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Foley catheter in female. Female Foley Catheter Insertion: A Comprehensive Guide for Proper Care and Management

How is a Foley catheter inserted in females. What supplies are needed for catheter insertion. When should a Foley catheter be changed. How to maintain proper hygiene with an indwelling catheter.

Understanding Foley Catheters: Purpose and Types

A Foley catheter, also known as an indwelling catheter, is a medical device used to drain urine from the bladder continuously. It can be utilized for both males and females, serving various medical purposes. But what exactly is a Foley catheter, and why is it used?

Foley catheters are flexible tubes inserted through the urethra into the bladder. They are typically made of silicone or latex and feature a small balloon at the tip that is inflated with sterile water once inside the bladder. This balloon keeps the catheter securely in place, allowing for continuous drainage of urine into a collection bag.

These catheters are employed in numerous medical situations, including:

  • Post-surgical recovery
  • Urinary retention
  • Neurological conditions affecting bladder control
  • Accurate measurement of urine output in critically ill patients
  • Management of urinary incontinence in certain cases

For females, the process of inserting a Foley catheter requires precision, proper technique, and strict adherence to hygiene protocols to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other complications.

Essential Supplies for Female Foley Catheter Insertion

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful and hygienic catheter insertion. What supplies are needed for this procedure? Let’s break down the essential items:

  1. Indwelling Foley Catheter Tray (typically 16Fr size for adults, with a 10cc balloon)
  2. Sterile gloves (if not self-catheterizing)
  3. Antiseptic solution (usually betadine)
  4. Cotton balls or swabs
  5. Sterile water-soluble lubricant
  6. Drainage bag
  7. Syringe (pre-filled with sterile water for balloon inflation)
  8. Soapy washcloth and wet washcloth for cleaning
  9. Sterile drape or underpad
  10. Leg strap (optional, for securing the catheter)

These supplies are typically included in a catheter insertion kit. However, it’s always wise to double-check and ensure all necessary items are present before beginning the procedure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Female Foley Catheter Insertion

Inserting a Foley catheter requires careful attention to detail and proper technique. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the process:

1. Preparation

Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. If you’re not self-catheterizing, put on sterile gloves. Position the patient on their back with legs flat and slightly apart.

2. Cleansing

Clean the urinary opening and surrounding area with a soapy washcloth, then rinse with a wet washcloth. Dry the area thoroughly. This step is crucial for preventing infection.

3. Setting Up

Open the catheter tray carefully, maintaining sterility. Arrange the supplies within easy reach. Place a sterile drape or underpad beneath the patient’s hips.

4. Catheter Preparation

Remove the plastic cover from the catheter, being careful not to touch the tube. Apply a generous amount of sterile lubricant to the catheter tip.

5. Insertion

With one hand (now considered “dirty”), gently spread the labia to expose the urethral opening. Using your “clean” hand, cleanse the area with antiseptic-soaked cotton balls, wiping from front to back. Never reuse a cotton ball.

Slowly and gently insert the lubricated catheter into the urethra. Continue inserting until urine begins to flow, then advance another 2 inches to ensure proper placement.

6. Balloon Inflation

Once urine flow is observed, inflate the balloon using the pre-filled syringe. Never inflate the balloon before confirming proper placement, as this can cause significant discomfort and potential injury.

7. Finalizing

Gently pull the catheter back until you feel slight resistance, indicating the balloon is seated properly. Connect the catheter to the drainage bag and secure it below the level of the bladder to ensure proper drainage.

Maintaining Proper Hygiene with an Indwelling Catheter

Proper catheter care is essential for preventing infections and ensuring patient comfort. How can you maintain optimal hygiene with an indwelling catheter?

