Tag: Teflon

Before the 1970s, many intravenous catheters were made of rigid metal, making insertion challenging and patient comfort low. Today, nearly all modern IV catheters are plastic, specifically engineered from advanced medical-grade polymers to be flexible, biocompatible, and safer for patients.

While intravenous (IV) therapy has roots dating back centuries, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that flexible, plastic catheters replaced rigid metal needles, profoundly changing modern medicine. This pivotal innovation answered the question: When did IV catheters become plastic, transforming both patient experience and safety standards?