Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To introduce a cannula (a thin, flexible tube) into a duct, cavity, or blood vessel, typically for the purpose of administering fluids, draining fluids, or providing access for medical instruments.

Usage

• The verb "cannulate" is used specifically in medical and surgical contexts. It describes a precise clinical procedure.
• It is a transitive verb and requires a direct object (e.g., , ).
• The past tense and past participle form is "cannulated."

Examples

• Verb:
  • The surgeon needed to cannulate the bile duct to relieve the obstruction.
  • During the emergency procedure, the team successfully cannulated the patient's femoral artery.
  • The vein was too small to be safely cannulated.

Advanced Usage

• "to cannulate for": This phrasing is used to state the purpose of the cannulation.
  • The anesthesiologist will cannulate the vein for drug administration.

Variants and Related Words

• Cannula (n): The thin tube that is inserted.
  • A nasal cannula delivers oxygen.
• Cannulation (n): The act or process of introducing a cannula.
  • Venous cannulation is a common procedure.
• Cannulated (adj): Describing something that has had a cannula inserted or is designed for cannulation.
  • The cannulated screw provides a guide for accurate placement.

Synonyms

• Catheterize: To insert a catheter (a type of tube). While similar, "catheterize" often specifically refers to the bladder, whereas "cannulate" has broader application.
• Intubate: To insert a tube, especially into the trachea to maintain an airway. A more specific term for a related procedure.

Related Phrases / Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its usage is primarily technical and direct.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms associated with this technical medical term.)

Verb

1. introduce a cannula or tube into
   • Cannulate the blood vessel in the neck