  • Clean the urethral area and catheter at least twice daily with mild, unscented soap and water
  • Always wipe from front to back to prevent bacterial contamination
  • Keep the catheter secured to prevent pulling or tension
  • Ensure the drainage bag is always positioned below the level of the bladder
  • Empty the drainage bag regularly, at least every 8 hours or when it’s 2/3 full
  • Maintain good hand hygiene before and after handling the catheter or drainage system
  • Drink adequate fluids to help prevent urinary tract infections

Remember, any signs of infection, such as fever, cloudy or bloody urine, or increased pain, should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

While Foley catheters are generally safe and effective, users may encounter some challenges. How can these issues be addressed?

Catheter Blockage

If urine flow stops or becomes significantly reduced, the catheter may be blocked. This can be caused by blood clots, sediment, or kinks in the tubing. Ensure the catheter and tubing are straight and free from kinks. If the problem persists, contact your healthcare provider, as the catheter may need to be flushed or replaced.

Leakage Around the Catheter

Leakage can occur if the catheter is too small, the balloon is not fully inflated, or if there’s irritation causing bladder spasms. Check the catheter size and ensure the balloon is properly inflated. If leakage continues, consult your healthcare provider.

Discomfort or Pain

Some initial discomfort is normal, but persistent pain could indicate infection or improper placement. Apply water-based lubricant to reduce friction, and ensure the catheter is secured properly to prevent movement. If pain persists or worsens, seek medical attention.

When and How to Change a Foley Catheter

Regular catheter changes are crucial for preventing infections and ensuring proper function. But how often should a Foley catheter be changed?

Typically, Foley catheters can remain in place for about 30 days, provided there are no complications such as leakage, blockage, or signs of infection. However, the exact duration may vary based on individual circumstances and healthcare provider recommendations.

To change a Foley catheter:

  1. Wash hands thoroughly and gather all necessary supplies
  2. Deflate the balloon using a syringe attached to the inflation port
  3. Gently remove the old catheter
  4. Clean the urethral area thoroughly
  5. Insert the new catheter following the steps outlined earlier
  6. Properly dispose of the old catheter and used supplies

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding catheter change frequency and technique.

Lifestyle Considerations with a Foley Catheter

Living with a Foley catheter requires some lifestyle adjustments. How can patients maintain a good quality of life while managing their catheter?

Clothing Choices

Opt for loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t put pressure on the catheter. Consider wearing a leg bag during the day for more discretion and mobility.

Physical Activity

While some activities may need to be modified, many forms of exercise are still possible with a catheter. Always secure the catheter and drainage bag properly to prevent dislodging during movement.

Travel

Plan ahead when traveling. Bring extra supplies and consider using a larger capacity drainage bag for longer journeys. Be aware of the locations of accessible restrooms for emptying the drainage bag.

Intimacy

Intimate relationships can continue with a Foley catheter, but extra care and communication are necessary. Consult your healthcare provider for specific advice and potential alternatives during intimate moments.

Remember, adapting to life with a catheter takes time. Be patient with yourself and don’t hesitate to seek support or advice from healthcare professionals or support groups.

Potential Complications and When to Seek Medical Help

While Foley catheters are generally safe, they can sometimes lead to complications. What are the potential risks, and when should you seek medical attention?

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are the most common complication associated with indwelling catheters. Symptoms may include fever, chills, cloudy or bloody urine, increased urgency or frequency of urination, and pain in the lower abdomen or back.

Bladder Spasms

Some patients experience bladder spasms, which can cause discomfort and leakage around the catheter. These may be managed with medication if they become problematic.

Catheter Encrustation

Mineral deposits can build up on the catheter over time, potentially leading to blockages or difficulty in removal. Regular catheter changes help prevent this issue.

Tissue Damage

Improper insertion or prolonged use of a catheter can sometimes cause damage to the urethra or bladder. This risk is minimized with proper technique and regular catheter changes.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
  • Chills or shaking
  • Severe abdominal or back pain
  • Bright red blood in the urine or large blood clots
  • No urine output for several hours
  • Catheter dislodgement

Early intervention is key in managing catheter-related complications effectively.

