Cardiovascular Needles: Materials and Surgical Precision
Cardiovascular needles are specialized surgical tools designed for the delicate task of suturing heart tissue and blood vessels.
Because cardiovascular surgery requires high precision and minimal tissue trauma, these needles are manufactured from high-quality stainless steel alloys that offer a balance of strength and flexibility. Many are coated with silicone to allow them to pass through tough vascular tissue with minimal resistance. The geometry of the needle is also critical; "taper point" needles are commonly used for soft tissue to prevent tearing, while "taper-cut" needles combine a small cutting edge with a round body for better penetration through calcified vessels or prosthetic grafts.
The attachment between the needle and the suture material, known as the "swage," is designed to be as seamless as possible. This ensures that the hole made by the needle is no larger than the suture itself, which is vital for maintaining a leak-proof seal in vascular…