Medical Tube for Injection (Cannula): Description, Varieties, Function, and Additional Details

Medical Tube for Injection (Cannula): Description, Varieties, Function, and Additional Details

In the realm of medical equipment, two devices stand out for their importance in patient care: IV (intravenous) cannulas and nasal cannulas. While they may seem similar, these two tools serve distinct purposes and have unique characteristics.

Insertion Process

IV Cannulas, inserted into veins typically in the hand or arm, undergo a more invasive process. This involves puncturing the skin and vein wall using a needle, threading a flexible catheter into the vein, and securing the cannula in place. The procedure requires sterile technique and trained personnel due to the risk of vascular injury and infection.

On the other hand, nasal cannulas are noninvasive. They are applied easily without specialized training by inserting two small prongs into a person's nostrils.

Purpose

IV Cannulas provide direct access to the bloodstream for the administration of fluids, medications, or blood products. This allows for rapid systemic delivery, essential for emergency and routine therapies, such as hydration or antibiotic administration.

Nasal cannulas, on the other hand, deliver supplemental oxygen or oxygen-enriched air to improve oxygenation by supplying oxygen through the nose. They are used for respiratory support, including mild hypoxia, sedation oxygenation, and during procedural sedation to reduce desaturation risk.

Types

IV Cannulas come in various types, including peripheral IV cannulas (most common), midline IV cannulas (placed in veins between peripheral and central locations for longer use), winged infusion sets or butterfly cannulas (for temporary access or difficult veins), and closed IV catheter systems with safety features reducing needlestick injuries.

Nasal cannulas are generally available in standard low-flow types for oxygen delivery (up to ~6 L/min) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) delivering heated, humidified oxygen at higher flow rates (e.g., 60 L/min) for improved oxygenation and prolonged safe apnea times during anesthesia or sedation.

Risks

IV Cannulas present risks such as infection (local and systemic), phlebitis (vein inflammation), infiltration (fluids leaking into surrounding tissue), thrombosis, and accidental needle sticks to staff. The choice of cannula type and size affects comfort and risk of complications.

Nasal cannulas, while generally minimal, carry risks including nasal dryness, irritation, discomfort, epistaxis (nosebleeds), and in rare cases, barotrauma if high-flow systems are improperly applied. Oxygen toxicity is a concern with excessive oxygen concentrations.

In summary, an IV cannula is an invasive device inserted into veins to deliver medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream, with various types tailored to treatment duration and vein accessibility. A nasal cannula is a noninvasive device delivering oxygen through the nose for respiratory support, available in low- and high-flow variants to meet different oxygenation needs. Both have distinct roles, insertion techniques, and risk profiles relevant to their clinical application.

When it comes to the insertion process, a nasal cannula is applied by inserting the cannula into a person's nose, looping the tubing around their ears, and positioning the plastic slider under their chin. Nasal cannulas consist of flexible tubing that sits inside the nostrils and delivers oxygen, making them useful if a person is experiencing difficulty breathing.

On the other hand, IV cannulas, consisting of short, flexible tubing, are placed into a vein and are used for blood transfusions, administering medication, providing fluids, and other purposes. Draining cannulas, used by doctors to drain fluids or substances from a person's body, sometimes during liposuction, are not included in this comparison as they serve a different purpose.

Understanding the difference between IV cannulas and nasal cannulas is crucial for medical professionals and patients alike. Knowing the unique features, purposes, and risks associated with each device can lead to more effective and safer treatments.

1. Medically, Intravenous (IV) Cannulas and nasal cannulas, despite their similar names, serve distinct purposes and have unique characteristics.
2. IV Cannulas, inserted into veins, require a more invasive process involving puncturing the skin and vein wall using a needle, threading a catheter into the vein, and securing the cannula.
3. In contrast, nasal cannulas, while non-invasive, are applied by inserting two small prongs into a person's nostrils for oxygen delivery.
4. IV Cannulas provide direct access to the bloodstream for the administration of fluids, medications, or blood products, making them essential for emergency and routine therapies.
5. Nasal cannulas, on the other hand, deliver supplemental oxygen or oxygen-enriched air, and are used for respiratory support, including mild hypoxia.
6. Both devices have their own set of medical-conditions and health-and-wellness considerations associated with their use, such as risks of infection, phlebitis for IV Cannulas, and nasal dryness and irritation for nasal cannulas.

Read also: