What is a Cannula?

A cannula might seem like a foreign object to people who aren’t in the healthcare field. However, it’s very likely that most of us have had them used on us at some point in our lives.

Cannulas are thin tubes doctors use when they have to insert something into someone’s body. This could be if they need to administer medication, drain fluid or even provide someone with oxygen.

The two most common types of cannulas are IV cannulas and nasal cannulas. The former allows doctors to administer medication and fluids into a person’s veins, while the latter is used to deliver oxygen through the nostrils.

Cannulas also have other medical uses, though, including for aesthetic medicine procedures such as PDO thread lifts. These cannulas come pre-loaded with the PDO threads, providing an easier, safer and more effective way for practitioners to complete facial rejuvenation procedures.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at cannulas so you can understand what they are and why they’re used in PDO threads procedures.

Cannulas are thin tubes doctors use when they have to insert something into someone’s body. This could be if they need to administer medication, drain fluid or even provide someone with oxygen. They are also used for PDO Threads.

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Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 12/17/2024

What are the Main Types of Cannulas?

In the healthcare field, there are two main types of cannulas, as mentioned — those for IVs and nasal ones.

There are actually multiple types of IV cannulas, each of which is used for a different purpose. In addition, they come in multiple sizes, typically ranging from 14 gauge to 22 gauge, with a higher number indicated a smaller cannula. These different sizes are used based on how quickly a doctor wants liquid to move through the tubing.

Peripheral IV cannulas are used during surgery and in emergency rooms to give people the fluids they need or to insert contrasting liquids for certain radiology testing. These are intended for short-term use only, and are often taped to a person’s skin.

Central IV cannulas are used when longer-term treatments are needed. If a patient needs fluids or medication delivered to them for weeks or even months, such as when they get chemotherapy, a doctor might use a central IV cannula.

Draining cannulas are used if fluids or some other substance needs to be drained from a person’s body. This is usually only done when a person is seriously ill.

There are a few types of nasal cannulas as well, and they get inserted into a person’s nostrils. This delivers oxygen to a person who is having trouble breathing or who is undergoing surgery. Doctors can use standard nasal cannulas or high flow nasal cannulas if they need more oxygen.

There are even at-home nasal cannulas for people who may need to receive supplemental oxygen treatments outside of a medical setting.

How are Cannulas Used in PDO Threads Procedures?

Cannulas are used in similar ways for a PDO threads procedures. The thread itself is woven through the thin tube of the cannula, which makes it easier for the practitioner to insert and position them properly. The cannula is inserted into a patient’s face, and then is removed once the thread is in place.

The other option for inserting PDO threads is to use a regular needle, but there are three main advantages that a pre-loaded cannula provides.

First, is reduces the risk for there being trauma to the tissues in your face. It’s much easier for practitioners to find a clear pathway through your facial tissue using one entry point, because the cannula is more flexible and longer than a typical needle.

Second, cannulas only push through the structure of the skin and can navigate around blood vessels in your body without causing them damage. Needles, by contrast, could easily pierce through skin as well as underlying tissues. This makes cannulas better at preventing things such as infection, pain and bleeding.

Finally, practitioners are better able to give patients the exact results they want when using a cannula. The flexibility of cannulas results in the effects being more natural and smoother than if the provider used a needle. The provider can more accurately insert the PDO threads, which also results in a gentle lift that produces results more immediately.

Visit a Provider Who Uses V Soft Lift PDO Threads

There are many advantages to using a pre-loaded cannula for PDO threads procedures. They’re safer, less painful and producer more natural and smoother results that can appear quicker.

That’s why if you’re thinking about getting a PDO threads procedure, you consider providers who are not only reputable and experienced doing them, but who will use a pre-loaded cannula instead of a needle.

V Soft Lift produces a long line of PDO threads, each of which can be used for different types of procedures and different skin types. All of our PDO threads also come in pre-loaded cannulas for safe and effective insertion.

For more information, contact us today.