority of vessels treated were great saphenous veins (92.3%), and the others were small saphenous veins. Procedures were performed with the ClariVein OC and polidocanol 2% in liquid form.

A total of 329 patients were available for follow up, each treated between September 2012 and September 2017. Average follow-up time was 20 ± 18 months (range, 6-60 months). Results showed a technical success of 99.5%. Treatment was incomplete in two patients due to vein spasm, leading to catheter damage and inability to infuse the sclerosant. Follow up consisted of clinical evaluation and duplex ultrasound scan performed at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and then once every year.

The overall survival rate free from recanalization was 92.4%. Anatomic success was 94% at 1 year, 91% at 2 years, 88% at 3 years, 88% at 4 years, and 84% at 5 years. The follow up at 5 years included 23 patients, five of whom presented with recanalization. The authors note that in this series, the veins completely disappeared on duplex ultrasound scan in 36% of cases.

It is interesting to note that after 89 patients, the researchers changed the way in which the sclerosant was injected. Beginning the infusion of sclerosant at point of mechanical pullback (protocol 2) produced higher occlusion rates compared to traditional ClariVein OC technique (protocol 1) with delayed infusion of sclerosant. Protocol 2 resulted in a change in cumulative survival rate free from recanalization from 92% to 97% (P ¼ 0.013).

Difference in anatomic success between 2 different protocolsFig 4. Difference in anatomic success between the two different protocols.

The researchers concluded that the ClariVein OC was associated with a good occlusion rate and was comparable with other techniques, including thermal techniques, without major complications.

Varicose veins occur when vessels are unable to pump blood back to the heart, causing the blood to pool, resulting in vessel enlargement over time. Under normal conditions, blood moves from the heart to the legs through the arteries and back to the heart through the veins. To accomplish this, the veins rely on surrounding muscles and a collection of valves to prevent blood from flowing backward. When these muscles and valves weaken or fail to work, blood begins to gather in the vein instead of returning to the heart.

In addition to pain, swelling, itching, and skin discoloration, other symptoms of varicose veins include:

  • Twisted and bulging veins
  • Aching, burning, throbbing and muscle cramping
  • Leg heaviness and fatigue

The ClariVein OC alleviates these symptoms by combining the power of a specialty infusion catheter with a rotating wire tip designed for the controlled 360-degree dispersion of physician-specified agents inside the targeted vessel. Requiring only a pin-sized entry through the skin, treatment with the ClariVein OC takes very little time, uses no heat or tumescent anesthesia, and creates minimal discomfort to the patient.

Learn more about the clinically proven ClariVein OC and how it can change the lives of your patients. Visit ClariVein.com or contact our Customer Support for more information.

IMPORTANT: This product page is intended only for an audience outside of the United States, as ClariVein OC is not approved, cleared, or available for sale in the United States. This product is not approved, cleared, or available for sale or use in the United States, and may not be approved, cleared, or available for sale or use in other countries. Please check with your country representative to determine which ClariVein catheters are available in your country. Please consult the product Instructions for Use (IFU) for indications, contraindications, potential complications, warnings, precautions, and directions for use.

ARTICLE REFERENCED:

Mirandola M et al. 2020. “An Italian Experience with Mechanochemical Ablation of the Saphenous Vein Since 2012.” J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 8, no 6 (Nov): 999–1005. PMID: 32179039.

One-Vac Evacuated Drainage Bottle - Merit Medical

Meet the One-Vac™, Merit’s Newest Evacuated Drainage Bottle

One-Vac Evacuated Drainage Bottle - Merit MedicalMerit Medical is proud to announce the launch of the One-Vac Evacuated Drainage Bottle, the latest in evacuated drainage bottle technology. The smart option to aspirate, remove, or sample percutaneous fluids, the One-Vac is engineered with an advanced design that makes collection and discard simple, efficient, and safe.

The One-Vac is a valued addition to Merit’s Drainage portfolio and accompanies other premier products, such as the Aspira® Drainage System. This extension of the Drainage portfolio is the result of Merit’s commitment to continued innovation and dedication to providing clinicians with multiple high-quality product options when treating patients.

Read the press release.

Several key features are designed to make the One-Vac easy to use, helping to reduce the occurrence of common issues associated with bottle use.

