Is it safe to use a Surecan Safety II needle with a Port-a-Cath (portable catheter)?

Use of Surecan Safety II Needle with Port-a-Cath

The Surecan Safety II needle can be safely used with Port-a-Cath systems provided it is a non-coring (Huber-type) needle design, as only non-coring needles are appropriate for accessing totally implantable ports to prevent septum damage. 1

Critical Needle Requirements for Port Access

The fundamental requirement for any needle used to access a Port-a-Cath is that it must be a non-coring (Huber) needle to prevent damage to the port septum. 1 The guidelines explicitly state that "necessary non-coring needles (Huber needles) should not be left in place for more than a week." 1

Safety Needle Considerations

Safety needles with protective mechanisms are increasingly used to prevent needlestick injuries among healthcare workers. 1 Research comparing different safety port needles (including Huber Plus and Poly PERF Safe systems) demonstrates that various safety needle designs can be successfully used for port access, with differences primarily in ease of insertion and stability rather than safety concerns. 2

The key determination is whether the Surecan Safety II incorporates a non-coring Huber needle design with an integrated safety mechanism. If it does, it is appropriate for port access; if it uses a standard cutting needle design, it should never be used as it will damage the port septum. 1

Needle Dwell Time Limitations

When using any non-coring needle (including safety-equipped versions) for port access:

• Maximum dwell time is 7 days for continuous infusion therapy 1, 3
• The CDC acknowledges this as standard practice, though they note no definitive recommendation exists on maximum dwell time 3
• Leaving Huber needles in place longer than one week increases risk of skin erosion and infection 1

Infection Prevention Protocol

Regardless of which safety needle system is used, strict adherence to access protocols is mandatory:

• Scrub the port access site with 70% alcohol or 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol before each access 1
• Allow antiseptic to air dry completely before needle insertion 1
• Use sterile technique throughout the access procedure 1
• Ports have lower infection rates (0-0.1 per 100 patient days) compared to other central venous access devices when proper protocols are followed 4

Pressure and Syringe Size Requirements

When accessing ports with any needle system:

• Always use syringes of 10 mL or larger to avoid excessive pressure that may damage the catheter 1
• Never use power injectors unless the port is specifically certified as "pressure injectable" or "power" rated 1
• High-pressure injection through standard ports can cause catheter rupture, a complication with increasing incidence 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never use cutting needles (standard IV needles) to access ports—this causes irreversible septum damage 1
• Do not leave needles in place beyond 7 days during continuous therapy 1, 3
• Avoid using scissors when changing dressings around the needle insertion site, as this can damage the catheter 1
• Do not access the port without proper antiseptic preparation and complete drying time 1
• Ensure the safety mechanism does not compromise the non-coring design of the needle tip 1

Port Maintenance When Not Accessed

When the port is not actively in use, flush with normal saline every 4 weeks to maintain patency. 3 This represents a significant advantage over externally placed catheters requiring daily maintenance. 5