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What are Catheters?

A catheter is a flexible, hollow tube used to drain bodily fluids or insert fluids into the body. The most common use of catheters is to drain urine from the bladder when a person is unable to urinate normally.

Why are Catheters Used?

There are several reasons why someone may need to use a catheter:

  • Urinary Incontinence
    Many people suffer from urinary incontinence, which is the accidental leakage of urine. This can occur due to various conditions like an overactive bladder, weakened pelvic floor muscles, neurological disorders, or after prostate surgery.
  • Urinary Retention
    Other individuals experience urinary retention, which is the inability to completely empty the bladder. This can lead to painful bladder distention and increased infection risk if urine remains stagnant.
  • Immobility
    Conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or severely limited mobility from other illnesses may prevent someone from being able to use the toilet normally and catheterize themselves.
  • Surgery Recovery
    Catheters are commonly required after certain surgeries on the urinary tract, prostate, or genitals to allow proper healing while still draining urine.

Types of Catheters

Intermittent Catheters

Intermittent catheters are thin, flexible, hollow tubes that are temporarily inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine. They are removed once the bladder is empty. People perform intermittent self-catheterization multiple times per day to empty their bladders as needed.

Indwelling Catheters

Indwelling catheters, such as the commonly used Foley catheter, are designed to remain in the bladder long-term. They have an inflatable balloon at the insertion tip that holds the catheter in place inside the bladder. Urine then continuously drains out through the tubing into an external collection bag.

Proper Catheter Usage

To maintain proper catheter usage and prevent infections:

  • Follow all medical instructions for sizing, lubrication, and catheterization frequency.
  • Use good hygiene by washing hands and prepping the urethral area before catheterization.
  • Never reuse intermittent catheters, as they are designed for single, sterile use.
  • Consider hydrophilic or closed catheter systems to minimize contamination risks.
  • Monitor for signs of infection like fever, pelvic pain, or abnormal urine appearance.

With the right catheter type, proper supplies, and diligent care routine, individuals can successfully manage their urinary needs and maintain their quality of life. Consult a medical professional to determine the ideal catheterization approach.

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Catheter Materials

  • Latex Catheters

    Latex catheters are flexible, affordable, and ideal for short-term use but can cause latex allergies, urethral irritation, and increased infection risk with long-term use.

  • Vinyl (PVC) Catheters

    Vinyl (PVC) catheters are cost-effective, non-allergenic, and stiff for easier insertion but are less flexible, can become brittle, and pose environmental concerns.

  • Silicone Catheters

    Silicone catheters are durable, biocompatible, and ideal for long-term use but are pricier and may require larger, less comfortable sizes.

  • Red Rubber Catheters

    Red rubber catheters are soft, flexible, and latex-free, making them affordable and suitable for latex allergies. However, they lack durability, may irritate, and aren’t ideal for long-term use.

Additional Catheters To Consider:

  • Hydrogel-coated catheters: Some catheters are coated with hydrogel to increase lubrication and comfort during insertion and use.
  • Silver-alloy coated catheters: These catheters have a thin layer of silver, which has antimicrobial properties that may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
  • PTFE (Teflon) catheters: These are sometimes used for specific medical procedures due to their low friction properties.

The choice of catheter material depends on various factors, including the intended duration of use, patient allergies, risk of infection, cost considerations, and specific medical requirements. Healthcare providers typically select the most appropriate catheter based on individual patient needs and the specific medical situation.

More Catheter Types

Specialty Catheter Types

Catheters come in various specialized designs to address different medical needs and patient conditions. Here are some of the most common in two main categories:

Urinary Catheters:

Foley Catheters: Feature an inflatable balloon at the tip to secure placement in the bladder • Used for longer-term bladder drainage

Intermittent Catheters: Designed for short-term drainage and immediate removal • Often self-administered by patients

Coude (Tiemann) Tip Catheters: Have a curved tip to navigate through enlarged prostates or other urethral obstructions

Suprapubic Catheters: Surgically inserted directly into the bladder through an abdominal incision • Used when urethral catheterization is not possible or advisable

Hydrophilic Catheters: Feature a specialized coating that becomes highly lubricious when activated by fluid • Allow for low-friction insertion, enhancing patient comfort

Specialized Medical Catheters:

Central Venous Catheters (CVC): Placed in large veins for long-term intravenous treatments or monitoring

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC lines): Long catheters inserted through a peripheral vein and advanced to larger central veins

Epidural Catheters: Placed in the epidural space of the spine for pain management or anesthesia

Thoracic Catheters (Chest Tubes): Used to drain air, blood, or fluid from the space around the lungs

Gastrostomy Tubes: Placed directly into the stomach for feeding or drainage

Each of these specialty catheters is designed for a specific medical purpose and has unique features tailored to its function. The choice of catheter depends on the patient’s condition, the intended use, and the healthcare provider’s assessment. Factors such as duration of use, insertion method, and specific medical requirements all play a role in selecting the most appropriate catheter type for each patient.

Catheter Systems & Accessories

There are various catheter systems and accessories available to improve ease of use & reduce infection risks:

Closed Catheter Systems: Pre-lubricated, sterile catheters attached to a urine collection bag for a “no-touch” catheterization process.

Lubricating Gels: Water-based gels to ease comfortable insertion by reducing urethral friction.

Catheter Securement Devices: Adhesive strips or elastic leg straps to prevent involuntary catheter dislodgement.

Drainage Bags & Accessories: Leg bags, overnight drainage bags, anti-reflux valves, and bag stands/hangers.