Nasal Cannula Placement
Posted: Monday, July 12th, 2021 | Updated: Saturday, August 20th, 2022
Posted: Monday, July 12th, 2021 | Updated: Saturday, August 20th, 2022
Nasal Cannula Placement Procedure
1. Obtain a red rubber catheter between the sizes of 8Fr to 12Fr or smaller if needed
2. Measure the distal tip of the catheter from the medial canthus of the eye to the tip of the nose or measure from the ramus of the mandible to the tip of the nose
3. Mark the tube length with a permanent marker or tape
4. Instill a topical anesthetic such as proparacaine 0.5% or lidocaine 2% into the nostril prior to placement
5. A stay suture may be placed adjacent to the lateral aspect of the nostril
6. Lubricate the tip of the tube with sterile lubricant
7. Gently insert the tube into the ventral medial aspect of the nostril to the marked length on the tube. Pushing the nasal meatus dorsally while placing the tube may facilitate placement
8. Suture the tube in place. Some may use a fingertrap type suture pattern to do this
9. Suture or staple the rest of the tube either dorsally over the nose and in between the eyes or laterally along the zygomatic arch
10. Attach the tube to a length of flexible oxygen tubing and provide humidified oxygen at a rate of 50 to 100 ml/kg/minute
11. An Elizabethan collar can be placed around the head to prevent removal of the tube
1. Obtain a red rubber catheter between the sizes of 8Fr to 12Fr or smaller if needed
2. Measure the distal tip of the catheter from the medial canthus of the eye to the tip of the nose or measure from the ramus of the mandible to the tip of the nose
3. Mark the tube length with a permanent marker or tape
4. Instill a topical anesthetic such as proparacaine 0.5% or lidocaine 2% into the nostril prior to placement
5. A stay suture may be placed adjacent to the lateral aspect of the nostril
6. Lubricate the tip of the tube with sterile lubricant
7. Gently insert the tube into the ventral medial aspect of the nostril to the marked length on the tube. Pushing the nasal meatus dorsally while placing the tube may facilitate placement
8. Suture the tube in place. Some may use a fingertrap type suture pattern to do this
9. Suture or staple the rest of the tube either dorsally over the nose and in between the eyes or laterally along the zygomatic arch
10. Attach the tube to a length of flexible oxygen tubing and provide humidified oxygen at a rate of 50 to 100 ml/kg/minute
11. An Elizabethan collar can be placed around the head to prevent removal of the tube
Sources:
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.