Cannula

For other uses, see Cannula (disambiguation).

A cannula (/ˈkænjʊlə/ ⓘ; Latin meaning 'little reed'; pl.: cannulae or cannulas) is a tube that can be inserted into the body, often for the delivery or removal of fluid or for the gathering of samples. In simple terms, a cannula can surround the inner or outer surfaces of a trocar needle thus extending the effective needle length by at least half the length of the original needle. Its size mainly ranges from 14 to 26 gauge. Like hypodermic needles, different-sized cannulae are often color coded.

Decannulation is the permanent removal of a cannula (extubation), especially of a tracheostomy cannula, once a physician determines it is no longer needed.

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