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.
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]](https://www.merit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-11-23_12-22.png)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Think Radial®—Join Us to Explore What’s New in Transradial Access
As medical technology rapidly evolves, it’s vital that physicians have access to training to match the pace. Merit Medical’s Think Radial® education program is renowned for providing advanced, highly specialized training to physicians across the globe in both live and virtual formats.
Hear from our knowledgeable proctors, preview session highlights, and learn about how you can get involved.
Why Think Radial?
Think Radial courses offer hands-on training for proximal and distal radial access for interventionalists in multiple specialties, including cardiology, radiology, neurology, and nephrology. These procedures are one of the medical field’s most exciting innovations—not only for physicians, but as an alternative to femoral access for patients.
Potential advantages of distal radial access may include lessened risk of hematoma while maintaining hand functionality for patients, and for operators, may supply enhanced ergonomics and comfort during the procedure. On average, it also requires less intensive post-procedural care from nurses and support staff.
“Now more than ever there are so many ways to consume medical information,” says Sandeep Nathan, MD, MSc, FACC, FSCAI, interventional cardiologist at the University of Chicago and Think Radial proctor. “It behooves us to use those resources to evolve in our careers and procedures certainly, but most importantly, to do right by our patients.”
This emphasis on improving care for patients is a major driver of physician education programs like Think Radial. New technology and methods can provide more healthcare options, including less invasive procedures and reduced pain.
“Physician education allows us to remain at the forefront of knowledge,” says Darren Klass, MD, PhD, MRCS, FRCR, FRCPC, interventional radiologist at the Vancouver General Hospital and Think Radial proctor. “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.”
What to Expect from Your Think Radial Course
Merit’s Think Radial program focuses on cutting-edge education to facilitate advanced therapies. Our proctors go beyond lecturing—designed to be fully immersive, our course provides the hands-on experience physicians need. With insightful presentations and demonstrations, course attendees can look forward to the following interventional cardiology, radiology, and neuroradiology agenda:
- Specialty breakout sessions
- Patient prep workflow
- Catheter selection
- Hands-on cadaver ultrasound and access
- New technology review
- Tips/tricks to enhance your procedures
Get Involved
Reach out to your Merit rep and follow us on social media for information on the latest course offerings. Interventional cardiologists, interventional radiologists, interventional neuroradiologists, interventional nephrologists, vascular surgeons, and fellows from each specialty will benefit most from attending.
Discover how our Think Radial program can benefit you, and explore more of our overall Think Education™ program. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus or seeing you online.
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What To Expect from Merit at SIR 2022 – “Advanced Outcomes Made Simple”
Merit will be exhibiting at SIR 2022, the Society of Interventional Radiology’s Annual Scientific Meeting. Join us June 12 – 14 in Boston, MA, for a high-quality educational program with an international audience, in-person training, and hands-on workshops. Along with showcasing an exciting lineup of leading-edge products, this year we’re hosting a Lunch & Learn session you won’t want to miss.
Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect at booth #418:
LUNCH & LEARN
Lunch is on us! We hope to see you Monday, June 13 at 12:00 PM EDT for the following educational presentation:
Case-Based Discussion of Steerable Technology in Treatment of VCF and Spinal Metastatic Disease
DATE: Monday, June 13
TIME: 12:00 pm EDT
WHERE: Booth #418
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Understand Clinical & Procedural Value of Steerable Devices
- Discover Therapy-Awareness Strategies
- Engage in Case-Based Discussion and Q&A
FACULTY
Dana Dunleavy, M.D.
Windsong Radiology Director of Interventional & Vascular Services
Buffalo, NY
Learn more about Dr. Dunleavy
PRODUCT SHOWCASE AT BOOTH #418
NEW Prelude Roadster™ Guide Sheath
Expand your diagnostic and interventional procedures with the new Prelude Roadster, a longer guide sheath designed to access difficult anatomy in the peripheral vasculature. Stop by booth #418 to be among the first to discover this brand-new technology.
ReSolve® Thoracostomy Tray
The ReSolve Thoracostomy Tray allows air (pneumothorax) and fluid (pleural effusion) to be drained from the pleural space through a percutaneous approach rather than an open surgical approach, providing your patients with minimally invasive care.
