Chapter 17: Vascular access devices: insertion and management
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Peripheral cannulas
Definition
A cannula is a flexible tube containing a needle (stylet) that may be inserted into a blood vessel (Dougherty [124], RCN [381]). Cannulas are usually placed in the peripheral veins in the lower arm but may also be placed in the veins of the foot (an area used particularly in paediatric care) (Weinstein and Hagle [465]). However, veins of the lower extremities should not be routinely used in adults due to the risk of embolism and thrombophlebitis (Gorski et al. [181], RCN [381]).
