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

Examples

• The nurse will cannulate the patient's arm to start the IV.
• The doctor cannulated the vein to administer medication.
• Before surgery, the anesthesiologist cannulated the radial artery for continuous blood pressure monitoring.
• The medical team cannulated the central line to deliver nutrients.
• Paramedics cannulated the patient's vein at the accident scene.