Surecan Safety II Needle Classification
Yes, the Surecan Safety II is a Huber-type needle designed specifically for accessing implanted port systems with a non-coring design to prevent damage to the port septum.
What Defines a Huber Needle
Huber needles are specialized non-coring needles that must be used for all totally implantable port access to prevent damage to the port septum 1, 2, 3. The defining characteristic is the deflected (non-coring) tip design that pushes aside rather than cuts through the silicone septum material 4, 5.
Surecan Safety II as a Huber Needle
The Surecan Safety II falls within the category of safety-engineered Huber needles, similar to other products like:
- Huber Plus (Medicon) - a safety Huber needle system 6, 7
- Gripper Plus (Smith Medical) - non-coring needles with safety features 5
- POLY PERF Safe (Pyolax Device) - another safety Huber design 6
These safety-engineered Huber needles incorporate protective mechanisms while maintaining the essential non-coring tip design required for port access 5.
Critical Usage Requirements
Maximum dwell time: The needle should not remain in place for more than 7 days to prevent skin erosion and infection 1, 2, 3.
Needle selection considerations:
- Gauge size depends on required infusion rates - larger gauge allows higher flow rates 3
- Needle length must match the depth of the port reservoir beneath the skin 3
- Patient body habitus and subcutaneous tissue thickness affect length selection 3
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Never use standard needles on implantable ports - only non-coring Huber-type needles should be used, as standard needles will core out pieces of the silicone septum, leading to occlusion and port failure 3, 4. Research has demonstrated that even Huber needles can cause silicone chips and septum damage with repeated use, making proper needle selection and technique critical 4.