Merit Medical Launches SafeGuard Focus Cool Compression Device

August 8, 2022—Merit Medical Systems, Inc. announced the launch of its SafeGuard Focus Cool compression device, an addition to the company’s SafeGuard platform, which is part of Merit’s cardiac portfolio of products for cardiac rhythm management, electrophysiology, and lead extraction procedures, as well as interventional cardiac resynchronization therapy.

According to Merit, the new compression device builds on the original SafeGuard Focus, which provides compression over closed surgical sites to assist hemostasis in patients with pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) pockets. The SafeGuard Focus Cool includes an easy-to-prepare cooling solution that does not require refrigeration.

Grant Simons, MD, Chief of Heart Rhythm Services at Englewood Hospital in Englewood, New Jersey, and his team were the first to use the SafeGuard Focus Cool compression device on patients. Procedures were performed with excellent outcomes despite uninterrupted anticoagulation, noted the company.

In Merit’s press release, Dr. Simons commented, “Access site complications, including swelling, discomfort, bleeding, and infections, are things that concern physicians after pacemaker and ICD implants. They may impact the patient experience, create clinical risk, and prolong hospitalization. Physicians are looking for solutions to improve postimplant care.”

He continued, “In my practice, I’ve already seen the advantages of SafeGuard Focus in providing controlled compression with a simple, convenient device. We see adding a cooling feature to the device as an advantage for our patients.”