Redefining Limits: The Creation of the World’s Smallest Surgical Needle

Behind every groundbreaking advancement lies a story of vision, perseverance, and the people who make it possible. Today, we invite you behind the scenes to discover the journey of creating one of our flagship products—a revolutionary surgical needle with a diameter of just 30μm (0.03mm), making it the world’s smallest.

This year, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the launch of this groundbreaking surgical needle, first released in 2004. Over two decades, it has transformed possibilities in the field of microsurgery, earning recognition as a vital tool for complex and delicate procedures.

When we began development, the medical industry considered any needle under 100μm (0.1mm) unattainable. Yet some patients—like young children or those with rare conditions—needed surgeries at a scale that only a finer tool could accommodate. Motivated by doctors' requests and a shared commitment to patient care, we embarked on this challenging journey in close collaboration with the medical community.

Creating a 30μm needle required manufacturing equipment capable of unparalleled precision. So, we designed everything in-house—from custom tools and manufacturing devices to specialized inspection equipment.

Today, this pioneering 30μm needle enables surgeries that were once impossible, allowing for the suturing of blood vessels and nerves smaller than 0.5mm. It has become an invaluable tool, recognized globally by microsurgeons as a breakthrough in microvascular surgery.

Watch the full story below, as featured on NHK World JAPAN, to learn more about how we’re pushing the boundaries of innovation to support the surgeons and patients who need it most!

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2091010/