TEMNO Elite™ Biopsy System
The TEMNO Elite Biopsy System offers the reliability you expect with new features designed to provide superior soft tissue samples and total procedure control.
SplashWire™ Hydrophilic Steerable Guide Wire
The Merit SplashWire combines optimum lubricity, exceptional torque response, and enhanced visibility, helping you achieve the successful outcomes you expect for your patients. We designed the SplashWire to successfully perform in the most complex cases.
ReSolve ConvertX® Nephroureteral & Biliary Stent System
Drain to stent in 30 seconds1 with the ConvertX. Designed to treat ureteral and biliary obstructions, you can place it like any internal-external drain, then convert it to a stent when you’re ready.
Surfacer® 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.
See the Surfacer featured on the cover of June 2022 Journal of Vascular Surgery.
One-Vac™ Evacuated Drainage Bottle
Engineered with an advanced design, the One-Vac is the smart option when choosing an evacuated drainage bottle. Built with a number of key features, the One-Vac makes percutaneous fluid collection and discard simple, efficient, and safe for you and your patients.
EmboCube® Embolization Gelatin
Specifically designed for embolization of hypervascular tumors and blood vessels to occlude blood flow, EmboCube 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.
Embosphere® Microspheres
The most clinically studied spherical embolic, Embosphere is the clear choice among interventional radiologists. Designed for predictable and durable occlusion for the embolization of symptomatic uterine fibroids, AVMs, and hypervascular tumors, the elastic material allows for temporary compression of up to 33%3, yielding targeted results for patients and practitioners.
Merit Maestro® Microcatheters
A multipurpose microcatheter, the Maestro is designed to deploy coils up to 0.018″ and embolics up to and including 900 µm. A swan neck design helps you seat the catheter in the vessel, reducing the recoiling effect.
SwiftNINJA® Steerable Microcatheter
The SwiftNINJA 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 even when you’re navigating the most challenging vascular ostium.
Prelude IDeal™ Hydrophilic Sheath Introducer
A hydrophilic access sheath with increased kink and compression resistance makes the IDeal the tool of choice for your radial access procedures.
Arcadia™ Steerable Balloon-Assisted Vertebral Augmentation
The Arcadia is designed to achieve controlled, precise, targeted cavity creation in your vertebral augmentation procedures—whether your approach is unipedicular or bipedicular.
NEW AT MERIT: Arcadia™ Curved Delivery Cannula
Stop by booth #418 and ask us about our NEW Arcadia™ Curved Delivery Cannula—a bone cement delivery system designed for predicable cement deposition across the midline of the vertebral body, optimizing cement volume, while potentially reducing the need for bipedicular access.
STAR™ Tumor Ablation System
STAR delivers meaningful pain relief and localized tumor destruction in a single treatment. Your patients will appreciate that this mechanism is designed to perform successfully and comfortably in an outpatient setting.
We look forward to seeing you at SIR 2022 and discussing all the ways we can help you enhance your patient care. Questions? Contact our Customer Support team and speak to one of our representatives. Live chat, phone, or email—we are here for you.
Don’t forget to follow us on social media for live conference updates!
Before using any of the Merit products mentioned above, refer to Instructions for Use for indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and directions for use.
REFERENCES
- Data on File.
- Laurent et al. Am J Neuroradial 1996.
“A Real Winning Combination”: Prelude IDeal™ and PreludeSYNC DISTAL™ Provide Complete Solution for Distal Radial Access
Distal 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.
We 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
Kinking 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
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
Dr. 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
- 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.
- 6F Data on File.
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.
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.
CRITICAL CARE
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.
DIALYSIS ACCESS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
GASTROENTEROLOGY 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.
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.
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.
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.
VENOUS
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.
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.
New SplashWire™ Delivers Superior Performance in Diagnostic and Interventional Procedures
Merit Medical is proud to announce the launch of the SplashWire™, a hydrophilic steerable guide wire designed to facilitate the placement of devices during diagnostic and interventional procedures. The SplashWire is the result of Merit’s commitment to continued innovation and dedication to making superior products that meet the specific needs of physicians.
A number of key features enable the SplashWire to attenuate common issues associated with guide wire use—such as wire whipping and friction—as well as promote rapid catheter exchanges, all helping to traverse difficult lesions and support successful clinical outcomes in the most challenging procedures.
