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Scalpel Procedure

  • Make a 11mm wide incision in skin
  • Lift & separate dermal layer using elevator tool
  • The subdermal “pocket” should be at least 25mm deep
  • Remove all tools from installation site
  • Slide flex device under skin with sterile gloves – no forceps or tools
  • Suture to close wound – do not pierce flex device while suturing

flexNT 4G Needle installation

Unlike our other flex products, the flexNT is slightly too wide to install using the standard 4G needle procedure. A modified procedure is necessary to achieve a successful installation using the 4G needle.

  • Mark the intended installation site. Be sure to account for the length of the flexNT as well as buffer space for both the needle point and closure space behind the flexNT once placed. For example, the flexNT is 22mm long. The point of the 4G needle leads the bevel by 19mm and only 5mm of that edge is used for cutting. The flexNT should also come to rest at least 5mm deeper than the incision to account for creep-back as tissue at the leading edge zippers closed as it heals. In total the needle should be inserted up to at least 32mm depth to properly place the 22mm long flexNT.
  • Make the incision. Insert the needle at least 32mm deep from the needle point. Remove the needle completely, then to accommodate the wider flexNT, use the cutting edge of the needle point to expand the incision by 1mm to 2mm wider. Do this by inserting the point of the needle into the incision and sweep the needle side to side, using the cutting edge to expand the width of the incision in the dermis.
  • Insert the flexNT. To insert the flexNT properly, you must use sterile gloved hands to pick up the flexNT from the field, do not use tools to handle the flexNT. Start by carefully wedging one corner of the flexNT into the incision, then turning it head on to sort of pry open the incision wide enough to accommodate the full width of the flexNT. Once both leading corners are through the incision, gently push the flexNT into the pocket. Once the trailing edge of the flexNT is through the incision, manually work the flexNT to maximum depth inside the pocket. Do not use tools to push the flexNT to depth. Work the trailing corners through the skin to nudge the flexNT into place. Achieving proper depth is critical to ensuring the incision closes properly.