How to Perform a Cannula Insertion: A Practical Guide

In emergencies, doctors frequently need quick access to a patient’s vein to save lives. But the needle makes it difficult and makes the patient freak out more! There’s the cannula insertion that comes into the spotlight! It reduces needle puncture and allows doctors to take action fast!

IV insertion means placing a small tube into a vein. It gives reliable and effective access to the bloodstream of the patient. It is often done in the hand or arm. The peripheral IV placement helps doctors to treat and makes the patient feel better.

In this guide, we will share every detail about the cannula insertion and how and when it is performed. So, let’s get started!

What Is Cannula Insertion?

Cannula insertion means inserting a thin tube to access veins. It helps to deliver fluids and medicines directly to the bloodstream. It is a very common procedure in the healthcare industry. The process helps to treat patients and keep them hydrated.

The cannula is inserted in various locations. Mostly, it is performed in the arm, hand or leg. It is a safe clinical process to treat patients.

Common Insertion Sites

Here are some common IV placement sites.

• Upper Extremity: The most common site for cannula insertion is the upper extremity. The veins of the upper extremity are more durable, easy to access and have a low risk of complications.
• Dorsal Metacarpal Veins: The dorsal metacarpal veins are on the back of the hand. It is another common starting point for peripheral IV placement. The site is often used for short-term cannulation. The dorsal metacarpal veins are easy to access but more sensitive and less stable in terms of flow.
• Basilic and Cephalic Veins: The basilic and cephalic veins are located on the medial and lateral sides of the forearm. The veins are durable and easy to access due to their size. For this reason, the site is chosen for long-term cannulation.
• Median Cubital Vein: The median cubital veins are found in the antecubital fossa or in the bend of the elbow. The veins are prominent and offer easy access. So, the site is used for blood collection or short-term cannula placement.
• Dorsal venous plexus: The interconnected veins on the dorsum of the hand and forearm provide multiple access points for peripheral IV placement. The site is used only when the other sites are not suitable.

Why Is Cannula Insertion Used?

Inserting a cannula is the most commonly used technique in critical care. It provides direct access to the bloodstream through the venous system. It enables the quick and efficient delivery of treatments. Together with that, cannulation enhances patient management and medical interventions.

Common Uses

Here are the common situations in putting a cannula in a vein:

• Medication delivery: Cannula is used to deliver and administer medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream. It includes antibiotics, chemotherapy, and pain relief.
• Blood transfusion: It is also used for blood transfusion. Patients with anaemia, blood loss, or during surgery need an IV placement.
• Emergency vein access: In emergencies and critical situations, a cannula allows immediate access to veins and delivers fluids.
• Diagnostic support: Cannulas help to collect blood samples easily. Doctors use it to inject medication for contrast media for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Nutritional support: With the cannula, doctors provide nutritional support to patients who are unable to eat or absorb nutrients orally.

How Is Peripheral IV Placement Performed?

Cannula insertion is also known as peripheral IV access. It is a common medical process to deliver to access IV veins to collect blood and deliver medicines. Again, the process is very easy to perform. It just needs proper technique to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort.

• Step 1: Gather equipment

The first step of inserting the cannula is to select the site of insertion. After selecting the site, medical staff gather the equipment and tools they need for cannulation. They sterilise the tools and use antiseptic solutions and pads. It allows to keep the patient to remain free from any bacteria and infection.

• Step 2: Insert the Cannula

After cleaning the skin with an antiseptic solution, they insert a sterile needle into the IV vein gently. The phlebotomists must make sure the vein is visible properly. For different types of cannulation, like IO or arterial cannulation, they become more careful and gentle.

Together with that, while performing the cannulation, the medical staff make sure the patient is calm. It helps to reduce the pain and complications of peripheral IV placement.

Learn more about Arterial Cannulation, it’s process and uses!

• Step 3: Connect and Confirm

Once the insertion of the needle is done, doctors connect IV tubing or a saline flush to confirm the connection. They secure it with adhesive tape or dressing. Moreover, they check the site properly to reduce the chances of swelling, pain or other complications. The doctor flushes some saline to ensure there is no leakage.

• Step 4: Aftercare

After inserting and securing the cannula, the medical staff instructs the patients with some caution. Also, they label it with the date and time of insertion. Healthcare professionals always keep their eyes on the cannula and prevent infection, phlebitis, or infiltration.

What Equipment Do You Need for Cannula Insertion?

To perform the peripheral IV placement, doctors use specific equipment and tools. It helps them to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. By preparing the necessary items in advance helps to improve the outcome and reduce complications.

Essential equipment

Here are the essential equipements for IV cannula insertion:

• Cannula or IV catheter: It helps to gain access to the veins and administer the medications.
• Tourniquet: It helps to distend the vein and makes the access easier.
• Sterile gloves: Doctors use sterile gloves to prevent infections or risks.
• Antiseptic pads: To sterile the skin of the insertion site, phlebotomists use antiseptic solutions and antiseptic pads.
• Adhesive dressing: Healthcare professionals use adhesive dressing or securing tape to keep the cannula in place.
• IV extension set: To confirm the patency of the cannula, doctors use the IV extension set.

