Innovations in Needle Coatings: Reducing Tissue Trauma and Improving Accuracy in Medical Procedures

Background: Needle penetration is crucial in various fields, especially in medical applications. Recent studies indicate that, in addition to size and point type, needle coatings significantly impact penetration forces. During needle insertion, the needle body directly contacts biological soft tissue, often leading to tissue adhesion and varying degrees of tissue damage. Therefore, coating needles can substantially reduce tissue trauma during insertion.

Methods: Optimizing the needle surface, particularly through coatings, can effectively address these issues. Various coatings, including biocompatible hydrophilic, metallic glass, silicone, and composite materials, have been studied. These coatings can reduce friction during insertion, minimize tissue adhesion, and decrease insertion and extraction forces.

Results: Coating surgical needles with a composite material (Polytetrafluoroethylene, Polydopamine, and Activated Carbon) reduced insertion and extraction forces, showing promising results with a reduction in insertion force by up to 49% and tissue damage by 39% in bovine kidney experiments. This coating also minimized tissue damage during percutaneous procedures. A biocompatible hydrophilic coating on a needle reduced tissue damage and adhesion during a puncture biopsy procedure. A silicone coating enhanced the durability and sharpness of surgical needles when passing through certain tissues, and a metallic glass coating on tattoo needles reduced skin trauma and improved tattoo quality.

Conclusions: These innovations in needle coatings show promise for minimizing tissue damage, improving precision, and promoting faster healing.