Leech-Wilkinson cannula - history, dimensions, uses & precautions

 

What is Leech-Wilkinson cannula?

An tool known as a Leech-Wilkinson cannula is used in surgery to drain blood from the surgical site and improve visibility for the surgeon while doing the surgical procedure. The cannula, named after its inventors David Leech and R.J. Wilkinson.

Overview / Product Profile of Leech-Wilkinson cannula:

A Leech-Wilkinson cannula consists of a long, thin tube with a sharp point at one end and a suction device at the other end. The cannula is inserted into the area where blood is present and then the suction device is used to remove the blood.

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Dimensions:

Length: 

Leech-Wilkinson cannula generally ranges from 18 to 30 centimetres in length.

Diameter: 

Leech-Wilkinson cannula is approximately 1 to 2 centimetres in diameter.

Note: The above dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and specific design of the instrument. It's always advisable to consult with the manufacturer's specifications and guidance for accurate measurements.

Uses of Leech-Wilkinson cannula:

The only use of Leech-Wilkinson cannula is to drain blood from the surgical site and improve visibility, however some common usecase may be considered as below.

1) Orthopaedic surgeries, particularly spine surgeries
2) Plastic surgeries, to remove blood and other fluids from the surgical field
3) Tumor removal surgeries
4) Cardiac surgeries
5) Gynaecological surgeries
6) Neurosurgical procedures
7) General surgical procedures where blood may obstruct the view of the surgical site
8) Emergency department procedures, such as trauma surgeries
9) Or any other procedure where bleeding is present and visibility is essential for the surgeon
Precautions with Leech-Wilkinson cannula:
1) Always use proper technique when inserting the cannula to avoid injury to surrounding tissue.
2) Be careful not to insert the cannula too deeply into the surgical site, as this can cause damage to nearby structures.
3) Use the suction device with care to avoid excessive suction that could cause injury.
4) Ensure that the cannula is properly sterilized before use to prevent the spread of infection.
5) Use the appropriate size cannula for the specific procedure and area of the body being operated on.
6) Use the cannula only under the guidance of a qualified surgeon.
7) Clean the cannula after each use to prevent any contamination.
8) Never reuse a single-use cannula.
9) Keep the cannula out of reach of unauthorize person to prevent injury.
10) Always use the cannula in a properly equipped operating room.
11) Be aware of the potential for bleeding and take appropriate precautions to manage any bleeding that occurs.
12) Monitor the patient's vital signs closely during the procedure and be prepared to manage any complications that may arise.
13) Be familiar with the proper disposal procedure of the cannula.

History of Leech-Wilkinson cannula:

David Leech and R.J. Wilkinson created the Leech-Wilkinson cannula as a surgical tool in 1973. During surgery, the surgeon may examine the region more clearly by using the equipment to aspirate blood and other fluids from the operative site.

David Leech and R.J. Wilkinson published the initial description of the Leech-Wilkinson cannula in a medical publication in 1973. The cannula was designed as a long, thin tube with a sharp point at one end and a suction device at the other end. The instrument was developed as an alternative to traditional surgical instruments that were used to remove blood from the surgical site.

The Leech-Wilkinson cannula was first primarily utilised in orthopaedic and spine surgeries because blood might make it challenging for the surgeon to see the operative site properly. But as the tool gained popularity, other treatments, like plastic surgery and the excision of malignancies, started to employ it as well.

The Leech-Wilkinson cannula has experienced some changes and advancements over time. The cannula is currently offered in a range of diameters and shapes to accommodate various surgical techniques and the body part being operated on.

The Leech-Wilkinson cannula is currently regarded as an important surgical tool because it gives surgeons better sight during operations, which improves patient outcomes. The device is often employed in operating rooms all over the world and is regarded as an essential component of many surgical kits.



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