merit medical systems, inc. (nasdaq: mmsi) is a leading manufacturer of medical devices used in diagnostic & interventional cardiology & radiology procedures. its primary products consist of inflation devices used in angioplasty, stent placement & discography; diagnostic & therapeutic catheters used for various procedures in cardiology & radiology; guide wires used to place balloon angioplasty catheters within a patient's coronary arteries; products used to manage & monitor the administration of contrast & other fluid solutions during diagnostic & therapeutic procedures; thrombolytic catheters & fluid dispensing systems; angiography accessories; & standard & custom angiography kits. headquartered in south jordan, utah, a suburb of salt lake city, merit employs approximately 1,900 people worldwide. merit markets its products in the united states & europe (direct sales force) & the world (distributors). they call directly on physicians & clinicians in hospitals & clinics worldwide. the c