1. to insert a cannula (a thin tube) into a blood vessel or body cavity for medical purposes
Usage: medical/clinical term; also spelled 'cannulate'

Examples

• The nurse will canulate the patient's arm to start the IV.
• The doctor canulated the vein to administer medication.
• Before surgery, the anesthesiologist canulated the patient's radial artery.
• The medical team canulated the central line for better vascular access.
• Paramedics canulated the patient in the ambulance to begin fluid resuscitation.