Female Foley Catheter – My Shepherd Connection

An indwelling catheter is also called a foley catheter or “Foley.” It can be used in males or females. A Foley is usually left in the bladder and drains the bladder continuously. This lesson will review how to insert a foley catheter. Some of the photos in this lesson show the use of gloves. It is not necessary to use gloves when doing this on yourself; however, if you have a helper in the home/community setting, they may choose to wear them.

Foley Catheter: Step by Step Process

1. Gather the Supplies

  • Indwelling Foley Catheter Tray with a 10 cc balloon. (Size 16fr is a common size used for adults). The tray comes with all the needed supplies.
  • Syringe to deflate the balloon of the existing catheter (if there is one already in the bladder).
  • Soapy wash cloth and wet wash cloth.

2. Wash hands with soap and water.

3. Prepare all needed supplies.

4. Lie flat on back with legs flat.

5. If there is already a catheter in place, remove it by deflating the balloon(the balloon is what holds the catheter in place inside the bladder).

  • Attach the syringe to the end of the “Y” pigtail (side port)
  • Withdraw the plunger of the syringe. This will deflate the balloon on the catheter inside the bladder. (The balloon is what holds the catheter in place inside the bladder).
  • You will know it is completely deflated when you are unable to pull anymore water into the syringe.

6. Gently pull the catheter out from the bladder.

 7. Wash urinary opening

Wash with the soapy cloth and rinse with the wet cloth. Dry well.

8. Wash hands again.

9. Open the indwelling catheter tray carefully. Set up the supplies.

  • Place paper pad under hips.
  • Put on the gloves if this is not a self catheterization.
  • Pour the betadine onto the cotton balls
  • Remove the plastic cover from the catheter (be careful not to touch the catheter tube) & squirt the lubricating jelly onto the catheter.
  • Remove the rubber cap from the syringe with the water in it.
  • Connect the end of the catheter to the drainage bag

10. Choose your “clean” and “dirty” hand.

Whatever hand comes in contact with the body, the one that holds the labia, is dirty. The one that touches the catheter supplies is clean. Never mix clean and dirty hands in regard to the catheter supplies. It is important that this procedure stay “super clean” so as not to allow germs to enter the bladder.

11. Using one hand, spread the labia open so you can find the urinary opening.

This hand is now your “dirty” hand. Do not use it to touch supplies in the kit.

12. Clean urinary opening

  •  Use clean hand to touch items in the kit
  • Clean urinary area with the cotton balls soaked in betadine.
  • Use one cotton ball per wipe.
  • Always wipe from the top of the area towards the bottom.
  • Never re-use a cotton ball.

13. Insert the catheter slowly and gently into the urinary opening

14. See the urine flow into the catheter

Continue to insert the catheter slowly for another 2 inches

15. Blow up the balloon

While holding the catheter in place, attach the pre-filled syringe in the kit to the “Y” pigtail port and insert all of the water from the syringe.

If it is easier, you can attach the syringe before you insert the catheter so it is ready when you need it. Do not blow up the balloon until the catheter is in and you see urine flowing.

Never blow up the balloon until you see flowing urine inside the catheter.

Below is a picture of a catheter with an inflated balloon…this is what it would look like inside the bladder

16. Wash off the extra Betadine from the urinary area.

17. Always hang/attach the drainage bag to chair/bed frame below the level of the bladder.

This will allow for the best drainage.

18. Consider wearing a leg strap.

The leg strap attaches the catheter to the inner thigh. It helps to keep the catheter secure.

19. If wearing a leg bag, always wear it below the knee.

20. Clean around the catheter and urethra daily

  • Use unscented antibacterial soap and water.
  • Dry the area carefully.
  • Wash area after each bowel movement.

Real Questions from Real People

1. How often does the catheter need to be changed?

Catheters can stay in for about a month as long as it is not leaking or having crusty areas around it near the urethral opening. You should wash the urinary opening at least twice a day while the catheter is in place. Change the catheter by the schedule given to you by your doctor.

2. Should I save anything from the catheter kit in case problems arise with the catheter?

Yes. Save the syringe so you can deflate the balloon when the catheter needs to be removed.