KEY FEATURES
Resilient Hydrophilic Coating—Provides a constant lubricity that’s superior to the market-leading hydrophilic guide wire,1 enhancing lesion crossability and reducing friction and insertion forces when traversing complex lesions.
Tungsten-Infused Polymer Jacket—Combined with the nitinol core wire, boosts visualization under fluoroscopy for accurate positioning.
Multiple Configurations—For added procedural flexibility, the SplashWire is available in many diameters, lengths, and angled and straight configurations.
Stiff Configuration—Offers more support and pushability.
Nitinol Core—Delivers kink resistance and true 1:1 torque response for smooth navigation in tortuous vessels.1
Comparative torque testing1 shows the SplashWire consistently meets the 1:1 torque target, unlike the market leader’s exaggerated torque response. As displayed in the chart, bars closest to the target line indicate true 1:1 torqueability.
The SplashWire is a valued addition to the Merit Angiography portfolio, a compilation of tools developed by applying physician feedback, investing in new technologies, and improving upon legacy products. This dedication to continued innovation and ongoing excellence has resulted in products that deliver superior performance for diagnostic and interventional procedures.
Learn more about the SplashWire Hydrophilic Steerable Guide Wire 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.
References
1. Test data on file.
Prelude IDeal™ Provides Real Solution to Common Radial Access Challenge
Prelude IDeal™ Provides Real Solution to Common Radial Access Challenge
During radial access procedures, many thin-walled sheath introducers on the market pose the risk of kinking or compressing, either near the access site or inside the radial artery, resulting in wires, catheters, and other devices unable to move through. After years of research, the Merit R&D team built the Prelude IDeal™, a hydrophilic sheath introducer designed to specifically resist kinking and compression while also facilitate smooth device movement and exchange, providing a real solution to this common radial access challenge.
THINNER BUT STRONGER
To combat both kinking and compression, the Merit R&D team envisioned a sheath with a wall that was thinner and stronger than the products physicians currently used.
To achieve this balance, they developed a composite braiding technology to serve as the inner layer of the Prelude IDeal sheath, giving it a 13% thinner wall than the leading thin-walled sheath competitor.1 Unlike other thin-walled sheaths, the braiding of the Prelude IDeal also gives it structural integrity to increase kinking and compression resistance, making it 124% more resistant to sidewall compression and 23% more kink resistant than the leading competitor.1
SAME OD, LARGER ID
With a thinner wall, the Prelude IDeal maintains the same sheath outer diameter (OD) as the market leader but larger inner diameter (ID). This increased internal capacity enables smooth wire, catheter, and device manipulation and exchange.
MADE FOR RADIAL
The Prelude IDeal was developed specifically with radial access in mind. Combining a thinner wall with a composite braiding technology enable the Prelude IDeal to maintain structural integrity, protecting the sheath from compression during vessel spasm, a potential side effect of radial artery access.
In addition, the Prelude IDeal’s kink resistance is crucial when implementing the distal radial technique, where the anatomy of the hand can be more tortuous and accessing the vessel at an increased upright angle is necessary. The robust structure of the Prelude IDeal makes it a practical device choice in distal radial procedures.
WITHSTANDS EXTERNAL PRESSURE
A typical thin-walled sheath may collapse, for example, when it encounters a narrowing of the vessel, preventing catheters and wires from passing through.
With structural integrity provided by its braided composite structure, the Prelude IDeal withstands the natural bends and curves of the artery and aids in straightening the vessel, allowing catheter manipulation and torque without sheath compression.
DISCOVER THE PELUDE IDEAL
The Prelude IDeal Hydrophilic Sheath Introducer has become the tool of choice for radial and distal radial access procedures around the globe. Its story is much like Merit’s overall goal—to listen to the needs of physicians and innovate ways to improve patient care.
Explore all the Prelude IDeal has to offer by visiting its product page or contacting the Merit Customer Support Center.
REFERENCES
- 6F Data on File. Merit assumes no responsibility to update test data.
