Merit Medical Launches the Micro ACE™ Advanced Micro-Access System
- Merit Medical Systems, Inc. launches the FDA-cleared Micro ACE Advanced Micro-Access System.
- The system combines stiffness and resiliency for successful micro-access in challenging cases.
- Micro ACE offers twice the resistance to kink and compression compared to competitors.
- The system is 9% stiffer than the leading standard micro-introducer.
- Unique marker tip design provides nine times greater visibility under fluoroscopy for accurate positioning.
- Merit is seeking patents for Micro ACE technology in the United States and internationally.
- None.
Insights
The release of Merit Medical Systems' Micro ACE Advanced Micro-Access System represents a significant development in the field of vascular intervention technology. The device's enhanced stiffness and resiliency could offer a substantial improvement over existing micro-access solutions, potentially leading to better patient outcomes in procedures related to atherosclerosis. The fact that the Micro ACE provides twice the resistance to kink and compression compared to its leading competitor, coupled with a 9% increase in stiffness, suggests that it could become the new standard for such procedures, assuming clinical results support the initial claims.
From an investment perspective, Merit's pursuit of international and domestic patents for the Micro ACE technology indicates a strategic move to solidify its market position and protect its intellectual property, which could have a positive effect on the company's long-term valuation. However, the impact on the company's financials will depend on the adoption rate of the Micro ACE system by healthcare providers and the success in obtaining the CE mark designation for the European market.
The commercial release of FDA-cleared devices like Merit's Micro ACE system is often a catalyst for stock market movement, as it directly affects a company's product line and market share. The introduction of this device into Merit's Vascular portfolio expands the company's offerings in a market where technological advancements are critical for maintaining competitive edge. The emphasis on the device's visibility under fluoroscopy addresses a key operational challenge in vascular procedures, which is precise positioning. This feature alone could drive preference among interventional radiologists and cardiologists.
Long-term, the success of Micro ACE in the market will hinge on its clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness compared to alternative devices. If the system delivers on its promises, it could lead to increased sales and market penetration for Merit Medical Systems, positively influencing its stock performance. Investors will closely monitor post-market studies and adoption rates to gauge the potential financial impact.
Merit's Micro ACE system directly addresses the challenges faced in micro-access procedures by offering a product that combines the necessary stiffness for ease of insertion with the flexibility to navigate complex vascular anatomies. The increased visibility under fluoroscopy due to the unique marker tip design is a significant advancement, as it aids in the precision required during these delicate procedures. The clinical implications of this could be profound, potentially reducing procedure times and improving outcomes.
As a specialist in the field, the ability to use a device that resists kinking and compression is invaluable. It minimizes the risk of procedural complications, such as vessel damage or suboptimal device placement. If the Micro ACE system delivers on its design promises in real-world settings, it could become a preferred tool for interventional radiologists and could set a new standard for micro-access devices in the industry.
Micro ACE combines a unique balance of stiffness and resiliency to achieve successful micro-access in challenging cases
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah, March 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MMSI), a global leader of healthcare technology, today announced commercial release of its US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared Micro ACE Advanced Micro-Access System. Merit also intends to file Micro ACE for CE mark designation.
The Micro ACE system is the latest innovation in the Merit Vascular portfolio. The comprehensive portfolio includes a full range of percutaneous access and closure devices. Combining a balance of stiffness and resiliency, Micro ACE is designed to achieve micro-access in a wide range of vascular anatomies.
Interventional procedures utilizing micro-access are commonly performed to diagnose and open narrowed (i.e., atherosclerotic) blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory condition that develops when there is a buildup of plaque inside the arteries. Diseases linked to atherosclerosis, such as coronary and peripheral artery disease, are the leading cause of death in the United States.1
To facilitate such interventional procedures, the Micro ACE balances stiffness and flexibility to offer twice the resistance to kink and compression over the leading competitor. 2 It is also
Learn more about the Micro ACE.
“Merit has always looked for opportunities to improve patient care. Micro ACE leverages our experience with reinforced sheath design to improve a procedure that is done over and over each day,” said Fred P. Lampropoulos, Merit’s Chairman and CEO. “We are excited to partner with interventional physicians to advance vascular access.”
ABOUT MERIT MEDICAL
Founded in 1987, Merit Medical Systems, Inc. is engaged in the development, manufacture, and distribution of proprietary disposable medical devices used in interventional, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures, particularly in cardiology, radiology, oncology, critical care, and endoscopy. Merit serves client hospitals worldwide with a domestic and international sales force and clinical support team totaling in excess of 700 individuals. Merit employs approximately 7,000 people worldwide.
TRADEMARKS
Unless noted otherwise, trademarks and registered trademarks used in this release are the property of Merit Medical Systems, Inc., its subsidiaries, or its licensors.
CONTACTS
PR/Media Inquiries
Sarah Comstock
Merit Medical
+1-801-432-2864 | sarah.comstock@merit.com
INVESTOR INQUIRIES
Mike Piccinino, CFA, IRC
Westwicke - ICR
+1-443-213-0509 | mike.piccinino@westwicke.com
1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH). 2022. “Atherosclerosis.” Last modified March 24, 2022. Accessed March 18, 2024. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/atherosclerosis
2. Data on File.
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