The Prelude™ sheath introducer was successfully launched in 2005. By the end of the year the product line will be broadened to include several new models to meet the various modes of patient treatment, including radial artery sheaths, marker band sheaths and specific needs sheaths for radiology. The Merit S-MAK™ mini access kit is a line extension of the Merit MAK™ with a stiffened dilator that is used for applications requiring small needle insertion. Both of these products complement Merit’s “stick-to-stitch” strategy of providing a complete offering of ancillary products used in cardiology and radiology.

Merit is the world market leader in inflation devices used in interventional catheterization procedures to inflate balloon-tipped catheters. The Viceroy™ was launched in 2005 as the latest offering of a comprehensive line of balloon inflation devices. Each of Merit’s inflation devices incorporate patented, proprietary design features which contribute to ease of use, including the ability to engage or release the syringe plunger with one hand. Merit’s new hemostasis valve is yet another innovative line extension that was introduced in early 2006, which is used with the Company’s inflation devices and as a component of angioplasty procedure trays.