Urinary Catheter
Term: Urinary Catheter
Category: Medical Devices
Definition: A type of catheter. Has hollow, soft tubing is composed of safe materials, including silicone, latex, polyurethane, etc. The primary purpose of the urinary catheter is to allow for the continuous or intermittent removal of urine from the bladder. Depending on how long it will be needed, urinary catheters can either be left in the bladder over the long term (using Foley Catheters) or temporarily placed inside the bladder (using straight catheters). Foley Catheters are held in place by an inflatable balloon-like device (the cuff). Most manufacturers of urinary catheters have taken steps to design them with antimicrobial protections and hydrophilic features, which make them less likely to cause infections and easier to insert into the bladder. Catheters vary in size and shape from one individual to another based on individual anatomy and medical needs.
Uses:
- Urinary retention when patients cannot empty the bladder naturally.
- Surgical procedures to monitor urine output.
- Bladder management in critically ill or immobile patients.
- Relief of obstruction due to prostate enlargement, strictures, or tumors.
- Collection of sterile urine samples for diagnostic purposes.
Related Content and Resources:
Hydrophilic Catheter Coatings For Reduced Friction
Hydrophilic Coatings Outperform Hydrophobic Coatings for Catheters and Stents
Hydrophilic Coatings for Medical Devices: Intro, Benefits & Uses
