What is the purpose of a cannula?

What is the purpose of a cannula?

A cannula is a thin tube that doctors insert into a person’s body cavity, such as their nose, or into a vein. Doctors use them to drain fluid, administer medication, or provide oxygen.

What is a cannula and what is it used for?

A cannula, often called a venflon™, is a small flexible plastic tube inserted into a vein. The cannula is to give you medication or fluids that you are unable to take by mouth or that need to enter your blood stream directly. There is a small coloured cap on the outside of the cannula.

How long can you have a cannula in for?

Your cannula may need to stay in place for up to 5 days or longer as assessed by trained healthcare staff, as long as there is no redness or pain around it. You may need to have more than 1 cannula during treatment, if different products need to be given.

Is cannula the same as catheter?

Cannula is a short flexible tube which is introduced into a blood vessel, while Catheter is defined as a tube which is substantially longer than Intra Vascular Cannula for peripheral access to body.

Is a cannula painful?

Pain on intravenous (IV) cannulation continues to cause considerable anxiety among the patients visiting the hospital for elective surgery. Often, it is the only unpleasant experience, especially in ambulatory surgical settings.

Can you go home with a cannula?

The cannula is designed to sit comfortably in your vein for up to 72 hours. Going home with the cannula in place avoids the need to use a needle to insert a new one for each Intravenous drip required during the short period of your treatment.

How painful is a cannula?

When an IV needle is placed, it can cause some slight discomfort. You may feel a small sting or pinch for a few seconds when the needle is inserted in your arm or hand. If you’re particularly sensitive to needles, you may want to ask for a numbing cream, so you don’t feel the needle when it goes in.

Can you shower with a cannula in?

You can usually wash, shower or bathe as normal but you need to take care your cannula does not get knocked or the connectors become open. If you are unsure or need help, ask one of your nurses.

Are cannulas painful?

It’s normal for some patients to experience brief discomfort during IV insertion and IV removal. But other than that, having an IV shouldn’t hurt.

Can you draw blood from a cannula?

Guidelines recommend blood samples from peripheral intravenous cannula be taken only on insertion. Anecdotal evidence suggests drawing blood from existing cannulas may be a common practice.

Can you bend your arm with a cannula in?

What activities can I do with an IV? After the IV is put in, there is no needle left in your vein. The tube is held in your vein with tape. You can move your arm and hand being careful as you move.