Urinary catheters

        

Urinary catheters are designed to empty the bladder. There are specific urinary catheter types designed for specific needs. The most common types of urinary catheters are straight or intermittent catheters, and Foley catheters. Another type of catheter is the condom cath, which is also called a Texas catheter. There is another type of catheter designed specifically for laboratory samples. These types of catheters are called specimen collection catheters. There is a special type of catheter with a curved tip which is used for male catheterization when a prostate problem constricts or changes the pathway of the male urethra.

If you need to wear a catheter over an extended period of time, you will be using a Foley catheter. If for any reason that you need to have medications instilled into the bladder, your doctor will have you wear a 3-way catheter. A 3-way catheter has 3 passageways – one is for urine to pass, one is for the inflation of the balloon and the other one is for instilling medications and therapeutic irrigations directly into the bladder.

Straight catheters, also called intermittent catheters are for one time use for emptying the bladder. Of all of the urinary catheter types, this type is great for people who have neurological problems which affect the bladder. Some neurological problems affect the bladder in such a way that the sensation of having to void is lost, while other problems prevent the bladder from completely emptying.

As with all catheters, it is possible to introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Aseptic (clean technique) should always be practiced when inserting and caring for a catheter. Clean the area to be catheterized prior to insertion. Catheter care (of an indwelling catheter) should be done at least once a day, preferably twice daily and after each bowel movement.

If you’d like more information about Liberator Medical’s Catheter Supply-Care Program, call us toll-free today at 1-866-642-6840. 

*Co-payments, deductibles and conditions apply.

Urinary-Catheters • Urinary Catheter Pain • Urinary Catheter Types • Urinary Catheter Insertion • Urinary Catheter Insertion-Female • Urinary Catheter Insertion-Male • Intermittent Self Catheterization • Self Catheter Care