Scio Township-based Tanget Medical Technologies believes it has found a way to make intravenous needles in hospitals a less unpleasant experience. The device: A new IV catheter that will hold needles more steady, with the intention of making life easier for both patients and nurses.

According to a report by the Detroit Free Press’ Nathan Bomey, Tangent received approval this month from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market NovaCath, the new device that will prevent IV needles from shifting within a patient’s veins.

Tangent is a spinoff from the Univeristy of Michigan Innovation Center and its CEO, Jeff Williams, was behind successful medical technology startups Accuri Cryometers and HandyLab. Both companies sold to New Jersey-based medical device company Becton, Dickson for almost $500 million.

According to Bomey’s report, Tangent is marketing NovaCath as cost-saving, safer device that is easier to use for nurses and less of a pain for patients. The company currently employs about 15 people and has raised about $10 million in venture capital.

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Ben Freed covers business for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at 734-623-2528 or email him at benfreed@annarbor.com. Follow him on twitter @BFreedinA2