Category: Critical Care

The Making of Merit Medical—A Timeline Celebrating 35 Years

This year, we’re celebrating 35 years of Merit Medical, an organization founded with a vision to be the most customer-focused company in healthcare. Since then, we’ve expanded from our headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT, to facilities across the world with a diverse, ever-growing portfolio of products.

As with any great business, we couldn’t have done it alone. Our team is at the heart of what we do. We understand clinician needs and innovate products to meet those needs. We deliver diagnostic and treatment solutions that work. Above all, we help ensure our healthcare partners have what they need to help patients live their best lives.

Let’s look back at some of the pivotal moments that made us Merit.

1987

Our story begins more than three decades ago in an industrial park in Murray, UT. Fred Lampropoulos, Merit’s founder and CEO, brought his idea of a stronger, safer, disposable syringe to life—replacing glass syringes currently used in patient care. In 1988, our first syringe hit the market, paving the way for countless medical innovations to come.

1994

To keep up with an increasing demand for our growing portfolio, we opened our first international location, a manufacturing facility in Galway, Ireland. Today, our Galway team continues to thrive. In 2018, they earned the Medtech Company of the Year award in recognition of their dedication.

This same year, we also saw the opening of Merit Sensor, one of several product divisions that bolster our offerings.

  • Merit Galway
  • Merit Galway wins award

1999

This year marked the opening of our Merit Houston facility. A Center of Excellence, Merit Houston specializes in polymer extrusions and catheter manufacturing.

  • ReSolve® Biliary Locking Drainage Catheter [Introduction]

2000

More than a decade of focus and persistence came to fruition in 2000 with the launch of our first compression device, the RADstat® Radial Artery Compression Device. Since then, we’ve continuously innovated and improved our compression device offerings to provide clinicians with superior options—the PreludeSYNC EZ™, PreludeSYNC DISTAL™, and SafeGuard® family of products.

  • PreludeSYNC DISTAL - First of Its Kind - Radial Access
  • PreludeSYNZ EZ - Image from In-Service Video showing the two-handed cinch of the band
  • SafeGuard Focus & SafeGuard Focus Cool - Compression Devices for Pacemakers & ICD Pockets

2004

As our US presence continued to grow, we added another location through the acquisition of our Richmond, VA, facility. An integral part of our business, it remains an important manufacturing and distribution center, responsible for producing more than 35 million components each year.

  • Cath Lab Kit Options from Merit Medical
  • Angigraphy kit opened, displaying scissors, scalpels and Medallion syringes

2005

Close to home and far away, this year brought big developments. Our Salt Lake headquarters opened a new manufacturing facility. Doubling its existing square footage, the new facility added more than one hundred new production jobs.

We also opened a facility in Venlo, Netherlands, specializing in manufacturing coated wires, and in 2008, followed with a sister location in Maastricht, our EMEA Distribution Center of Excellence.

  • Merit Venlo
  • Merit Medical Maastricht

2010

In 2010, we opened our Paris facility. This expansion gave us state-of-the-art embolic material manufacturing capabilities. Our global capacity for delivering more minimally invasive treatment options to patients increased.

  • Merit Paris
  • Embosphere - First Commercially Available Microsphere - Long Line of Firsts - Merit Medical
  • HepaSphere Expanding Microspheres - Merit Medical

2015

Our Tijuana, Mexico, facility opened in 2015, where our dedicated employees enjoy award-winning cafeteria service, a safe and convenient transportation system, and more. As one of our primary manufacturing and assembly facilities, our Tijuana team plays a critical role in our success.

  • Tijuana Facility
  • Shingo Prize - Operational Excellence - Merit Medical - Tijuana Merit
  • Merit Medical Careers Mexico

2016

In 2016, we launched the SCOUT® Radar Localization system. Designed to improve patient outcomes, SCOUT marked our strong commitment to reducing the burden breast cancer has on patients and their loved ones. As of 2021, SCOUT surpassed 200,000 procedures worldwide.

As the company expanded, we were able to show our appreciation for employees by offering more services that prioritized their health and wellness. This year Merit Salt Lake introduced the Merit Care Clinic, an on-site practice that provides low-cost healthcare to employees and their dependents. We also opened the Merit Employee Garden, a 1-acre parcel of land that offers fresh produce as well as the opportunity for our team to spend time outdoors.

