Cannulation of vessels using a spring-loaded device is revolutionising intravenous and intra-arterial cannulation. This podcast explains the indications and problems and offers a simple solution to help reduce the number of attempts to prevent infections and stop antimicrobial-resistant infections in hospitals.

ANAESTHESIA ANALGESIA: 1992;75:859-68 | DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.21289.54889

Cannulation of blood vessels is integral to managing seriously ill patients, especially neonates and infants. The procedure requires excellent hand control and considerable practice. Although it can be performed many times, it can be a daunting experience for some.

Intravenous cannulas are designed with an introducer needle slightly longer and narrower than the cannula. Difficulties are usually encountered once the needle has punctured the vessel, and the cannula is advanced. The needle may bend considerably during insertion, making manipulation difficult. The needle tip may also be accidentally advanced or prematurely withdrawn, failing.

Demonstration of Technique using Spring-Loaded Cannula Introducer.

Please note that the video was recorded in the 1990s. The Cannula is held with the device spring in tension. Watch the neonate, 780 gms, yawning and not struggling when I introduce the cannula into a very small vein.

By experiment, I proved that spring-loading the cannula to create bias when released greatly eases this procedure. The spring is put under tension before the vessel is punctured. The tight elastic property of the skin prevents the cannula from moving forward, damaging subcutaneous tissue.

Once the vessel is punctured, the cannula tip slips into the lumen of the blood vessel because there is no resistance, or when release of the spring is released after noticing the flashback of blood in the blood collecting chamber pushes the cannula forward in a swift, smooth motion, avoiding premature withdrawal of needle placing cannula on the top of blood vessel or double puncture that place the cannula below the blood vessel commonly encountered.

This technique was assessed in 50 infants (92% weighing <4 kg) when cannulation by the conventional method had failed. Cannulation was successful in 47(94%) of these infants on the first attempt; only 3(6%) required a second attempt.

Adopting this concept could lead to constructing a new generation of spring-loaded cannulas, long lines, and central venous pressure lines.

Current IV cannulas have remained unchanged since 1954. Safety cannulas offer protection from needlesticks after insertion, but they do not help ease or address the problems explained, nor do they help doctors and nurses.

The spring-loaded cannula ensures first-attempt success. Manual retraction provides full safety control. The integrated blood chamber allows for fast diagnostics. It works in pandemics, rural clinics, and disaster zones.

WHO warns that future pandemics may be 10 times worse. Doctors must be equipped for faster, safer cannulation. VenaiCan reduces cost, complexity, and complications.

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Invented by Dr. Kadiyali Srivatsa | Patent: GB2507393.3

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