Abstract
This study examined physical and clinical features of eleven models of disposable intravenous cannulae available in New Zealand: Angiocath, Braunule, Insyte, Jelco, J.M.S., Medicut, Nipro, Quikcath, Surflo, Venflon and Wallace. Dimensions of external and internal diameter and wall thickness varied greatly among the models of the same gauge size. As a result, flow rates also varied greatly, but linearly with internal diameter. Anaesthetists were randomly given a range of 16 and 22 gauge cannulae for routine clinical use (forty of each model) and completed a questionnaire on features of cannula performance relating to success of cannulation, ease of insertion, ease of handling, kinking, and packaging. The results of this questionnaire are presented and discussed. The 22 gauge cannula tips were assessed microscopically for distortion after clinical use. Jelco cannulae were found to have the highest incidence of catheter tip distortion (54%).