Intravenous (IV) cannulation involves inserting a cannula into a vein to provide venous access for administering fluids, medications, blood products, or drawing blood samples. Cannulas can be inserted into central veins in the neck or groin or peripherally in the arms. The appropriate cannula size and location is chosen based on factors like vein accessibility, the type and rate of therapy needed, and the patient's condition. Performing cannulation properly involves preparing equipment and the patient's skin, inserting the cannula at a 30 degree angle until blood flashes back, advancing the cannula fully into the vein, securing it, and documenting the procedure.

1. Cannula and Cannulation
Mr.Goran Ab. Osman
MSc. In Nursing
Lecturer in Hawler Medical University/College of Nursing

2. I.V cannulation
Intravenous (IV) cannulation is a technique in
which a cannula is placed inside a vein to
provide venous access.

3. Indications
– IV administration of fluid or blood or blood products
– IV administration of medications or chemotherapeutic
agents
– IV nutritional support
– IV administration of radiologic contrast agents for CT or
MRI
– Unable to take oral medication
– Blood sampling

4. Cannula
Cannula: A hollow tube with a sharp, retractable inner core
that can be inserted into a vein, an artery, or another body
cavity.

5. Types of Cannulation
– Central Venous Access
• Jugular vein.
• Sub-Clavicular vein.
• Femoral vein.
– Peripheral Venous Access

6. Central Cannula

7. Peripheral Cannula

8. Size of Cannula

9. Size & site
• Selection of Cannula & location based on:
– Vein accessibility
– Type of therapy (fluid, blood, irritant medications, ..)
– Rate and Volume to be infused.
– Patient condition.
– Patient preference (location)

10. Equipment
• Dressing Tray
• Non Sterile Gloves
• Cleaning Wipes
• Gauze swab
• IV cannula (separate slide)
• Tourniquet
• Alcohol wipes
• Saline flush and sterile syringe or fluid to be administered
• Sharps bin

11. Cannulation Preparation
• Give explanation
• Gain consent
• Position the patient appropriately and identify the
non-dominant hand / arm
• Support arm on pillow or in other suitable manner.
• Check for any contra-indications e.g. infection,
damaged tissue

12. Cannulation Procedure
1- Prepare equipment

13. 2- Wash hands

14. 3- Apply the tourniquet and re-check the vein.

15. 4- Re-check the vein

16. 5- Put on your gloves, clean the patient’s skin with the
alcohol wipe and let it dry.

17. 6- Remove the needle cover

18. 6- Insert the needle, bevel upwards at about 30 degrees. Advance the needle
until a flashback of blood is seen in the hub at the back of the cannula

20. 7- Advance the rest of the cannula into the vein

21. 8- Release the tourniquet

22. 9- Remove the needle, Carefully dispose of the needle into the
sharps bin.

23. 10- Apply the plaster to the cannula

24. 11- Flush the cannula with 2-5 mls 0.9% Sodium
Chloride or attach an IV giving set and fluid
12- Document the procedure including
• Date & time
• Site and size of cannula
13- Review date (cannula should be in situ no longer
than 72 hours without appropriate risk assessment.)
14- Thank the patient
15- Clean up, dispose of rubbish

25. Lets practice……