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.
Catheter Materials
Latex Catheters: Made from natural rubber latex
- Advantages:
- Highly elastic and flexible
- Inexpensive to produce
- Good for short-term use
- Disadvantages:
- Can cause allergic reactions in latex-sensitive individuals
- May lead to urethral irritation in some patients
- Not suitable for long-term use due to increased risk of infection
Vinyl (PVC) Catheters: Made from polyvinyl chloride, a synthetic plastic material
- Advantages:
- Cost-effective
- Non-allergenic, making them suitable for latex-sensitive patients
- Relatively stiff, which can aid in insertion
- Disadvantages:
- Less flexible than latex, which may cause discomfort for some patients
- May become brittle over time
- Environmental concerns due to PVC disposal
Silicone Catheters: Made from silicone elastomers
- Advantages:
- Highly biocompatible, reducing the risk of allergic reactions
- Prevents bacterial adhesion and encrustation better than other materials
- Suitable for long-term use
- Resistant to degradation and maintain flexibility over time
- Disadvantages:
- More expensive than latex or vinyl
- May require larger sizes due to thinner walls, which can be uncomfortable for some patients
Red Rubber Catheters: Made from vulcanized rubber, not containing latex
- Advantages:
- Inexpensive alternative to latex
- Suitable for patients with latex allergies
- Soft and flexible
- Disadvantages:
- May cause urethral irritation in some patients
- Not as durable as silicone
- Not 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.
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.
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.