  • Enhanced Patient Satisfaction with SCOUT Radar Localization
  • Merit Medical - Garden Boxes - U-Pick

2017

We were proud to welcome Singapore to our Merit family in 2017 as one of our chief centers for innovating and manufacturing. Our Singapore team has more than 30 years of experience in Critical Care product development; and with its R&D laboratory capabilities, it closely collaborates with government agencies and research institutes.

  • Meritrans DTXPlus - Critical Care Unit - Merit Medical
  • DualCap System - Infection Prevention for Critical Care and ICUs - Merit Medical

2022

Today, Merit is a billion-dollar company that continues to have a positive impact on patient lives worldwide. Our family of 6,800 employees make this possible by fulfilling the Merit mission to Understand, Innovate, and Deliver.

Salt Lake city Facility

To our dedicated team, thank you for your efforts in building the next great healthcare company. We look forward to many more years of making a difference.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Battling Flu Season and COVID-19, Merit Medical Provides Critical Care Products to ICUs

It is officially flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. In the US alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that influenza (or flu) has caused between 140,000–810,000 hospitalizations annually since 2010. On top of that, COVID-19 cases are surging once again. To help hospitals battle flu season and the uptick in COVID-19 cases, Merit Medical provides the products they need to care for these vulnerable patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERS IN CRITICAL CARE

A central venous catheter (CVC), otherwise known as a central line, is commonly placed in a large vein in the neck, chest, arm, or groin to perform quick medical tests or to administer medication, fluids, or blood products. CVCs are an option for patients in the ICU, as they can remain for longer periods of time than standard intravenous (IV) accesses, providing access for those who may be receiving treatment several times each day.

“Often times CVCs are used with critically ill patients because access to viable peripheral veins is compromised,” explains Stephanie Olsen, RN, Director of Global Marketing at Merit Medical. “CVCs are more stable and durable. Where standard peripheral IVs are required to be changed every 72 hours—and may not remain patent as long as a central line access will—Merit CVCs don’t need to be changed out as often, lasting up to 29 days.”

MERIT MEDICAL PRODUCT PICKS

Secalon-T™

Key Features & Benefits:

  • Designed for high-flow rate infusions
  • PTFE or FEP material construction with Floswitch®—ideal for rapid short-term insertion into central veins or large peripheral vessels
  • Available in a kit with pre-puncture stylus and stabilizing wing

Learn More

Careflow™ Central Venous Catheters

Key Features & Benefits:

  • Designed for catheterization via the Seldinger technique
  • Tapered atraumatic tip designed to improve catheter insertion and reduce the risk of venous damage
  • Streamlined junction hub enables ease of catheter suture and comfortable positioning on patient’s skin

Learn More

PRESSURE INFUSOR BAGS IN THE ICU

Pressure infusor bags are a valuable solution for injured or critically ill patients who require rapid administration of fluids or blood products. Pressurized bags also prevent the backflow of fluid into the catheters and tubing during treatment or procedures.

“Pressurized bags ensure patients receive the rapid treatment they need while also freeing up the nursing staff’s valuable time, as manually squeezing a bag is not necessary when using a pressure infusor bag,” Olsen says.

MERIT MEDICAL PRODUCT PICK

Pressure Infusor Bag™

Key Features & Benefits:

  • Dual-pressure safety valve switches between normal and over-pressure mode with a click of a button
  • Pressurization and deflation can be achieved with one hand
  • Blunt hook will not puncture the fluid bag and is secure in the event of pressure loss

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FLUID ADMINISTRATION TUBING IN CRITICAL CARE

Adequate fluid administration is necessary for patients to receive the medications and fluids they need while in the ICU. Merit Medical’s fluid management products are designed to effectively manage fluid levels of critically ill patients. Merit Medical tubing, in particular, is available in longer lengths, which can help reduce the risk of exposure between patient and nursing staff as well as conserve personal protective equipment (PPE).

“To reduce the risk of exposure, hospitals are adding extension tubing to the pump’s primary administration set and then running it under the door into the hallway. This helps to decrease the amount of exposure a frontline healthcare worker has when repeatedly entering a patient’s room to manage infusions,” Olsen explains. “Merit’s fluid administration systems are available with tubing up to 108 inches, or 274 centimeters, which have helped decrease proximity of patients and staff.”