For Nearly Two Decades, Merit Compression Devices Deliver Quality and Confidence
Merit Medical® has been innovating and delivering quality compression devices for nearly two decades. We launched our first hemostasis band in 2000, and since then it has been our goal to innovate and improve upon subsequent products, ensuring our customers finish each diagnostic and interventional procedure with confidence. Today we have a broad suite of hemostasis devices for each access site, including radial/ulnar, distal radial, and femoral. The PreludeSYNC EVO™, PreludeSYNC DISTAL™, and SafeGuard® are three such products, premium compression devices that help to achieve controlled hemostasis accurately, quickly, and comfortably.
PreludeSYNC EVO for Radial/Ulnar Artery Compression
To assist in gaining and maintaining hemostasis of the radial/ulnar artery following catheterization procedures, this year we launched the PreludeSYNC EVO, our latest compression device designed to elevate both the operator and patient experience through clarity, safety, and comfort. A clear balloon and curved backer plate provide optimal visualization of the puncture site, facilitating easy placement. It also features a new Slip-n-Lock™ Cap for safe and easy inflation and deflation. Available in two sizes (24 cm and 29 cm), the soft, adjustable band of the PreludeSYNC EVO fits securely and comfortably around a patient’s wrist.
Explore all the ways we have evolved achieving patent hemostasis with the PreludeSYNC EVO.
PreludeSYNC DISTAL for Distal Radial Artery Compression
Due to a growing trend of physicians performing distal radial access procedures, we combined a unique band configuration with the comfort and efficacy of the PreludeSYNC™ Radial Compression Device and created the PreludeSYNC DISTAL, the first-ever compression device for distal radial access sites. For a secure and comfortable fit, the PreludeSYNC DISTAL is designed with a material that provides adjustable placement and includes extension bands for larger hands if needed. It is also available in right and left hand devices. A clear balloon provides focused compression for up to 10 mL of air, and a large window area offers unobstructed site visibility that assists placement of the balloon accurately over the access site.
Learn more about the PreludeSYNC DISTAL and its many design features.
SafeGuard for Femoral Artery Compression
The SafeGuard is our original pressure-assisted device for femoral access sites and continues to be a trusted hemostasis band among our customers. Clinical trial data show the 24 cm SafeGuard reduces active compression time1 and has a lower complication rate1 versus manual compression.2 From recovery to positioning and transport, the SafeGuard provides consistent pressure throughout the patient care process. It also facilitates site assessment through a clear window without removing the device. Patients who have undergone a catheterization procedure also prefer SafeGuard, with 87% reporting it “much more comfortable” than any previous procedure.1 Given these advantages, SafeGuard use can reduce demands on staff, maximize valuable resources, and enhance patient comfort.
Discover more SafeGuard clinical benefits.
Whether you choose radial/ulnar, distal radial, or femoral access, we offer an extensive portfolio with many pathways to vascular hemostasis. Our field sales and clinical support teams are trained and ready to meet your facility’s patient hemostasis needs. With a strong history of hemostasis product offerings, you can feel confident in finishing each interventional procedure with a Merit Medical compression device.
To learn more about our compression devices, visit our diverse Hemostasis Product Portfolio.
REFERENCES:
1. Data on file.
2. Sanborn, T. A. (2004). Reduced vascular complications after percutaneous coronary interventions with a nonmechanical suture device: Results from the randomized RACE study (manual compression subset). Catheter Cardiovasc Interv, Mar;61(3):327–332.
Recap of SIR 2019
Announcing New Product Innovations and Education Presentations at SIR 2019 – Booth 349
As the pioneers of minimally invasive treatment, you are innovators.1 And Merit Medical is pleased to be your industry partner in innovative healthcare. This year at SIR 2019, we will introduce several new innovative products and technologies in the areas of venous therapy, interventional spine, embolics, biopsy, drainage, and radial access. We are also pleased to provide several in-booth education presentations and hands-on opportunities to further your learning experience at SIR.
Innovation Education Series at the Merit Medical Booth
The Evolution of Radial Access – The Science and Practice of Distal Transradial
- Date: Sunday, March 24, 2019
- Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM *Meet and Be Educated: Lunch provided; first come, first served.
 Darren Klass, MD, PhD, MRCS, FRCR, FRCPC, Interventional Radiologist, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC |
 Ferdinand Kiemeneij, MD, PhD, Interventional Cardiologist, “Father of Transradial Intervention,” Tergooi, The Netherlands |
Steerability in Single Access Approach for Vertebral Augmentation
- Date: Monday, March 25, 2019
- Time: 10:00 – 10:30 AM
 Bart Dolmatch, MD, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, CA |
How Low Can You Go? A Paradigm Change in the Treatment of Venous Insufficiency
- Date: Monday, March 25, 2019
- Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM *Meet and Be Educated: Lunch provided; first come, first served.