One-Vac Bottle has a number of design features that will provide lasting benefits to you and your patients

KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS

1 – Ergonomic Handle
Start, stop, and regulate flow. Easy to remove, minimizing spills during discard.

2 – Easy Sampling
Connect syringe and open handle to remove fluid for sampling.

3 – Bottle Neck
Easy to hold.

4 – Durable Plastic
Designed to prevent breakage.

5 – Faster Flow Rates
Provides 68% faster flow rates than competitive evacuated bottles.1

Learn more about the One-Vac Evacuated Drainage Bottle by exploring its product page or by connecting with our Customer Support Center to see how you can incorporate it and other Merit solutions into your practice today.

Before using, refer to the product Instructions for Use (IFU) for indications, contraindications, potential complications, warnings, precautions, and directions for use.

REFERENCES

1. Data on file.

SCOUT Radar Localization - Expanding to Europe, Middle East and Africa

A Physician’s Perspective on Wire-Free Localization

Everett Bonner MD - SCOUT Physician

INTRODUCTION

Everett Bonner, MD, is a general surgeon specializing in surgical breast oncology at the Baton Rouge Clinic a large, multi-specialty clinic in Baton Rouge, LA. Dr. Bonner joined the group after completing his Surgical Breast Oncology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.

Dr. Bonner performs on average 25-30 breast surgical procedures a month at Baton Rouge General Hospital, which implemented their wire-free program with SCOUT in 2019. Dr. Bonner led the SCOUT implementation and shares his perspectives.

What was your primary motivator in evaluating and switching to a wire-free technology?

I think the biggest motivating factor was the problems we had with wire localization. Let’s be honest, no one likes them, not the physicians and certainly not the patients. Wires were becoming dislodged; patients were a bit “freaked out” about a 10-inch wire hanging out of their breast covered by a paper cup.

I always thought sterilization was an issue. We are always so conscious of this in the OR, yet we have this 10-inch wire that was exposed to all kinds of elements for a few hours. I say that a localization with SCOUT facilitates a more sterile surgery.

I also perform Hidden Scar Surgery, and a wire localization made it very difficult for me to place the incision exactly where I wanted. Utilizing the SCOUT technology has eliminated that issue. I have total freedom to place my incision where the patient will not see it and have a constant reminder of her cancer. In a lot of my cases, I can make one hidden incision under the arm for the tumor and the sentinel node.

It has revolutionized my practice – it has been a game changer.

Were you familiar with other wire-free technologies?

SCOUT Radar Localization - Expanding to Europe, Middle East and Africa

 

We did not trial SCOUT first. We trialed two other wire-free options, and we were not very happy. With one we had to continuously adjust equipment, and with the other we would have needed to switch to a whole new standard of surgical instruments.

For us, SCOUT was the technology of choice. It was more user friendly, and we would not have to rebuy all new instrumentation. It has worked out extremely well for the hospital, for our practice, and we have never looked back. In fact, my associates and I now almost localize exclusively with SCOUT, and most of us have not used a wire localization in more than a year.

Since using SCOUT, how has it affected your surgical outcomes?

It has been a game changer in three key areas. First and foremost, my re-excision rate is down to less than 5% (the national average is about 10%). I spend less time in the OR, and infection rates have dropped.

I think a very important point is that I use SCOUT, not only for localization, but for real-time guidance during surgery. I am constantly using SCOUT as I am doing my circumferential dissection around the tumor. I am constantly relocating to make sure I am not too close to the tumor, and once I have removed the tumor, I do a margin assessment circumferentially. If it looks like I am too close into a particular margin, I will go back and take additional tissue.

Also, not to be minimized is the fact that I can perform a lumpectomy in about 30 – 45 minutes, as opposed to the hour and a half it normally takes with a wire localization. That is less OR time, less anesthesia for the patient, which all adds up to safety and cost savings.

What can you tell us from a patient’s perspective about a wire-free experience?

Patients love it! I do a lot of patient education upfront, and I am very detailed in explaining the whole surgical experience. I get rave reviews on how “cool” SCOUT, is and they love that they cannot see or feel it, especially patients who have had a past wire localization experience.

At first, I did get a bit of push back about making a trip to the hospital to get the reflector placed, but once I explain that it can be done in conjunction with pre-admission testing, that concern was alleviated.

