Merit Medical Opens Hypotube Center of Excellence

Merit Medical Systems Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of proprietary disposable devices used primarily in cardiology, radiology and endoscopy today announced the opening of a hypotube manufacturing Center of Excellence in Galway, Ireland. The Center significantly enhances Merit's hypotube manufacturing capabilities and includes best-in-class design and production systems and advanced equipment and controls for producing customized hypotubes for uses including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) balloon catheters. The Merit Hypotube(TM) is sold by Merit Medical's Coatings division.

"We've been coating and supplying hypotubes to the medical device OEM industry for many years," says Fred P. Lampropoulos, chairman and CEO of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. "We made a commitment to become one of the world's leading hypotube manufacturers and have invested in the new equipment and expertise to do so."

Building on Merit Medical Coating's world-class PTFE wire and hypotube coating platform technologies, the capabilities of the new Center of Excellence include the newest and most precise laser cutting machines available for custom spiral-cutting, skive-cutting and slot-cutting; laser ablation machines for non-contact removal of coating from the hypotube surface; leak testing at higher pressures; laser welding including seam-welding and point-welding of stylets; an advanced, controlled inspection process to inspect the full diameter and length of tubes; a cleaning process that does not require harsh chemicals; passivation to add resistance to corrosion; and higher production capacity. Merit Medical has also added a new customer-focused team to drive strong development, partnership and supply.

A Center of Excellence designation refers to companies, facilities, or teams within companies that promote collaboration to improve expertise through best practices, research, and/or new technologies. For more information visit: www.meritmedicalcoatings.com/takeanewlook.