Abstract: A tool for accessing and deaccessing a needle includes an elongated body including a handle section and a guard section. There is a slot extending from an edge of the guard section into the guard section and terminating at an internal portion of the guard section. The handle section has a top surface with either retainer member with radial fingers or an elastomeric, plug-type retainer member. The tip of a needle is inserted into an exposed top end of the retainer member.

Abstract: Disclosed are tools and methods for assisting in the manual insertion of a needle into a medical device implanted under the skin of a patient and for assisting in the manual removal of the needle from this implanted medical device. The same tool may be used for both accessing and deaccessing the needle, or a special tool may be used for just assisting in the insertion of the needle into the implanted medical device. This special tool includes a holder section with a pair of fork elements spaced apart a distance which is slightly greater than the width of the implanted medical device. The tool for assisting in the manual removal of the needle from the implanted medical device includes an elongated body having a handle section and an enlarged guard section with an elongated slot extending from an edge of the guard section into the guard section, terminating at an internal portion of the guard section.