SOUTH JORDAN, Utah, Sept. 2, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:MMSI), a leading manufacturer and marketer of proprietary disposable devices used primarily in cardiology and radiology procedures, today announced five new products that are scheduled to be introduced over the next several months.
The Slip-Not(tm), a suture retention device, is scheduled to be introduced in the next two weeks. It is a patented device used for the retention of purse-string sutures following fistulagrams or other fistula procedures. A surgical version is currently under development for introduction in mid-2009.
The Prelude(r) Short Sheath replaces a previously purchased product, which Merit has enhanced with new features and lower cost. The product is primarily used as the main access device for the treatment of dialysis grafts. The product may also be used in conjunction with the Slip-Not(tm). It is scheduled to be released in mid-September.
The M.A.K.-NV(tm), an introducer set used primarily in drainage procedures is scheduled to be introduced in mid-September. The device will complement Merit's Resolve(tm) drainage catheters.
The GrandStand(tm), a patented addition to Merit's safety product line, is designed to help facilitate convenience and safety during interventional and diagnostic procedures. The GrandStand(tm) is expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2008.
The Merit HD8(tm) hemostasis valve is designed for use during interventional procedures that utilize guiding catheters. Its patented double seal ensures little or no blood loss, and it can be operated with one hand. The Merit HD8(tm) is expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2008.
ABOUT MERIT
Founded in 1987, Merit Medical Systems, Inc. is engaged in the development, manufacture and distribution of proprietary disposable medical devices used in interventional and diagnostic procedures, particularly in cardiology and radiology. Merit serves client hospitals worldwide with a domestic and international sales force totaling approximately 90 individuals. Merit employs approximately 1,640 people worldwide, with facilities in Salt Lake City and South Jordan, Utah; Angleton, Texas; Richmond, Virginia; Maastricht and Venlo, The Netherlands; and Galway, Ireland.
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Statements contained in this release, which are not purely historical, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995 and are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Merit's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Such risks and uncertainties include product recalls and product liability claims; infringement of Merit's technology or the assertion that Merit's technology infringes the rights of other parties; termination of supplier relationships, or failure of suppliers to perform; inability to successfully manage growth through acquisitions; delays in obtaining regulatory approvals, or the failure to maintain such approvals; concentration of Merit's revenues among a few products and procedures; development of new products and technology that could render Merit's products obsolete, market acceptance of new products, introduction of products in a timely fashion, price and product competition, availability of labor and materials, cost increases, and fluctuations in and obsolescence of inventory; volatility of the market price of Merit's common stock; foreign currency fluctuations; changes in key personnel; work stoppage or transportation risks; modification or limitation of governmental or private insurance reimbursement, changes in health care markets related to health care reform initiatives; and other factors referred to in Merit's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to Merit or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. Financial estimates are subject to change and are not intended to be relied upon as predictions of future operating results, and Merit assumes no obligation to update or disclose revisions to those estimates.