What is a Cannula?
A cannula is a thin tube made from plastic, silicone or metal that can be inserted into a vein or artery to administer medications, perform transfusions, or collect blood samples. They are commonly shorter and wider than intravenous catheters.

Uses
They have many important medical uses:

Providing Intravenous Access
One of the most common uses of a them is to provide intravenous (IV) access. IV cannulas are inserted into veins in the arm, hand or foot to deliver fluids, medications, blood products and nutrients directly into the Cannula. This provides a convenient way to administer treatments without repeated needle injections.

Blood Draws and Transfusions
They are frequently used to draw blood samples from veins. They allow blood to be collected safely without needing to re-puncture the skin each time. They also enable transfusions where blood or blood products are delivered into the circulatory system.

Central Venous Access
For patients who need longer-term IV access, a central venous cannula may be inserted. These are longer placed into a large vein near the heart like the subclavian or internal jugular vein. Central lines have several connector ports and remain in place for weeks or months.

Arterial Line Placement
In critical care settings, an arterial cannula may be inserted into an artery like the radial artery. This allows beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring and blood gas sampling to closely evaluate oxygen levels and acid-base balance.

Peripheral Nerve Blocks
During some surgical procedures and to manage acute or chronic pain, they may be used to thread a thin tube around peripheral nerves and inject local anesthetics. This blocks nerve signals and provides pain relief.

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