what is Intravenous cannula (IV Cannula))
Fun fact: the first recorded use of intravenous therapy dates back to the 17th century when English physician Christopher Wren used a goose quill to inject wine and beer directly into a dog’s vein. An intravenous (IV) cannula, also known as an IV catheter or IV line, is a medical device that is commonly used in hospitals and other healthcare settings to provide direct access to a patient's vein for the delivery of fluids, medications and other treatments. It is a small, flexible tube with a needle-like tip that is inserted through the skin and into the vein, usually in the arm or hand allowing for the rapid and efficient delivery of fluids and medications into the bloodstream. IV cannulas come in different sizes depending on the age, size, and condition of the patient. Smaller sizes are used for paediatric patients or those with fragile veins, while larger sizes are used for adult patients or for treatments that require larger volumes of fluids or medications. It is made of plastic, such as polyurethane, Teflon, polyethene and PVC that is soft, flexible, and non-irritating to the surrounding tissues. It is packaged and sterilised to prevent infections and to ensure patient safety. The IV cannula consists of several parts, including a needle, catheter, hub, wings, an injection port, and a safety feature depending on the specific type of cannula. The needle is a sharp, bevelled tip at the front of the cannula that is used to puncture the skin and access the vein. The cannula catheter is a hollow plastic tube that is inserted into the vein once the needle is withdrawn. The catheter is either flexible or rigid depending on the specific type of IV cannula used. The hub is the end of the cannula that connects to the tubing system for delivering fluids, medications and other treatments. The hub has various types of connectors, such as luer-lock or needle-free connectors, again depending on the specific IV tubing system being used. Certain cannulas have a wing which is a plastic tab or piece that extends from the catheter and provides stability and support when the cannula is in place. It also allows for easier manipulation of the cannula during insertion and removal. Certain IV cannulas have an injection port as well which allows for the direct injection of medications or fluids without the need for additional tubing. Some IV cannulas have safety features, such as retractable needles or blunt tips, to prevent accidental needlestick injuries. An IV cannula is used for a variety of medical purposes. It includes administration of medication (particularly in emergencies where immediate treatment is required), fluid replacement (for dehydrated patients, who are experiencing low blood volume or are unable to drink fluids orally), nutritional support (for patients who are unable to take food or nutrition orally), blood transfusions (for the administration of blood and blood products, such as platelets, red blood cells, and plasma), chemotherapy and pain management. Inserting an intravenous cannula should be performed by a trained healthcare professional only. Before starting the procedure, the patient's medical history, allergies, and other relevant information should be checked. The appropriate size and type of cannula should be chosen based on the patient's age, weight, and medical condition and the skin at the site of cannulation should be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The healthcare provider should wear sterile gloves and prepare the equipment, including the cannula, sterile saline, and IV tubings. At the start of the procedure, the healthcare provider should hold the cannula firmly and insert the needle through the skin and into the vein at a shallow angle. Once blood is seen in the needle hub, the catheter should be advanced over the needle into the vein. Then the needle should be removed and the IV tubing should be attached to the cannula hub, ensuring that it is secure. The flow of fluid should be checked by opening the roller clamp on the IV tubing and adjusting the flow rate as necessary. The cannula should be secured in place using the adhesive wings, making sure that it is neither too tight nor too loose. The cannula site should be labelled with the date, time, and initials of the person who inserted the cannula. The patient should be monitored for any signs of complications, such as pain, swelling, redness, or infiltration. The cannula should be removed as soon as it is no longer needed by following proper protocol and sterile technique. In conclusion, IV cannulas are an essential medical device that provides safe and effective access to a patient's vein for the delivery of fluids, medications and other treatments. While there are potential risks and complications associated with their use, they remain a valuable tool in the treatment of a wide range of medical conditions.
We have the intravenous (IV) cannula with wings and an injection port available in sizes: 14G, 16G, 18G, 20G, 22G and 24G for adult patients. Also, the IV cannula without wings and an injection port is available in sizes: 24G and 26G for paediatric patients.
