Merit Medical Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for the New SCOUT® MD™ Surgical Guidance System
Next-generation system helps improve surgical precision to enhance patient care in breast and other soft tissue cancer treatment
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah, Feb. 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MMSI), a leading global manufacturer and marketer of healthcare technology, announced today the FDA has granted Breakthrough Device Designation for the SCOUT MD Surgical Guidance System.
The SCOUT MD is the latest step in Merit’s ongoing commitment and leadership in advancing oncology care. SCOUT MD expands Merit’s portfolio of products to optimize oncology for breast and other soft tissue cancers, which includes the system with new and , and the .
A first of its kind, the SCOUT MD localization system supports implantation of up to four unique reflector configurations. When implanted within abnormal breast or other soft tissue, the reflectors enable surgeons to pinpoint tumor location in multiple dimensions for more precise excision, minimizing trauma to healthy tissue and helping to reduce the likelihood of re-excision and the emotional and physical pain associated with a second surgery.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, representing 12.5% of all new annual cancer cases.1 Lumpectomy (a type of breast conserving surgery) is often performed as treatment. However, an estimated 20% to 30% of women who undergo lumpectomy will need a repeat surgery.2 Localization procedures help surgeons precisely target breast cancer, which may result in more successful surgeries and improved patient outcomes.
“This designation recognizes the significant contribution we believe SCOUT MD can make in oncology treatment,” said Fred P. Lampropoulos, Merit Medical’s Chairman and CEO. “A diagnosis of cancer is devastating to patients and their loved ones. Merit is committed to delivering new technologies to improve outcomes and enhance the patient experience in cancer care. SCOUT MD is designed to help increase the precision with which surgeons can operate, supporting tissue-conserving treatment and reduced reintervention. We look forward to working with the FDA to make this important technology available to patients.”
FDA Breakthrough Device Designation is intended to help patients receive timely access to technologies that have the potential to provide more effective treatment or diagnosis for life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions. Under the program, the FDA provides priority review and interactive communication regarding device development and clinical trial protocols, through to commercialization decisions.
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 more than 600 individuals. Merit employs approximately 6,800 people worldwide.
TRADEMARKS
Unless noted otherwise, trademarks and registered trademarks used in this release are the property of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions.
CONTACTS
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Merit Medical
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References
- BreastCancer.org. 2023. “Breast Cancer Facts and Statistics.” Last modified January 18, 2023.
- Havel, Liska et al. 2019. “Impact of the SSO-ASTRO Margin Guideline on Rates of Re-excision After Lumpectomy for Breast Cancer: a Meta-analysis.” Annals of Surgical Oncology 26 (5): 1238 ̶ 1244.
