Management of Subcutaneous Infusions in Palliative Care Video Transcript: “Inserting the subcutaneous cannula” Excerpt from Chapter 2 – ‘Who Needs One?’ of Brisbane South Palliative Care Collaborative’s Guide for Clinicians – How to Use a Syringe Driver for Palliative Care Patients. Insertion of cannula. Narrator: "To insert the subcutaneous cannula, first of all wash your hands. Ensure the sub-cut cannula is primed. Clean the site. When using a butterfly style cannula pinch together the butterfly wings of the subcutaneous cannula so the textured areas are held by the thumb and forefinger. Remove the cover from the subcutaneous cannula and at a thirty (30) to forty five (45) degree angle insert the needle into the subcutaneous tissue. Ensure the butterfly wings of the subcutaneous cannula are flat against the skin and secure the needle with a transparent occlusive dressing ensuring the area around the subcutaneous site is clearly visible within the window of the dressing. If the cannula has a guide wire, carefully remove it ensuring the metal tip is clearly retracted into the plastic casing. If you are not using a retractable system, ensure the metal insert is disposed of into a sharps container. A subcutaneous site should remain viable for up to fourteen (14) days. The subcutaneous cannula should be changed if the site is compromised and according to your local Infection Control guideline. The site should be checked every four (4) hours for signs of tenderness, hardness, redness, swelling, exudate and leakage. " End of transcript.