Huber Cannula Releases Silicone Particles From Port

Abstract

The article purports to present the most important studies on complications in port catheter systems from the past 10 years. This may be the reason for the error when the authors write that Huber needles, which are used for puncture through the port system’s silicone membrane, are non-punching. As early as in 1988, Haindl and Muller (1) as well as Muller and Zierski (2) were able to show that the Huber cannula, which was developed in the 1950s, releases silicone particles from the port septum. These particles pose a problem not only for port systems themselves, but also for patients as they may be able to reach their circulatory system. Our own studies into standard port cannulas, Huber cannulas, and punch-free cannulas showed that in 100 punctures with a Shore hardness of 80, large particles were punched by standard port cannulas, small particles by the Huber cannula, and 0 particles when using punch-free cannulas. Alternatives to the Huber cannula are available. The critical lower end of the Huber bevel has been modified to decreased sharpness (3). Other manufacturers have provided styles to protect the needle tip, for instance by using a mandrin, which is effective but costly. Another solution is a non-bending needle tip with a lateral orifice as found in punch-free needles. This is 100% effective in preventing punch defects regardless of Shore strength.