All Products
Also known as
Abdominal Keith needle, Keith suture needle, Penile implant needle, Furlow Keith needle
Definition
The Keith needle is a specialized surgical needle used in penile prosthesis implantation procedures for the treatment of erectile dysfunction1. It resembles a heavy straight sewing needle designed specifically to pierce tissue during implant surgery2. The Keith needle features a triangular cross-section with a sharp tip and an eye for suture attachment, allowing it to create a pathway through the corpus cavernosum and glans penis3. It is used in conjunction with the Furlow insertion tool, which houses the needle in its hollow barrel before deployment4. During penile prosthesis surgery, the Keith needle guides the placement of inflatable cylinders by creating a channel through which the suture attached to the cylinder can be pulled, ensuring proper positioning of the implant5.
Clinical Context
The Keith needle is primarily used during penile prosthesis implantation surgery for patients with erectile dysfunction who have not responded to less invasive treatments1. The surgical procedure involves creating an incision at the base of the penis, dilating the corpus cavernosum, and then using the Keith needle to guide the placement of inflatable cylinders2.
During the operation, the surgeon inserts a Furlow insertion tool with the Keith needle into the dilated corpus cavernosum3. The Keith needle, attached to a suture that is also connected to the cylinder, is advanced through the corpus cavernosum until it reaches the crown of the penis (glans)4. The Furlow tool forces the Keith needle through the glans, allowing the surgeon to grasp it from outside the body5. When the surgeon pulls the needle, the attached suture creates a pathway through which the cylinder can be properly positioned within the corpus cavernosum6.
The Keith needle must be used with precision, working along the long axis of the penis to avoid proximal perforation7. Proper handling of the Keith needle is critical for successful outcomes, as improper placement can lead to complications such as urethral injury or improper cylinder positioning8. This technique is employed bilaterally to place cylinders in both corpora cavernosa, restoring the patient’s ability to achieve an erection9.