MERIT MEDICAL PRODUCT PICK

Merit Fluid Administration Tubing

Key Features & Benefits:

  • Available in longer lengths
  • Offered in three material configurations (highly flexible polyurethane to clear PVC)
  • Provides both a fixed male connector and rotating adapter connector

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LABELING SYSTEMS IN THE ICU

Patients in the ICU with COVID-19 or flu may require extensive tubing, such as IV and auxiliary lines, to help them recover. Keeping critical care lines accurately labeled is crucial for patient safety.

“Having tools in place that organize patient lines can help clinicians easily identify which fluid line is responsible for what,” Olsen says. “Merit offers Critical Care Label Sets, a labeling system created in response to a customer’s request to help manage multiple IV lines when caring for patients with COVID-19.”

Color-coded with large, legible print, Merit’s Critical Care Label Sets (CCLS) provide a convenient and safe identification system for IV lines, which can help determine each line’s purpose accurately and efficiently, reducing the potential for medication errors.

MERIT MEDICAL PRODUCT PICK

CCLS

Key Features & Benefits:

  • Streamlines medication labeling
  • Designed to stick when wet
  • Comes with a sterile, fine-point PAL™ pen that is smear resistant

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INFECTION PREVENTION SYSTEMS IN CRITICAL CARE

According to the CDC, on any given day, about one in 31 patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection (HAI).

“With the number of COVID-19 cases in the ICU rising, infection prevention—and protecting all lines—is critical now more than ever,” Olsen explains.

To provide effective infection prevention, Merit Medical offers the DualCap® Disinfection & Protection System, a uniquely designed disinfecting cap system for use on both the male luer connector at the end of the IV tubing and the needle-free valve.

Invented by two infusion nurses, the DualCap System helps to prevent intraluminal contamination as well as device cross-contamination, which is especially important for IV catheter use over extended dwell times.1 The DualCap System can be used on all lines—both central and peripheral—disinfecting the male luer connector and the needle-free valve in 30 seconds, providing a physical barrier to contamination for up to 7 days if not removed.2

MERIT MEDICAL PRODUCT PICK

DualCap Disinfection & Protection System

Key Features & Benefits:

  • The DualCap System not only provides built-in disinfection, but protection that comes from a secure connection
  • Both caps contain medical-grade sponges saturated with 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
  • Both caps feature an easy-to-grasp, hold and twist tapered design that fits tightly and securely

Learn More

You can also explore virtual training tools that can help you in-service your teams with step-by-step instructions—all available when you need them.

When treating vulnerable patients, every product you use matters. During this challenging time, nothing is more important to Merit Medical than the health and safety of customers and their patients.

Visit our Critical Care Products and Solutions page to explore the many ways we help clinicians provide treatment that is safe, effective, and efficient.

REFERENCES

  1. Mermel LA, “What Is the Predominant Source of Intravascular Catheter Infections?” Clin Infect Dis 52, no. 2 (2011): 211 ̶ 212. PMID: 21288845.
  2. DualCap IV Pole Strips® Instructions for Use, 2016. Catheter Connections, Inc.
  3. Avomeen Analytic Services. Testing Report Prepared for Catheter Connections. October 2013.

Merit Recognizes Infection Prevention Week with a Strong History of Keeping Clinicians and Patients Safe

Merit's Commitment to Infection Prevention - DualCap - Merit Medical

Today marks the start of International Infection Prevention Week, a worldwide awareness event aimed at highlighting ways to stop the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). At any given time, about one in 25 inpatients have an infection related to hospital care.1 HAIs may lead to sepsis or even death,2 prompting healthcare providers to take preventative action to protect patients. Through a number of safety and infection prevention products and education programs, Merit Medical strives to make the healthcare setting safer for patients and healthcare professionals.

In 1987 Merit was built on a safety product: a safer and stronger disposable syringe. Over the past 32 years, we’ve continued this legacy of innovation, developing best-in-class safety and infection prevention devices that benefit patients, healthcare professionals, and overall health systems.