 Michael Tal, MD, MBA, Tel Aviv, Israel |
Advanced Localization Techniques; Breast Cancer – From Biopsy to Lymph Nodes
- Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2019
- Time: 10:00 – 10:30 AM
 Tanya W. Moseley, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX |
Targeted RF Ablative Therapy in Metastatic Spine Disease: Steerability and Clinical Evidence
- Tuesday, March 26, 2019
- Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM *Meet and Be Educated: Lunch provided; first come, first served.
 Jack W. Jennings, MD, PhD, Washington University, St. Louis, MO |
* The content of these sessions is not part of the SIR 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting as approved by the Annual Scientific Meeting Committee. Merit Medical is hosting this lunch in accordance with the AdvaMed Code of Ethics.
New Product Innovations and Hands-on Learning
Venous Therapy:
- Merit Medical recently acquired the ClariVein® IC Infusion Catheter
- Hands-on Opportunity: Experience single-handed operation of the ClariVein while learning about its many patient and operator advantages
- Learn more about Merit’s Access Kits and Packs, complete solutions to access the vascular system
Interventional Spine:
- Explore the Osseoflex® SB Steerable and Straight Balloons, for access to the entire vertebral body and cavity creation using a unipedicular or bipedicular approach
- Discover Osseoflex® SN Steerable Needles, for access to the vertebral body via a unipedicular approach
- Find out about upcoming ThinkInterventionalSpine™ physician education opportunities
Embolics:
- EmboCube™ Embolization Gelatin, available in two sizes (2.5 mm and 5.0 mm diameters), pre-loaded into syringes
- Hands-on Opportunity: UFE and PAE kiosk, for clinical resources and patient-facing tools
- Hands-on Opportunity: PAE-simulator training
Biopsy and Localization:
- New and Improved CorVocet™ Biopsy System, designed to cut a full core of tissue and provide large specimens
- Merit Medical recently acquired the SAVI SCOUT®, for wire-free radar localization of target tissue during breast cancer care
- Hands-on Opportunity: Experience the SAVI SCOUT
Drainage:
- Learn about the Aspira® Drainage System, designed to help patients drain fluid and manage symptoms without repeated trips to the hospital
- New Aspira® Drainage System Demo Kit and 24-hr Patient Hotline, support pieces for patients using the Aspira Drainage System
Radial Access:
- New PreludeSYNC DISTAL™, a hemostasis device designed for “snuff box” access sites (distal radial artery)
- Discover the Prelude IDeal™ Hydrophilic Sheath Introducer, designed with increased resistance to kinking and compression
REFERENCES
- Society of Interventional Radiology. (n.d.). Nonsurgical interventional radiology procedures offer less risk, less pain and less recovery time compared to open surgery. Retrieved from https://www.mirmss.org/uploads/2/0/7/9/20795846/about_interventional_radiology.pdf
Distal Transradial Access Is Taking Social Media by Storm
Distal transradial access—also known by its hashtags #dTRA, #ldTRA, and #rdTRA—is taking social media by storm. An alternative site for conventional transradial access, distal radial access uses the anatomical snuffbox, a method that’s being widely adopted across several fields.
From experiences and preferred products to the latest research and more, physicians are sharing their knowledge through strings of tweets, retweets, and likes—a virtual Twitter buzz signaling that distal transradial is gaining traction both online and off.
Interventional cardiologists can be seen posting their positive procedural experiences and using cutting-edge distal devices.
Other physicians are tweeting distal transradial advantages, whereas several, like this neurointerventionalist, are posting published case studies demonstrating distal radial’s feasibility in their field.
Some are using social media to share ideas and seek opinions.
And others log on to talk about their day spent with interventional radiologist and cardiologist trainees and just how cool it is to be an interventionalist during the #RadialFirst era.
We couldn’t agree more. Join the conversation. We look forward to hearing about your experiences with distal transradial access. For more information about distal including videos, resources and training opportunities, visit Merit.com/Distal.