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A temperature-responsive intravenous needle that irreversibly softens on insertion
Karen-Christian Agno1, Keungmo Yang2,3, Sang-Hyuk Byun1
1School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
Nature Biomedical Engineering
|October 31, 2023
Summary
New temperature-responsive intravenous needles become flexible after insertion, reducing tissue injury and needlestick risks. These smart needles also monitor body temperature and detect fluid leaks, improving patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Devices
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Intravenous needles' stiffness can cause tissue damage and pathogen transmission.
- Accidental needlestick injuries pose significant risks to healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel intravenous needle with temperature-dependent stiffness.
- To assess the needle's safety, performance, and potential for integrated sensing capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Development of a temperature-responsive polymer-based intravenous needle.
- Testing in vein phantoms, ex vivo porcine tissue, and in vivo mouse models.
- Evaluation of fluid delivery, tissue inflammation, and temperature sensing.
Main Results:
- Needles were stiff for insertion but became flexible at body temperature, conforming to vessel shape.
- Reduced risk of needlestick injury during removal and less tissue inflammation in mice compared to conventional needles.
- Successful monitoring of core body temperature in mice and detection of fluid leakage in porcine tissue.
Conclusions:
- Temperature-responsive intravenous needles offer enhanced safety by reducing injury and needlestick risks.
- Integrated sensors provide potential for real-time physiological monitoring and leak detection.
- This innovation holds promise for improving patient care and healthcare safety.
