A Shape That Changes Everything? The Future of Soft Cannulas

Soft Cannulas as a Central Element of Modern Systems

At the heart of this development is the soft cannula – an essential component for subcutaneous injections. It forms the link between human and technology. Its versatility makes it the ideal component for various pump systems. It enhances comfort while reducing the risk of complications.

Proven Technology Meets New Approaches

RAUMEDIC has traditionally manufactured soft cannulas from extruded tubing. The tip is shaped, the end flared, and the connection to the pump is often made by overmolding with thermoplastics.

However, this method is complex and costly – especially the connection to the distribution system. To address this, RAUMEDIC has developed and patented a single-piece, injection-molded soft cannula. The goal is to simplify production, reduce the number of components, and significantly lower the risk of leakage.

As one of the few companies worldwide offering various manufacturing methods for soft cannulas, RAUMEDIC poses the question: Will the new single-piece solution replace the traditional design?

A well-founded answer requires a closer look at the structure, manufacturing process, and respective advantages and disadvantages.

Component Comparison

The traditional soft cannula consists of two parts: a short piece of tubing and an overmolded housing. The new solution reduces this to a single part: a one-piece molded cannula that eliminates several production steps.

A Changing Manufacturing Process

Traditionally, tubes are cut, shaped, and adjusted – a precise and labor-intensive process. The single-piece version eliminates these steps entirely: extrusion, cutting, and shaping are no longer necessary.

Is the Traditional Soft Cannula Obsolete?

Despite the many advantages of the new single-piece manufacturing method, the traditional soft cannula is far from outdated. Certain requirements simply cannot be met with the injection molding process. For example, longer variants of soft cannulas are not feasible with this method – here, the traditional manufacturing using extruded tubing remains indispensable.

There are also limitations regarding the materials and geometries that can be used in injection molding – some are difficult or impossible to implement. Although these boundaries are constantly shifting thanks to technological advances, the traditional, assembled solution still offers key benefits: it allows for the highest precision in material selection, shaping, and dimensional accuracy – and enables flexible adaptation to individual requirements.

Especially for complex or customized applications in modern drug delivery systems, the traditional soft cannula remains essential.