Merit Medical’s Microspheres for Knee Osteoarthritis Designated a Breakthrough Device

South Jordan, Utah-based Merit Medical Systems has received the FDA’s Breakthrough Device designation for its Embosphere microspheres for use in genicular artery embolization procedures. 

The procedures reduce pain and disability caused by knee osteoarthritis by reducing blood flow to the knee, minimizing inflammation.

The Embosphere microspheres have been used for more than 20 years in embolotherapy, for a total of more than 250,000 procedures, the company said.

It’s estimated that 37 percent of Americans 60 years of age and older experience chronic pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee.