Winged infusion set, also known as winged steel needles, are a type of medical device used in phlebotomy and intravenous access. They were designed as an alternative to standard IV needles to provide easier and more comfortable insertion for patients. Winged infusion set feature small plastic "wings" on either side of the needle hub that splay outward after insertion to stabilize the needle and catheter under the skin. This wing-like design gives winged infusion set their name. Construction and Butterfly Needles Winged infusion set are designed with a thin, small gauge needle attached to a plastic hub. Two flexible plastic Butterfly Needles extend laterally from either side of the hub at a 90 degree angle. Some key components and mechanics include: - Needle: Made of thin, flexible steel ranging between 21-25 gauge. This small gauge allows for easy insertion with minimal discomfort. - Hub: Plastic component the needle is attached to. Provides a grip and base for the wings to extend from. - Wings: Flexible plastic flaps that splay outward parallel to the skin once inserted. Wings measure approximately 15mm long and 5mm wide to adequately secure and anchor the needle. - Insertion: The wings remain pressed against the hub during insertion. Once the needle is fully under the skin, downward pressure on the hub releases the wings to splay outward and adhere to the skin. - Stabilization: The outward wings prevent accidental displacement of the needle and provide superior stabilization compared to standard IV needles that rely only on sterile tape. Uses in Medical Procedures Winged infusion set have become a preferred option for many minimally invasive procedures and blood draws due to their easy, trauma-free insertion technique and stabilization abilities: - Phlebotomy: Draws only a small amount of blood, usually from superficial veins in the arm or hand. Winged infusion set cause less pain than straight needles. - IV Placement: Utilized to start peripheral intravenous lines in lower arms, hands, feet or scalp veins. Their tiny gauge and winged design reduce insertion discomfort. - Pediatric Use: Particularly beneficial for blood draws in infants and children due to smaller size and pain-free method. - Dermatology: Useful for administering local anesthetics or drawing blood from shallow areas like fingers or ears. - Outpatient Clinics: Commonly stocked for routine blood tests, vaccinations or hydration due to preference over standard IVs. Advantages Over Straight Needles There are several clear advantages winged infusion set provide patients and medical staff compared to traditional straight IV needles: Reduced Pain: Their thin gauge and winged style allow for insertion with minimal discomfort. Straight needles can cause more tissue damage. Easy Placement: The wings guide correct needle angle and hold it stable as it enters the skin. This improves success rates versus twisting needles in by hand. Minimal Bruising: Straight needles sometimes need reinsertion if missing the vein, causing unnecessary bruising. Butterflies enter smoothly on the first try. Secure Stabilization: The wings adhering to skin provide more robust protection against dislodgement than tape alone provides for regular IVs. Pediatric Friendly: Their child-friendly design makes blood draws less traumatic emotionally and physically in kids compared to regular needles. Improved Bedside Manner: Patients perceive butterfly insertion as less frightening than straight needles. This enhances the practitioner-patient relationship and experience. Essential for Phobia Cases: Individuals with severe needle phobias tolerate butterfly insertion better than standard straight needles due to minimal sensation of entry. Drawbacks of Winged infusion set While winged infusion set certainly provide pain relief and easy insertion, there are some limitations to their use compared to regular IV needles: - Short Catheter: Due to wing size constraints, winged infusion set contain very short intravenous catheters (usually 1/2 inch or less). This precludes peripheral access in some larger veins. - Vein Collapse: The thin catheter is at greater risk of outright puncture or accidental collapse of fragile scalp or hand veins versus larger gauge IVs. - Difficult Removal: Taking out winged infusion set requires carefully peeling back the wings without dislodging the entire apparatus, which has a shallow insertion angle. - Higher Cost: Manufacturing winged plastic hubs increases per unit expenses over standard straight hypodermic needles. However, this is usually outweighed by benefits. When selecting an appropriate needle for phlebotomy or IV access, practitioners should thoughtfully consider the individual patient's circumstances, vein characteristics and anticipated tolerability of different devices. While straight hypodermic needles remain useful in many clinical contexts, winged infusion set offer clear advantages for many pediatric, outpatient and minimally invasive procedures by reducing pain, trauma, bruising and enhancing success rates—all of which can improve the overall medical experience for provider and patient alike.
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