Tag: Venous access

According to the American Cancer Society, the three main IV access methods are peripheral IVs, midline catheters, and central venous catheters. The choice among these options is a critical medical decision, tailored to a patient's treatment plan, the type of medication, and the anticipated duration of therapy.

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a cornerstone of modern medicine, delivering fluids and medication directly into the bloodstream for rapid absorption and effect. So, when you ask, "What do hospitals put in your hand?" the answer is a tiny plastic tube called a catheter, through which a variety of therapeutic substances are administered based on your medical needs.

Over 80% of hospital patients require a peripheral intravenous catheter during their stay, making the question of what do they put in your hand before surgery a common one. This essential device provides a lifeline for administering fluids, medication, and, most importantly, anesthesia for your procedure.

A staggering one billion peripheral intravenous lines, a type of cannula, are used globally each year, making them one of the most common invasive medical procedures. But **what does a cannula look like**? The answer depends on its type, with appearances ranging from a simple oxygen tube to a complex, color-coded vascular access device.