Patients really appreciate the value of new technology. It is good for them and good for the practice. Being on the forefront of new technology has improved my patient volume. We do little advertising. Therefore, its popularity has been purely by word of mouth.

What are the main outcomes a physician should expect from their wire-free technology?

The number one thing is cleaner margins and the potential to decrease your re-excision rate. Like I mentioned before, my rate is now half of what it was with a wire.

Number two is patient comfort and satisfaction. Patients are nervous enough going to surgery. Add the discomfort and the trauma of a wire sticking out of their breast and that is not patient centric. SCOUT has changed all of that.

The third one, and I think also a major consideration, is precision. You can take less tissue because you know exactly where you are going as you dissect the tumor, which results in a more cosmetically appealing result. Some surgeons say, “Just take a larger tissue sample.” But my question is why when SCOUT is so precise? With this localization and guidance technology, you can take less tissue and have good margins as well as a better cosmetic outcome.

This information is for the practitioner’s convenience and for general information purposes only. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, nor is it meant to endorse or guarantee the suitability of any of the referenced products or methods for any specific patient or procedure. Before using any product, refer to the Instructions for Use (IFU) for indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and directions for use.
Physician Education - On-Demand and Live - Merit Medical

Continuing Education: Why It’s Vital to Improving Patient Care

Think Education™ proctors discuss the purpose continuing education serves in an evolving medical industry and how the Think Education program is paving the way for better learning opportunities now and into the future.

Physician Education - On-Demand and Live - Merit MedicalThe medical field is a continual evolution of new procedures and innovations. To bring these tools and techniques to practice, physicians take on the role of lifelong learners, making continuing education an integral part of their profession.

American Association of Continuing Medical EducationAccording to the American Association of Continuing Medical Education, continuing education is “crucial to the prosperity of healthcare providers, as it allows them to learn and discover viable ways to improve on the patient care they deliver and effectively manage a career in the ever-changing landscape of the medical industry.” 1

“Physician education allows us to remain at the forefront of knowledge,” says Darren Klass, MD, PhD, MRCS, FRCR, FRCPC, Think Radial® Proctor. “It has a dramatic impact on patient care in that it allows physicians to provide the latest treatment. In many instances, the procedure itself may not fundamentally change; however, new techniques and equipment that make the procedure safer and more effective can improve patient outcomes.”

Not only does continuing education keep physicians informed, it also helps to ensure patients are, too. Being aware of all treatment options can mean the difference between undergoing a minimally invasive procedure or conventional surgery. Utilizing less invasive techniques can minimize risk to the patient, reduce pain as well as recovery time in comparison to open surgery. 2

“Even if physicians are not bringing new skills and developments directly into their own working environment, the awareness of new alternatives is valuable,” explains Ferdinand Kiemeneij, MD, PhD, Think Radial Proctor. “Patients will benefit by either receiving state-of-the-art treatment, or they are at least aware of alternatives if the physician involved informs them properly.”

Merit Think Education - Physician CoursesMerit Medical’s Think Education program provides physicians with quality instruction that focuses on cutting-edge interventional technology and techniques, facilitating advanced therapies designed to provide a less invasive approach to treatment that results in better patient outcomes.

Program topics include interventional techniques for airway stenting, the implantation of LV leads, and minimally invasive treatment of pathologic vertebral fractures and metastatic spinal tumors. Other course topics include embolization for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, peritoneal dialysis implantation, radial and distal access, and wire-free tumor localization. Explore Merit’s courses here.

Designed and taught by physicians, each course immerses attendees in a number of ways, including didactic presentations, taped or live cases, and state-of-the-art, hands-on training. Encompassing all aspects of a procedure or disease state, Think Education courses provide physicians with the up-to-date knowledge they need to immediately put what they learn into practice. Both virtual and on-demand courses are available.

Think Education Proctors - Drs Hallisey & Kiemeneij
Think Education Proctors - Drs Klass & Parkinson

“The courses evolve each time they are presented in order to provide physicians with the latest data and experience, presented in an unbiased way that is first and foremost about improving patient care,” Dr. Klass says. “Probably the biggest impact the Think courses have is their clear message of intercollegiate collaboration. Physicians are able to listen to experts speak on their respective fields—which is unique to the Think Education program.”

