Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2023-03-02 Origin: Site
Urinary Catheters are among the most-used medical devices. A urinary catheter is a thin, flexible tube used to empty the bladder and collect urine in a drainage bag.
The catheters are often made of plastic, rubber, or silicone and come in different types and sizes.
In this post, we discuss types of urinary catheters.
>Indwelling or Foley’s Catheters
A urinary catheter is a hollow, flexible, and sterile tube used to empty the bladder and collect urine in a drainage bag.
Some of the disorders, problems, or procedures that might require the use of a urinary catheter include the:
l Urinary incontinence.
l Urinary retention.
l Surgery on the prostate or genitals.
l Other medical conditions such as spinal cord injury or dementia.
Let’s break down the most common catheter types and some of their features.
There are three main types of urethral catheters:
l Intermittent Catheters
l Indwelling or Foley Catheters
l External/Condom Catheters
Intermittent catheters, also known as Nelaton Catheters, are used for short-term drain urine. Unlike the Foley catheter, the Nelaton catheter has no balloon on its tip and thus cannot stay in situ unaided.
The Nelaton Catheters are usually made of medical-grade PVC.
Nelaton catheters are used for short-term bladder catheterization through the urethra. These thin, flexible tubes are used to drain urine and are often used for temporary bladder management or urinary retention management.
Intermittent urinary catheters can be inserted and removed as needed. Unlike other types of catheters, short-term catheters do not require a drainage bag (which offers more comfort and freedom of movement).
The indwelling catheter can be left in the body. It is also known as a Foley Catheter.
The Foley Catheter is a thin, sterile tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine. A balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated with sterile water to prevent the tube from sliding out of the body. The balloon can then deflate when the catheter needs to be removed. Because it can be left in place in the bladder for a period of time, it is also called an indwelling catheter.
Most foley catheters are made of coated natural latex or silicone.
Foley indwelling catheters are usually categorized into two-way Foley catheters, three-way Foley catheters, and Foley catheters with a temperature sensor.
The External/Condom Catheter is a catheter placed outside the body. External Catheters are used primarily for urine collection in men who experience urinary incontinence. Generally, an External Catheter features an open tube at the distal part of the device, which then connects and directs urine into a collection device.
The external or condom catheters consist of a flexible sheath that slides over the penis like a condom. They are used primarily for urine collection in men who experience urinary incontinence.
The material used to make External catheters is either silicone or latex.
Table 1. Different Types of Urinary Catheters | ||
Type | Consist | Feature |
Intermittent Catheters | ►Tube ►Rounded Tip ►Funnel shape connectors | 1. Usually made of medical-grade PVC 2. Rounded closed tip, with two lateral eyes, for efficient drainage. 3. Funnel shape connectors are colour coded for instant identification of sizes. 4. Available in Male and Female versions. 5. Products are designed for transient use only. |
Indwelling Catheters | ►Tube ►Balloon ►Valve ►Drainage funnel ►Inflation funnel ►Irrigation Funnel (if present) | 1. Most foley catheters are made of coated natural latex or silicone. 2. Smooth surface and tip allow atraumatic insertion for enhanced patient conform. 3. Color-coded check valve for identification of different sizes. 4.The balloon can fasten the tube well to avoid sliding off. 5. Available with different balloon capacities. |
External Catheters | ►Flexible sheath ►Adhesive (if present) | 1. Made of latex or silicone. 2. Used primarily for urine collection in men who experience urinary incontinence. 3. Provided with the soft adhesive-coated strip for fixing on the penis. 4. Proximal end is designed for safe and easy connection to the urine bag/leg bag. 5. Sterile / Disposable / Individually Packed. |
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) caused by using a catheter are one of the most common types of infection. This risk is particularly high if your catheter is left in place continuously (an indwelling catheter).
Contact your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection.
If you’d like to learn more about your catheter product options, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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