Surgeon using non Hurber needles

[styliani 0]

I just found that my fill provider has not been using a Hurber needle - will this damage my port?

[youknowit 11]

what is the difference between a hurber needle and other kinds of needles? i've been told by my doctor there are a few different kinds that can be used. ?? confused...

[cookienay 0]

not all needles for lapband fills are huber needles. THe needles my doc uses are by the same manufacturer as who made my band- the package actually says "Lap-Band Port Access Needle". It is scary long and ultra sharp (which is a good thing). The type of needle used depends on your port, port profile, and surgeon preference. Hope this helps.

[cookienay 0]

what is the difference between a hurber needle and other kinds of needles? i've been told by my doctor there are a few different kinds that can be used. ?? confused...

A huber needle is bent at a 90 degree angle and was originally designed to be non-coring for access to various types of ports and has been around alot longer than the lap-band. You may refer to my above post to see what my doc uses. Best wishes!!

[youknowit 11]

thanks for the clarification. i'm certain my doc doesn't use the huber needles, as i've never seen anything like that coming towards my port! i guess whatever he uses is working...

[styliani 0]

I just asked my doc what needle he uses and he replied "Sometimes I use the blue needle but the green one is good too." - Sounds like he is making fun of me....what does he mean?

[cookienay 0]

I don't know if your doc is making fun of you or not, but needles (the hubs) are usually color coded based on size for ease of identification. However, if I were a betting woman, I would wager that your doc knew you had no idea of the differnce between a green and blue needle. Physicians are especially gifted at answering questions without really answering them. :thumbup:

[Bensmum1109 0]

I believe you are OK with your surgeon not using a Huber needle as long as he uses a NON-CORING needle. That is really the key.

My doctor has an interesting technique. He sticks a regular needle just through my skin and threads a non-coring needle through it. My port is very easy to find and he has never had to poke me more than once.

[drlukemayes 0]

A huber needle is bent at a 90 degree angle and was originally designed to be non-coring for access to various types of ports and has been around alot longer than the lap-band. You may refer to my above post to see what my doc uses. Best wishes!!

actually a huber needle is only angled at the most 15 degrees. it is 90 degrees for access on a subclavian artery port. but not for the lap band. ill see if i can get a picture for everyone.

[youknowit 11]

cool! i'd like to see it... just cause i'm nosey. you look awesome, by the way! great job on your loss. :thumbup:

[ajoneen 0]

Here's a pic. Notice the hole to the side and very little bevel at the tip.

click pic to enlarge.