“Think Education is an invaluable asset to the medical community,” explains Brett Parkinson, MD, Think Wire-Free™ Proctor. “It provides opportunities for physicians to learn in a friendly, relaxed environment, and because course topics involve cutting-edge technology, attendees come away knowing they have added the latest treatment options to their armamentarium of care.”

“As a proctor for Think Education programs, I believe physician-to-physician interaction gives attendees confidence that they are getting experienced thought leaders in their field,” says Michael Hallisey, MD, Think Spine™ Proctor. “This gives them the chance to expand their knowledge and improve their medical practice.”

A current challenge physicians face in continuing their education and improving their practice is doing so in the face of a pandemic that requires rethinking traditional methods of instruction to minimize in-person interaction and spread of the disease.

Although education had started to move online long before COVID-19, this transition is now mandatory, at least for the foreseeable future. To make this undertaking easier, retaining real-time personal interaction can help online learning feel less isolating, fostering effective and sustainable experiences.3

Think Wire-Free with Dr Parkinson“The medical education of today will be of historical interest tomorrow. This has been evident over the last year, as the old educational paradigm shifted abruptly from large gatherings to individual learning in the comfort of one’s home,” Dr. Parkinson adds. “Think Education was able to effectively pivot in 2020 from in-person seminars to virtual learning.”

As continuing education adapts to the changing needs of physicians, it brings with it the opportunity to influence and improve future opportunities to learn, serving as a catalyst for better programs that have a broader reach.

“Physician education will continue to expand in the online format in the future. This can allow top physicians to share their expertise with a larger part of the world,” Dr. Hallisey says. “We all want more confidence and skill in treating patients. A well-educated physician can have that.”

Learn more about Merit’s Think Education program and sign up for an upcoming course today.

REFERENCES
1. American Association of Continuing Medical Education. 2020. “Importance of CME.” https://aacmet.org/cme/importance-of-cme/
2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2021. “What Is Vascular and Interventional Radiology?” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/interventional-radiology/what_is_IR.html
3. Chirag V et al. 2020. “Socially Distant Medical Education in the Face of COVID-19.” Med Sci Educ Oct 21: 1–3. PMID: 33106763

Uterine Fibroid Embolization - Embosphere Microspheres

Embosphere® Results in Less Inflammatory Response, Lower Rates of Analgesic Use Compared to PVA After UFE

Every July, our team at Merit Medical recognizes Fibroid Awareness Month as a time to bring attention to a very common yet under-discussed condition that will affect most women at some point in their lifetime.

We do this by supporting a minimally invasive fibroid treatment called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also called uterine artery embolization (UAE), through a portfolio of embolotherapy products we offer.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization - Embosphere MicrospheresTo shed light on the performance of UFE embolic agents and to help physicians ensure women receive the best fibroid treatment experience possible, a randomized controlled trial by Han et al. compared post-UFE pain using nonspherical polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles versus Merit Medical’s Embosphere® Microspheres.

Published in Radiology, the study enrolled 54 women with fibroids (mean age, 44 ± 4 years [standard deviation]) and assigned UFE treatment with either nonspherical PVA (355–550 μm) or Embosphere (500–700 μm). There were 27 women in each group, and both participants and investigators collecting data were blinded to the embolic material used. Women with concomitant disease (e.g., adenomyosis) were excluded from the study.

Both groups were given fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia within the first 24 hours after UFE as well as rescue analgesics. The investigators measured neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio to assess inflammatory response, and contrast-enhanced MRI was performed 1 day after the procedure to evaluate dominant fibroid necrosis and ischemia of normal myometrium. Symptom severity score and health-related quality-of-life score were assessed before and 3 months after UFE.

Results showed that pain scores and fentanyl dose were not different during the first 24 hours, but the use of rescue analgesics was higher in the PVA group (33% vs 11%; P = 0.049). After embolization, symptom severity score and health-related quality-of-life score were not different between groups (symptom severity score: 16 [interquartile range, 6–22] for PVA vs 19 [interquartile range, 9–34] for Embosphere, P = .45; health-related quality-of-life score: 93 [interquartile range, 80–97] for PVA vs 89 [interquartile range, 84–96] for Embosphere, P = .41).

