What is the recommended size of the Surecan Safety II (intravenous) needle for a Port-a-Cath (implantable venous access device) size 8.5?

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Surecan Safety II Needle Size for Port-a-Cath

I cannot provide a definitive answer to this question because the available evidence does not contain specific information about "Surecan Safety II" needles or Port-a-Cath "size 8.5" specifications.

What the Evidence Does Tell Us About Port Access

For totally implantable ports (Port-a-Cath devices), non-coring Huber needles must be used and should not remain in place for more than one week 1. This is the standard of care to prevent port damage and skin erosion.

General Port Access Needle Specifications

  • Port access requires specialized non-coring (Huber) needles to prevent damage to the silicone septum of the port reservoir 1
  • The needle gauge selection depends on the required infusion rate - for ports 6 French or larger, flow rate is limited by the accessing Huber needle size rather than the catheter lumen 1
  • Larger gauge Huber needles (lower gauge numbers) allow higher flow rates but should be matched to clinical needs 1

Critical Gap in Available Information

The evidence provided does not include:

  • Manufacturer specifications for "Surecan Safety II" needles
  • Definition of Port-a-Cath "size 8.5" (this may refer to French size, reservoir diameter, or another measurement)
  • Compatibility charts between specific port models and needle products

Practical Recommendation

Contact the Port-a-Cath manufacturer or consult the device's product insert to determine the appropriate Huber needle specifications for your specific port model 1. The needle length and gauge must be selected based on:

  • The depth of the port reservoir beneath the skin 1
  • The required infusion rate 1
  • Patient body habitus and subcutaneous tissue thickness 1

Common Pitfall to Avoid

  • Never use standard needles on implantable ports - only non-coring Huber needles prevent septum damage 1
  • Do not leave Huber needles in place beyond 7 days to prevent skin erosion and infection risk 1

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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