Endoscopic plastic surgery procedure is one of the high in demanding surgical techniques with a specialist in minute aesthetic improvements. In plastic surgery, endoscopes are commonly used in three types of procedures that include forehead or brow lifts, transaxially breast augmentation, and abdominoplasty. Each of these procedures is executed using one of the exclusive plastic surgery tools, the cannula. An endoscope cannula has been developed to use in plastic surgery procedures to allow insertion into the peritoneal cavity for various purposes. In modern endoscopic plastic surgery methods, the cannula is preferable and demanding due to its varied applications and flexibility.

What is a cannula?

A cannula is a thin tube-like structure that is inserted into a person’s peritoneal cavity or into the vein or nose. It is available in multiple diameters and can be made up of both reusable and disposable materials.

Different types of cannulas have common shafts which are 10, 15, and 20cm in length. These have multiple advantages in terms of variable functions that include the administration of body oxygen and medications or drawing fluids from a person’s body cavity.

Types of Cannula

There are two major type of cannulas, IV cannulas and nasal cannulas.

IV Cannulas

This type of cannula has a short, flexible tube used for insertion into the veins. IV cannulas are mainly used for

•   Transfusion or drawing idle blood samples
•   Administration of medicine
•   Providing other fluids.

Insertion methods

•   IV cannulas are generally inserted on a person’s non-dominant side where the veins are clearly visible.
•   First of all the area is wiped with alcohol and a tourniquet is tied.
•   Then, the doctors puncture the epidermal layer and the vein to insert the cannula inside the vein and secure it with a dressing tape.

Types of IV Cannula

There are several types of IV cannulas for various functions. Some of these are

Peripheral IV cannula

These are used during surgery or in the emergency room.

Central line IV cannula

When a patient needs long-term treatments central line IV cannula is used to administer medicines or fluids for several weeks or months. This delivers fluids quickly inside the body through the jugular or femoral veins.

Size and Flow rates of IV Cannula

Size ranges from 14-22 gauge. 14 gauge is used for a flow rate of 270ml of saline per minute while 22 gauge has a flow rate of 31ml per 21 minutes.

Nasal Cannula

This is made up of flexible tubes with a specialized structure that sits inside the nose for the delivery of oxygen.

Nasal cannulas are mainly used for

•   Easy breathing
•   The decreasing strain on the heart
•   Treatment of hypoxia.

Insertion Method

Doctors place this cannula inside a person’s nose and the prongs on the cannula keep it in its place.

Cannulas and Its Benefits In Plastic Surgery 

The major structural distinctions have made the endoscope cannula one of the best plastic surgery tools for facial fillers and other procedures.

The blunt end of the cannula prevents unwanted tissue damage during complicated filler procedures. The blunt end also helps to spread blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic as it goes beyond the epidermis.

It also offers less bruising and less pain during different complicated endoscopic plastic surgery methods.

Conclusion

The endoscope cannula has revolutionized modern plastic surgery science. These structurally specialized tools offer many advantages and make the process easier and smoother to bring about tiny details in facial and body aesthetics.