Effect of composite coating on insertion mechanics of needle structure in soft materials

This research aims to study the effect of a composite coating comprised of polydopamine (PDA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and activated Carbon on the insertion mechanics of surgical needles in tissues i.e., polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tissue phantom and bovine kidney. A needle insertion and extraction test system was designed and constructed to measure the insertion and extraction forces. It was found that the composite coating on the needle surface decreases the maximum average insertion and extraction forces by 62% and 64%, respectively, when tested in PVC tissue phantom and by 49% and 30%, respectively, in bovine kidney tissue. Additionally, an Atomic Force Microscope study was performed to characterize the surface properties of the coated needles. It was found that the composite coating reduced the friction force on the needle surface by 65.7%. The decrease in these forces is critical in minimizing tissue damage and decreasing needle path deviation or deflection during percutaneous procedures.