Many HAIs can be prevented with proper infection prevention practices. We’re pleased to offer products and training programs that can help hospitals reduce their risk.

DualCap® Disinfection & Protection System

Dual Cap

A shining star of our commitment to infection prevention is the DualCap® Disinfection & Protection System, a unique disinfecting cap system for use on both the male luer connector at the end of the IV tubing and the needle-free valve. Clinical evidence shows that the male luer connector can become contaminated up to 37% and the needle-free valve up to 24%, routinely causing vascular device cross-contamination.3

The DualCap — which was designed by nurses — helps to solve these problems via two color-coded, easy-to-grasp caps with built-in disinfecting sponges saturated with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Just twist onto the male luer connector and needle-free valve to disinfect and protect until access is required. Within 30 seconds, the DualCap not only disinfects but also provides a physical barrier to contamination for up to 7 days.4*

Learn more about how the DualCap helps to protect patients.

Safety Products

Other products designed to keep clinicians and patients safe include quick and safe fluid waste elimination systems, such as the BackStop®, MiniStop®, BackStop+™, and MiniStop+™. Our temporary sharps holders, the ShortStop® and ShortStop Advantage®, are intuitively designed to prevent sharps injuries. And PAL™ – Pen and Labels and Medallion® Syringes streamline medication labeling, helping to facilitate compliance with national safety goals.

Explore all of Merit’s Safety & Waste Management and Infection Prevention products.

Educational Opportunities

We also offer the Think Safety and Infection Prevention program, a series of educational opportunities designed to help clinicians learn about techniques, tools, and methods that can improve patient outcomes and prevent HAIs as well as costly medical errors. Attendees can participate in live and recorded webinars and educational events throughout the year and learn the latest patient and clinician safety and infection prevention.

Merit is happy to recognize International Infection Prevention Week and be your partner in keeping hospitals and healthcare settings safe.

REFERENCES
1. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2019 Oct 7). Health care-associated infections. Retrieved from https://health.gov/hcq/prevent-hai.asp
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017 Dec 4). Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/winnablebattles/report/HAIs.html
3. Lopansri BK, et al. Does the Partner Matter? (SHEA 2011, Paper 4539).
4. DualCap® IV Pole StripsTM Disinfectant Caps for Male Luers and Luer Access Valves Instructions for Use. Catheter Connections.
* Under normal conditions if not removed

Introducing the Merit RadialFLO™ Arterial Catheter—the Next Wave in Caring for Critically Ill Patients

1600x470 RadialFlo

Merit is proud to introduce the RadialFLO™ Arterial Catheter, a first-step device in setting up a pressure monitoring and closed blood sampling system. Engineered for peripheral access to the arterial system, the RadialFLO’s advanced features enable clinicians to gather hemodynamic data, helping to improve patient care. With the addition of the RadialFLO, Merit is now able to offer critical care clinicians a complete solution for hemodynamic pressure monitoring.

To simplify radial arterial access, the RadialFLO is built with a notched needle that provides instant blood return to confirm access. The needle is also silicone coated for smooth insertion. Once access is achieved, the Integral FloSwitch® controls blood flow to allow the clinician to connect the pressure monitoring system, minimizing unwanted blood exposure.

The RadialFLO plays a synergistic role within the Merit critical care line of products, providing a complete solution for setting up a patient-centric monitoring system. Clinicians begin the process by leveraging Merit’s broad array of packs and accessories to prepare the patient for radial access. Once access is achieved with the RadialFlo Arterial Catheter, Merit’s Safedraw® Closed Arterial Blood Sampling System seamlessly connects to the catheter to form the pressure monitoring system. Lastly, Merit’s Pressure Infusor Bag operates atop the IV pole to infuse saline to maintain signal integrity and line patency.

Merit also offers critical care educational opportunities to improve patient and clinician safety. Throughout the year, Think Safety and Infection Prevention™ live and recorded webinars and educational events are held to help healthcare professionals learn the techniques, tools, and methods that can improve patient outcomes as well as prevent costly medical errors and hospital-associated infection. Critical care nurses, perioperative nurses, and infection control and safety committee members are welcome to attend.

Learn more about the RadialFLO Arterial Catheter and all the ways Merit continually supports the needs of critical care clinicians with products and education across the patient care continuum.

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