Choosing the Right Cannula

Choosing the right cannula is also very important. The doctors choose the cannula based on the patient’s age, vein size, condition, and the viscosity of the fluid. Moreover, they also choose the cannula based on how long it is intended to be used. Here are the common sizes of cannula:

What Are the Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them?

Although medical staff get training on how to put a cannula safely, sometimes they face some challenges. The complication can occur for many reasons. So, understanding the difficulties and knowing how to overcome them is very important. You can learn everything with our phlebotomy training courses.

Possible Complications

Here are some possible complications that can arise while putting a cannula in a vein:

• Infiltration: The cannula can enter into a tissue instead of a vein. It causes infiltration, swelling and pain.
• Phlebitis: Phlebitis, or inflammation, can happen while inserting the cannula. It can create pain, redness and swelling.
• Hematoma: Improper technique of IV cannula insertion can pull blood under the skin. It can create bruises as well. The risk of hematoma is high while going through peripheral cannulation.
• Infection: If the cannula is not placed properly, it can cause infection. Also, if healthcare staff don’t maintain hygiene, there is a high risk of infection.
• Difficulty in finding veins: Sometimes, healthcare professionals find it difficult to access veins. According to Amused, patients who have small and fragile veins have more risk of multiple attempts and difficult IV cannulation.
• Cannula dislodgement: Sometimes, the cannula can be misplaced due to movement or poor fixation. It hampers medication delivery and causes pain.

Tips for Overcoming the Risks

Here are some tips to overcome the risks and minimise the complications:

• Access the vein carefully: The first thing you have to do is to access the vein carefully. Use a tourniquet to find the right vein and make it more visible.
• Use an aseptic technique: You must properly sanitise your hands before inserting the cannula. It prevents infection and ensures the patient’s safety.
• Choose the correct cannula size: Phlebotomists choose the correct size of the cannula. They choose it based on the size and condition of the patient’s vein.
• Place the cannula perfectly: You have to place the cannula perfectly as well. So, when putting the cannula in a vein, you must be very careful and choose the correct vein.
• Stay calm: Another with that, A phlebotomist must stay calm and confident. It helps to assure the patient and reduce the chances of mistakes.

Who Performs Cannula Insertion?

Peripheral IV placement is the most important medical process for critical care patients. It helps to deliver medicines and fluids to treat the patient. It looks like a very simple and easy process to do. Yet, it requires proper training and expertise to perform cannulation.

However, the cannulation insertion is generally performed by professionals. Here’s who performs the IV cannula insertion:

• Phlebotomists: They are trained professionals to perform cannulation and collect blood. They mostly perform cannulation for diagnostic purposes.
• Nurses: Nurses are often responsible for performing the cannulation. They get training on how to insert a cannula for emergency care patients.
• Paramedics: The paramedics are responsible for performing cannulation in pre-hospital and emergency settings. They help patients to stabilise quickly and efficiently.
• Doctors: They perform cannulation in complex cases. Mostly, doctors perform the IO and Arterial cannulation.

Learn more about IO cannulation, when it’s used and the process!

FAQs

Does cannula insertion hurt?

Yes, cannulation insertion can hurt you a little bit. That means you can feel discomfort for a while. Cannula insertion doesn’t hurt that much when the needle enters your vein and you feel a pinch or a sharp sting. But you have to inform your healthcare provider if you feel more discomfort than usual.

How long can a cannula stay in place?

Doctors recommend not keeping the cannula for more than 72 hours in a place. They remove or replace it as soon as it is no longer needed. According to North Tees and Hartlepool, phlebotomists must check the peripheral IV placement sites twice a day. So, they can remove it at the time and minimise the risks.

What happens if the cannula fails?

If the cannula fails, it leads to many complications. Mostly, it stops delivering the fluid. As a result, it causes swelling, pain and bruises. Moreover, if the cannula fails, it delays treatment and damages blood vessels. It can also lead to infection or bleeding.

Can I shower with a cannula in?

Yes, you can shower with a cannula in. But make sure the cannula and the surrounding dressing are dry. You can cover up the dressing with waterproof plastic wrap to prevent it from getting wet. Also, you need to gently dab the area with a soft cotton to keep it dry.

Is cannula insertion the same as IV therapy?

No, IV insertion and IV therapy are not the same. But, the insertion of a cannula is a part of IV therapy. It needs to place a thin tube into a vein. On the other hand, IV therapy refers to the broader process of administering and delivering medicine to patients.

Final Words

Cannula insertion is a vital process in modern healthcare for critical patients. It allows to have quick, reliable and effective access to the bloodstream. It is used to deliver fluids, nutritions and medications to treat the patients.

However, the peripheral IV placement process needs the right training and precautions. It helps the medical staff to put the cannula into a vein safely and efficiently.

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