If you've ever been to a hospital or emergency room, you've probably had to have a cannula inserted. Some people are a little scared or curious about this small plastic tube that's inserted into a vein in your arm or other part of your body. "Why is this being inserted?", "Will it hurt?", "What will happen?", etc. You may have questions like these in your mind. So today, let's clear up all the questions you have about this cannula, or in medical terms, a 'peripheral IV', shall we?
Simply put, what is this cannula?
A cannula is a very thin, flexible plastic tube that is inserted into one of your veins. It's also called a 'catheter'. It's used to give your body treatments, such as fluids and medications, directly into your bloodstream.
Imagine, around 80% of patients admitted to hospitals worldwide will need the help of a cannula during their stay. This is the most commonly used intravenous treatment method in a hospital setting. Sometimes it is also called a `Peripheral IV catheter`, `Peripheral venous catheter` or `Peripheral IV line`. However, this is the `cannula` that we all know.
What kind of things do you put a cannula in for?
Doctors and nurses use a cannula for several main purposes. Let's take a look at what these are.
| Use | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| IV fluids | In cases of dehydration, provide the body with saline and other fluids. |
| Medications | Some medications, like antibiotics, can be given directly into a vein for quick results. |
| Blood transfusions | Donate blood when the body needs it, whether after surgery or an accident. |
| Nutrition | For patients who cannot eat by mouth, all the necessary nutrition is given intravenously. This is called Total Parenteral Nutrition. |
| Blood samples | This is sometimes used to take blood for tests. |
One of the biggest advantages of having a cannula inserted is that if you need to receive treatment for several days, you can avoid having to be pricked with a needle every time.
Most often, the cannula is placed in a vein in the back of the hand, the inside of the elbow, or the leg. However, for small babies, the veins in their heads are sometimes placed in those places as well, as they are easier to find.
What is the difference between a cannula and other types of lines?
You may have heard other names like PICC line. There are some slight differences between these.
PICC Line
This is also a tube that is inserted into a vein, but it is much longer and thicker than a cannula. It is inserted through a vein in the arm and into a large vein in the chest. It is used for people who need to receive treatment for a very long time , such as weeks or months. But remember, inserting a regular cannula is much safer, easier, and less painful than a PICC line.
Midline
This is another type used for long-term treatment. It is slightly shorter than a PICC line. It is sometimes used for people who cannot have a PICC line inserted.
How does the entire process of inserting a cannula work?
Okay, now let's see what actually happens when you put this in. This is a step-by-step process.
1. Preparation
First, a doctor or nurse will ask you about your symptoms and make sure it's you. If you're afraid of needles, tell them about it. They'll help you calm down. Then they'll ask you to place your hand on a comfortable surface.
2. Finding a vein
Next, they wash their hands thoroughly, put on gloves, and find a good, suitable vein in your arm or leg. They prefer a straight, strong vein that doesn't move around. To get the vein out, they'll put a tourniquet around your arm. You'll be asked to flex your arm. They'll tap your fingers to find the best vein. Sometimes, if it's hard to find a vein, they can use a small device called a vein-finder device.
3. Skin tightening and cleansing
Once the vein is found, sometimes, especially in young children, a topical anesthetic can be applied to the area. If it is applied, wait a few minutes for it to take effect before inserting the cannula. Then, the area is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic swab.
4. Inserting the cannula
Now is the most important part. Before doing it, they will tell you something like, "This is going to hurt a little bit." Then they will pull the skin tight, place the needle under the skin at a slight angle, and insert it into the vein. The plastic tube (catheter) that comes with the needle is advanced a little further down the vein, and the doctor will take the needle out. Now, only the plastic tube is inside the vein. Then they will remove the tourniquet.
5. Secure and check
Finally, the area is cleaned thoroughly and the cannula is covered with a transparent dressing so that it is visible. The tube connected to the cannula is taped to prevent movement. The date and time the cannula was inserted are usually written on the tape. Then, the line is flushed with saline to check if the line is working properly and if there are any leaks.
What are the risks and complications that this can cause?
First of all, complications from inserting a cannula are very rare. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some very small risks.
| Possible Complication | That means... (That means...) |
|---|---|
| Infection | Germs entering the puncture site or blood. |
| Bruising/Hematoma | The area where the needle was inserted turns blue or bleeds. |
| Blood clot (Thrombosis) | Blood clots forming around the cannula inside the vein. |
| Phlebitis (swelling of the vein) | The vein becomes inflamed, painful, and swollen. |
| Blown vein | The needle hit the vein, damaging it and causing the medicine to leak out of the vein. |
Who might have difficulty inserting the cannula?
Most of the time, the cannula can be inserted successfully the first time. However, for some people, this can be a little difficult. There are several reasons for this.
- If you have had difficulty inserting a cannula in the past.
- If there is a lack of water in the body, that means there is dehydration .
- For those with very small veins where the veins are not visible.
- For those with darker skin tones (because it's a bit harder to find veins).
- For those with certain medical conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus and Cancer .
- For those who are very underweight or very overweight.
- For those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.
Take-Home Message
- A cannula (Peripheral IV) is a very common and safe method used to administer medications, such as saline, directly into a vein.
- If you are worried about this procedure or the needle, don't be afraid to tell your doctor or nurse . They will help you.
- If the cannula area is very painful, swollen, red, or oozing fluid, tell a doctor or nurse immediately.
- Since it can be worn for several days (usually 3-4 days) once applied, it saves you from having to constantly prick your nails.
- If you have any other questions about this, don't keep them to yourself, but ask your doctor .
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