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

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...

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.

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!!

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...

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?

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:

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.

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.

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

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

click pic to enlarge.