Needles
The Selection and Use of Surgical Needles
D-tek surgical eyeless needles are manufactured in a wide range of types, shapes, lengths and thickness. The choice of needle to be used must rest with the surgeon, and may take into account several factors such as the requirements of the specific procedure, the nature of the tissue to be sutured, the accessibility of the operative, and the preferred techniques of each individual surgeon. |
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Needle Types
The classification for needles is normally by needle type, for example, round bodied, conventional cutting or reverse cutting. All the needle types available in our range are descried in this section.
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Needle Shapes
The choice of needle shape is frequently governed by the accessibility of the tissue to be sutured, and normally the more confined the operative site the greater the curvature required. The basic shapes involved are: straight, 1/4 circle, 3/8 circle, 5/8 circle and half curved.
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Needle Strength
The diameter of the wire from which the needle is manufactured is a major factor in determining its strength, although the cross-sectional shape and type of wire are also important. Dependant on the requirements of the surgeon and the tissue to be sutured, a close relationship between needle and gauge of suture material may be paramount, whilst in other situations the strength of the needle may be more important.
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Needle Comparison
D-tek Microfine needles were tested under microscope and compared with four suture brands available in the market, please click to view comparison.
Use of Needle Holders
The needle holder should be carefully selected to match the size and strength of the needle to be used. The use of a needle holder larger than required can result in damage to the needle and in particular distortion of the curvature. The needle holder should be in good condition as worn jaws can result in needle rotation and instability in the needle holder. Nicks or defects in the needle holder jaws can also cause damage to the needle and loss of strength. Needles should be securely in the tip of the needle holder jaws. Needles should only be held on the flatted area provided and should not be grasped either on the attachment area or near to the needle point. Needles which are not fatted should be grasped for placement at a point approximately one third of the needle length from the butt. Excessive force should not be applied when gripping the needle, particularly with Tungsten Carbide jaw inserts, as this may damage the needle body and cause loss of strength or breakage.
Use of Surgical Needles
The force required to achieve passage of the needle through tissue should be applied in a direction following the curvature of the needle. Care should be taken to match the size of the needle to the size of tissue bite required. The use of too small a needle for a given tissue bite can lead bending. Should the placement of the needle in tissue require to be re-adjusted the needle should be removed and reinserted. No attempts should be made to twist the needle in tissue. The needles should normally be inserted separately into each side of tissue to be approximated and should not be used to bridge a wound.
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