In addition, changes in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio from before to 24 hours after UFE were greater in the PVA group (3.9 [interquartile range, 2.7–6.8] compared to the Embosphere group (2.5 [interquartile range, 1.5–4.6]; P = .02). Rates of complete dominant fibroid necrosis were not different between groups, but transient global uterine ischemia of normal myometrium was more frequent in the PVA group (44% vs 15%; P = .04).

The investigators of the study concluded that when used in UFE, PVA particles and Embosphere resulted in similar pain scores and fentanyl dose. However, PVA resulted in a greater inflammatory response, higher rates of rescue analgesic use, and more frequent transient global uterine ischemia compared to Embosphere.

Download Article Summary

Watch How UFE Works

Fibroids (also known as uterine fibroids, leiomyomas, and myomas) are non-cancerous tumors that grow within the muscle tissue of the uterus. Although some fibroids cause no symptoms at all, common symptoms can include excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, and frequent urination. Depending on the size and location of the fibroids, other symptoms can include anemia, leg pain, pain during sexual intercourse, constipation, and an enlarged abdomen. Up to 80% of women develop fibroids by the time they reach age 50.

Approximately, 600,000 hysterectomies are performed in the US each year, with fibroids listed as the most common reason. A report by the Society of Interventional Radiology found that 1 in 5 women believe hysterectomy is the only treatment option for fibroids and that 44% of women with fibroids have never heard of UFE. Although hysterectomy is a treatment for fibroids, there are many other treatment options available, many of which are minimally invasive.

44% of women have never heard of Uterine Fibroid Embolization

To encourage women to seek out all treatment options and help physicians educate patients, we offer an educational patient-awareness site called Ask4UFE with information about treatment options—with focus on UFE—as well as patient and physician testimonials and researched blog entries.

Join us in recognizing July as Fibroid Awareness Month. We look forward to working together to increase awareness surrounding the condition, helping to provide the best resources, products, and care for patients worldwide.

Before using, refer to Instructions for Use (IFU) for indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and directions for use.

ARTICLE REFERENCE
Han K et al. 2020. “Nonspherical Polyvinyl Alcohol Particles verusus Tris-Acryl Microspheres.” Radiology 298, no. 2 (Feb): 458–465. PMID: 33350893.

Merit Medical Brings Awareness to Men's Health

Merit Brings Awareness to Men’s Health During the Month of June

Merit Medical Brings Awareness to Men's HealthIt’s June and officially Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to the raising awareness of health issues that affect men and boys, encouraging early detection and treatment of these conditions.

At Merit Medical, it’s our goal to not only provide the tools physicians need to treat and improve patient outcomes but also share knowledge and increase awareness surrounding risk factors for disease.

We understand that illness affects both men and women, but to offer the best patient care, it’s also important to shed light on diseases that are more prevalent in one sex versus the other.

Here are just some of the illnesses that are seen more frequently among men—and how we help care for each.

ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Esophageal cancer is cancer found in the esophagus—the hollow, muscular tube in your body that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach. Men are around three times more likely than women to have esophageal cancer.

Esophageal CancerPrevention tips:

  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Exercise regularly.

Learn more about esophageal cancer.

MERIT PRODUCTS

EndoMAXX® Esophageal Stent
EndoMAXX

ALIMAXX-ES™ Esophageal Stent
ALIMAXX-ES

Elation® 3-Stage Fixed-Wire Dilation Balloon
Elation 3-Stage Fixed-Wire Dilation Balloon

Elation5™ Fixed-Wire Dilation Balloon
Elation5 Fixed-Wire Dilation Balloon

LUNG CANCER

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The overall chance of a man developing lung cancer in his lifetime is approximately 1 in 15, whereas for a woman, the risk is about 1 in 17.

Lung Cancer Prevention TipsPrevention tips:

  • Quit smoking (or don’t start).
  • Stay away from secondhand smoke.
  • Test your home for radon.
  • Avoid cancer-causing chemicals.
  • Live a healthy lifestyle.

Learn more about lung cancer.

MERIT PRODUCTS

AERO® Tracheobronchial Stent
AERO Stent

AEROmini® Tracheobronchial Stent
AEROmini

Elation® Pulmonary Balloon Dilator
Elation Pulmonary Balloon Dilator

KIDNEY FAILURE

Although more women than men are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, or CKD, men are more likely to reach kidney failure sooner.

Although kidney failure can happen to anyone, men may be more at risk compared to women due to differences in hormones and living unhealthier lifestyles.

Think Dialysis Access Merit Physician CoursePrevention Tips:

  • Get a kidney check-up at least every year.
  • Control your blood pressure and blood sugar.
  • Stop smoking (or don’t start).
  • Exercise and eat a healthy diet.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • If you have an enlarged prostate, talk with your doctor to make sure it’s not blocking your urinary tract.
  • Give your doctor a list of any supplements, medicines, and/or hormone treatments you’re taking to ensure they aren’t damaging your kidneys.

Learn more about kidney failure and visit our Dialysis Access Solution page.

MERIT PRODUCTS

HeRO® Graft
HeRO Graft

Surfacer® Inside-Out® Access Catheter System
Surfacer Inside-Out

Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters
PD Catheters

Dialysis Access Accessories
Dialysis Access Accessories

AORTIC ANEURYSM

The aorta runs from the heart through the center of the chest and abdomen. It’s the main blood vessel that brings blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the vessel enlarges, putting it at risk of bursting. Men are 4-15 times more likely to develop an AAA than women

Aortic AneurysmPrevention tips:

  • Stop smoking (or don’t start).
  • Reduce stress.
  • Exercise and eat a heart-healthy diet.
  • If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, take the medicines your doctor has prescribed.

Learn more about AAA. To learn more about our packs, wires, and other cardiac products, please visit our Merit Vascular page.

MERIT PRODUCTS

Q50® Stent Graft Balloon Catheters
Q50 Stent Graft Balloon Catheters

InQwire® Amplatz Guide Wire
InQwire Amplatz Guide Wire

HEART ATTACK

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood. As time passes without receiving treatment, the more damage is done to the heart. The main cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease (CAD). Researchers have found that throughout life, men are about twice as likely as women to have a heart attack.

Heart Attack - Men's Health MonthPrevention Tips:

  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Stop smoking (or don’t start).
  • Monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • Manage your diabetes.
  • Take your prescribed medicines.

Learn more about heart attacks. Explore our Cardiac Portfolio, including our radial sheaths, catheters, wires, and compression devices.

MERIT PRODUCTS

Prelude IDeal™ Hydrophilic Sheath Introducer
Prelude IDeal

LIVER CANCER

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and is most often seen in people with chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Worldwide, HCC is the fourth leading cause of cancer death and is 3 times more common among males than females.

Liver Cancer - Men's Health MonthPrevention Tips:

  • Avoid heavy alcohol use.
  • Reduce exposure to aflatoxin B1.
  • Stop smoking (or don’t start).
  • Get the hepatitis B vaccine.
  • If you have hepatitis, work with your care provider to receive treatment.

Learn more about liver cancer. Visit our Hepatic Oncology portfolio.

MERIT PRODUCTS

QuadraSphere® Microspheres (US Only)
Quadrapheres

Tenor® Steerable Guidewires
Tenor Guidewires

Merit Maestro® Microcatheters
Merit Maestro

BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is the enlargement of the prostate gland and affects only men. It becomes more common as men get older. Up to 90% of men over the age of 80 have BPH. Although BPH is noncancerous, it can cause bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms.

BPH - Men's Health MonthPrevention Tips:

  • Maintain a heart-healthy diet.
  • Avoid heavy alcohol use.
  • Exercise regularly.

Explore the products we offer to support prostatic artery embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive option to treat BPH.

MERIT PRODUCTS

Embosphere PRO™ Prostatic Artery Embolization Kit
Embosphere PRO Kit

True Form™ Reshapable Guide Wires
True Form Reshapable Guide Wires

SwiftNINJA® Steerable Microcatheter
SwiftNINJA

At Merit Medical, our goal is to improve the lives of people, families, and communities worldwide. An important part of this is caring for men’s health by providing the products and therapies needed for patients to live at their best.

Have questions? Reach out to our Customer Support team.

Before using, refer to Instructions for Use for indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and directions for use.