Cannula vs. Trocar — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 29, 2024
A cannula is a thin tube inserted into the body to deliver or remove fluids, while a trocar is a sharp, pointed tool used to puncture the body to insert a cannula.
Difference Between Cannula and Trocar
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A cannula, often made of flexible material, is designed to fit inside the body's cavities, veins, or other spaces for the purpose of delivering or removing fluids, administering medications, or facilitating surgical instruments. A trocar, on the other hand, is a medical device that comes with a sharp, pointed end, typically encased in a cannula. It's used to create an opening through which the cannula can be inserted into the body.
Cannula commonly used in medical procedures like intravenous therapy or during surgeries to maintain an open channel. After making the incision or puncture, the trocar is removed, leaving the cannula in place to serve its intended function.
The main difference between the two lies in their functions and applications. A cannula is primarily used for the transfer of fluids or as a pathway for surgical tools, whereas a trocar is a tool used to create an entry point for a cannula or other devices.
Cannulas come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different medical needs and procedures, such as arterial and venous cannulations. They are designed for longer-term use and are critical in procedures requiring fluid management or access to the body's internal environment. Trocars are essential for procedures requiring internal access, such as laparoscopic surgeries, where they are used to penetrate the abdominal wall. They are designed for single use to establish a working channel for the insertion of surgical instruments, including cannulas.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A thin tube inserted into the body.
A sharp, pointed tool used to insert a cannula.
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Material
Often flexible, made of plastic or metal.
Typically metal, with a sharp end.
Purpose
To deliver or remove fluids, administer meds.
To create an entry point in the body.
Use in Surgery
Used to maintain an open channel for instruments.
Used to initiate access for surgical procedures.
Types
Various, including arterial, venous.
Often come as a part of a set with a cannula.
Compare with Definitions
Cannula
Can be used for long-term medical treatments.
The patient required a cannula for home oxygen therapy.
Trocar
Often used in laparoscopic surgery.
Laparoscopic tools were inserted through the opening made by the trocar.
Cannula
Facilitates the administration of medication.
Medication was administered directly through the cannula.
Trocar
A device used to create openings for surgery.
The surgeon used a trocar to gain access to the abdominal cavity.
Cannula
A tube inserted into the body to deliver or remove fluids.
The nurse inserted a cannula into the patient's vein for the IV drip.
Trocar
Has a sharp point for penetrating body tissues.
The trocar's sharp end made it easy to puncture the skin.
Cannula
Comes in different sizes for various applications.
The pediatric cannula is smaller and designed for young patients.
Trocar
Removed after creating an entry point, leaving a cannula in place.
After insertion, the trocar was removed, leaving the cannula for the procedure.
Cannula
Used in medical settings for direct access to veins or body cavities.
The surgeon used a nasal cannula to provide the patient with oxygen during surgery.
Trocar
Comes as part of a set with a cannula for specific procedures.
The trocar and cannula set was sterilized and ready for the operation.
Cannula
A cannula (; Latin meaning 'little reed'; plural cannulae or cannulas) is a tube that can be inserted into the body, often for the delivery or removal of fluid or for the gathering of samples. In simple terms, a cannula can surround the inner or outer surfaces of a trocar needle thus extending the effective needle length by at least half the length of the original needle.
Trocar
A trocar (or trochar) is a medical or veterinary device that is made up of an awl (which may be a metal or plastic sharpened or non-bladed tip), a cannula (essentially a hollow tube), and a seal. Trocars are placed through the abdomen during laparoscopic surgery.
Cannula
A flexible tube, usually containing a trocar at one end, that is inserted into a bodily cavity, duct, or vessel to drain fluid or administer a substance such as a medication.
Trocar
A surgical instrument with a three-sided cutting point enclosed in a tube, used for withdrawing fluid from a body cavity.
Cannula
(medicine) A tube inserted in the body to drain or inject fluid.
Trocar
A sharp-pointed surgical instrument, used with a cannula to puncture a body cavity for fluid aspiration.
Cannula
(aviation) A hose or tube that connects directly from an oxygen (O2) bottle/source to the user's nose, commonly used by aircraft pilots or others needing direct oxygen breathing apparatus.
Trocar
A pointed hollow cylindrical device used to make small incisions and surgically insert cannulas, etc., into body cavities, or to aspirate fluids.
Cannula
A small tube of metal, wood, or India rubber, used for various purposes, esp. for injecting or withdrawing fluids. It is usually associated with a trocar.
Trocar
A stylet, usually with a triangular point, used for exploring tissues or for inserting drainage tubes, as in dropsy.
Cannula
A small flexible tube inserted into a body cavity for draining off fluid or introducing medication
Common Curiosities
How do trocars and cannulas work together?
The trocar creates the initial opening in the body, and then it is removed, leaving the cannula in place for the intended medical use.
Can a cannula be used without a trocar?
In some cases, yes, especially for superficial or easily accessible areas, but a trocar is often needed for initial access.
What is a trocar used for?
A trocar is used to create an entry point in the body for surgical procedures, through which instruments like a cannula can be inserted.
Are cannulas reusable?
Cannulas can be either disposable or reusable, depending on the material and specific use.
How long can a cannula stay in the body?
The duration varies depending on the procedure and patient condition but is generally limited to minimize infection risk.
Do all trocars come with cannulas?
Many trocars are designed to be used with a cannula, but they may be packaged separately or together depending on the procedure.
How do medical professionals choose the right size cannula?
The choice depends on the patient's size, the procedure, and the specific medical need.
What is a cannula?
A cannula is a thin tube inserted into the body for medical purposes, such as delivering fluids or medication.
Can a trocar be used for injections?
Trocars are not typically used for injections; they are used to create access for instruments or cannulas.
How are cannulas sterilized?
Reusable cannulas are sterilized using standard medical sterilization techniques, while disposable ones are pre-sterilized.
Can trocars cause pain?
Yes, the insertion of a trocar can cause pain, which is why local or general anesthesia is often used.
What happens if a trocar is not removed properly?
Improper removal can lead to complications, such as infection or damage to internal organs, which is why it must be done by a professional.
What materials are cannulas made from?
Cannulas are typically made from materials like plastic or metal, depending on their intended use.
Are there different sizes of trocars and cannulas?
Yes, both come in various sizes to accommodate different medical procedures and patient needs.
What are the risks associated with using a trocar?
Risks include infection, bleeding, and potential injury to internal organs, highlighting the need for skilled use.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
