New Safety Needle Minimizes Patient Discomfort

A new safety needle has been designed to protect clinicians from needlestick injuries and minimize discomfort for patients.

The Gripper Micro safety needle is used to deliver medications intravenously through a patient's implanted port. The two-piece needle system includes an inserter and an infusion site. After the micro needle is inserted into a patient's implanted port, the inserter is removed, leaving behind a small, low profile infusion site with a blunt cannula, which can be used to administer medication or withdraw fluid. The inserter's safety arm provides an audible 'click' when it is lifted, giving clinicians further assurance that the needle is locked in a safe position for disposal, protecting those who come into contact with it.

A removable contoured grip aids controlled needle placement, and a fully threaded Luer-lock is designed to minimize leakage and disconnection with needle-less devices. Color-coded clamps identify correct needle gauge, and natural rubber latex-free material reduces allergic reaction. The infusion site's small size and integrated foam pad were designed to provide increased comfort for patients undergoing long-term infusion protocols such as chemotherapy. The Gripper Micro safety needle is a product of Smiths Medical (London, United Kingdom), and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"We are very pleased that we will soon be able to offer the Gripper Micro safety needle, which will help healthcare workers to minimize discomfort for patients and stay safe themselves,” said Jim Stitt, M.D., President of Smiths Medical.


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