Intravenous syringe needle irreversibly softens once inserted into body with body temperature sensor

Good news! Amazing stuff! Even syringes are becoming highly sophisticated!

I like the curious emphasis on "irreversibly". What happens if it were reversible? Would reversibility in this context make any sense?

"While intravenous needles need to be rigid in order to pierce the skin, that rigidity sometimes causes damage to the veins. A new needle addresses that issue by softening upon insertion into the patient's body – plus it reduces the likelihood of needle-poke injuries. ..."

"- A joint research team at KAIST developed an intravenous (IV) needle that softens upon insertion, minimizing risk of damage to blood vessels and tissues.

- Once used, it remains soft even at room temperature, preventing accidental needle stick injuries and unethical multiple use of needle.

- A thin-film temperature sensor can be embedded with this needle, enabling real-time monitoring of the patient's core body temperature, or detection of unintended fluid leakage, during IV medication."

Safer P-CARE intravenous needle softens once inserted into body

An intravenous needle that irreversibly softens via body temperature on insertion​

Figure 1. Disposable variable stiffness intravenous needle. (a) Conceptual illustration of the key features of the P-CARE needle whose mechanical properties can be changed by body temperature, (b) Photograph of commonly used IV access devices and the P-CARE needle, (c) Performance of common IV access devices and the P-CARE needle