What is cannulas?

Cannulas are small, flexible tubes that are inserted into a patient's body to administer medication or to remove fluid. They are typically made of plastic or silicone and range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.

Cannulas are commonly used in medicine for a variety of purposes such as:

1. Administering intravenous fluids, medications, and nutrition
2. Collecting blood or other fluids for analysis
3. Administering oxygen to patients who have difficulty breathing
4. Removing fluid from the body, including pleural effusion (fluid in the lungs), ascites (fluid in the abdomen), and edema (swelling)
5. Injecting contrast dye for diagnostic imaging procedures such as CT scans and MRI scans.

Cannulas come in different shapes and sizes depending on their intended use and the specific area of the body they will be inserted into. Some common types of cannulas include nasal cannulas, which are used to deliver oxygen to the nose, and peripheral intravenous catheters, which are inserted into veins in the arms or legs.

Overall, cannulas are an essential medical device that facilitates the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various health conditions.