Merit Medical Receives FDA Clearance For Prelude Introducer Sheath

Merit Medical Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:MMSI), a leading manufacturer and marketer of proprietary disposable accessories used primarily in cardiology and radiology procedures, announced that it received FDA clearance to market its Prelude(TM) introducer sheath.

Introducer sheaths are used to gain vascular access in many diagnostic and interventional procedures in cardiology and radiology, representing a $100-150 million market opportunity for Merit Medical.

"We are pleased to include this exceptional introducer sheath to our product line as a significant addition to our 'stick to stitch' strategy," said Fred P. Lampropoulos, Merit's chairman and chief executive officer. "This is our first of several new products that will strengthen our competitive position and provide a broader base of opportunity for Merit's products. Limited sales will begin later this month as we ramp up for demand in the third and fourth quarters."