1. inserts a cannula (a thin tube) into a blood vessel or body cavity for medical purposes
Usage: medical/clinical term; third-person singular present tense of cannulate

Examples

• The nurse cannulates the patient's arm to start an IV.
• The surgeon cannulates the vein before beginning the procedure.
• The anesthesiologist cannulates the radial artery to monitor blood pressure.
• The technician carefully cannulates the patient to draw blood samples.
• During the operation, the doctor cannulates the femoral vein for access.