The type of cannula used for a burn patient depends on their specific needs and the severity of their burns. While there isn't one single "burn cannula," several types are commonly employed.
Centrally Inserted Venous Catheters (CIVCs) are Preferred
Conventionally, venesection and peripherally inserted catheters were used for burn patients. However, these methods often lead to early blockage due to hyperalimentation. Therefore, centrally inserted venous catheters (CIVCs) have become the preferred access for intravenous fluids and medication in burn patients.[^1] This is because CIVCs are less prone to blockage and allow for easier administration of large volumes of fluids, crucial for burn resuscitation.
Other Cannula Types Used in Specific Circumstances
- Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs): While CIVCs are preferred, PICCs may be used in certain situations. Research indicates that the site of catheter insertion significantly impacts infection risk in burn patients.[^2, ^5] Patient experience with PICC insertion is also a factor to consider.[^8]
- High-Flow Nasal Cannula: In cases of inhalation injury or respiratory distress, a high-flow nasal cannula may be used to provide supplemental oxygen. [^3, ^6] This is especially relevant in pediatric burn patients.[^3]
- Foley Catheter: A Foley catheter is often used to monitor urine output, a key indicator in burn resuscitation.[^4, ^5] While not a cannula in the traditional sense, it's a crucial catheter used in conjunction with other cannulas for managing burn patients.
The choice of cannula will be determined by a medical professional based on the individual patient's condition and needs.
[^1]: CONCLUSION Conventionally, venesection and peripherally inserted catheters were used as an access of choice in burn patients. Hyper-alimentation via traditional peripheral lines or venesection as access leads to their early blockage, therefore centrally inserted venous catheters have emerged as the preferred access.
[^2]: Site of catheter insertion in burn patients and infection: a systematic review. Burns. 2014 May;40(3):365-73. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2013.10.026. Epub 2013 Nov
[^3]: Use of high flow nasal cannula on a pediatric burn patient with inhalation injury and post-
[^4]: Feb 20, 2024 ... ... used to guide to initial resuscitation fluid needs in the burn patient. ... catheter (eg, Foley catheter). Hourly urine output should be
[^5]: Additional evaluation. In burn patients who require IV resuscitation, place a Foley catheter early so that urine output can be monitored as a
[^6]: Jul 8, 2023 ... Inpatient care of severely burned patients is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Burns, especially severe ones, are
[^8]: Twenty-two participants who experienced of PICC insertion procedures participated in audio-taped focus groups sessions. Qualitative content analysis was used to