3. What if touch the catheter with my dirty hand or I drop the catheter on the floor before I have it safely inserted?

Stop and get another catheter or kit. It is important that germs do not enter the bladder during this procedure.

4. What if I have spasms while the catheter is being inserted?

Stop and wait for the spasm to pass; then continue with the insertion.

5. What if the catheter will not go in easily or I feel like I meet resistance when inserting it?

Do not force the catheter in. Call the doctor for further advice.

6. What if I accidentally insert the catheter into the vagina instead of the urethra?

Start over and use a new kit. Don’t feel bad. Sometimes this happens.

How To Do Urethral Catheterization in a Female – Genitourinary Disorders




By

Paul H. Chung

, MD, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University


Reviewed/Revised May 2023


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Topic Resources





Urethral catheterization is the standard method of accessing the urinary bladder. A flexible catheter is passed retrograde through the urethra into the bladder. Several types of catheters are available. If the urethra is impassable, suprapubic catheterization of the bladder will be necessary.

(See also Bladder Catheterization Bladder Catheterization Bladder catheterization is used to do the following: Obtain urine for examination Measure residual urine volume Relieve urinary retention or incontinence Deliver radiopaque contrast agents or… read more .)

  • Relief of acute or chronic urinary retention, such as due to urethral obstruction (obstructive uropathy Obstructive Uropathy Obstructive uropathy is structural or functional hindrance of normal urine flow, sometimes leading to renal dysfunction (obstructive nephropathy). Symptoms, less likely in chronic obstruction… read more ) or neurogenic bladder Neurogenic Bladder Neurogenic bladder is bladder dysfunction (flaccid or spastic) caused by neurologic damage. Symptoms can include overflow incontinence, frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, and retention…. read more

  • Treatment of urinary incontinence Urinary Incontinence in Adults Urinary incontinence is involuntary loss of urine; some experts consider it present only when a patient thinks it is a problem. The disorder is greatly underrecognized and underreported. Many… read more

  • Monitoring of urine output

  • Measurement of postvoid residual urine volume

  • Collection of sterile urine for culture

  • Diagnostic studies of the lower genitourinary tract Genitourinary Imaging Tests Imaging tests are often used to evaluate patients with renal and urologic disorders. Abdominal x-rays without radiopaque contrast agents may be done to check for positioning of ureteral stents… read more

  • Bladder irrigation or instillation of medication

Absolute contraindications

Relative contraindications

  • History of urethral strictures Urethral Stricture Urethral stricture is scarring that obstructs the anterior urethral lumen. Urethral stricture can be Congenital Acquired Anything that damages the urethral epithelium or corpus spongiosum can… read more

  • Current urinary tract infection Introduction to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be divided into upper tract infections, which involve the kidneys ( pyelonephritis), and lower tract infections, which involve the bladder ( cystitis), urethra… read more (UTI)

  • Prior urethral reconstruction

  • Suspected urethral injury Urethral Trauma Urethral injuries usually occur in men. Most major urethral injuries are due to blunt trauma. Penetrating urethral trauma is less common, occurring mainly as a result of gunshot wounds, or alternatively… read more *

  • Recent urologic surgery

  • History of difficult catheter placement

*Urethral injury may be suspected following blunt trauma if patients have blood at the urethral meatus (most important sign), inability to void, or perineal or labial ecchymosis, and/or edema. In such cases, urethral disruption should be ruled out with imaging (eg, by retrograde urethrography and sometimes also cystoscopy Cystoscopy Cystoscopy is insertion of a rigid or flexible fiberoptic instrument into the bladder. Indications include the following: Helping diagnose urologic disorders (eg, bladder tumors, calculi in… read more ) before doing urethral catheterization.

Complications include

  • Urethral Urethral Trauma Urethral injuries usually occur in men. Most major urethral injuries are due to blunt trauma. Penetrating urethral trauma is less common, occurring mainly as a result of gunshot wounds, or alternatively… read more or bladder trauma Bladder Trauma External bladder injuries are caused by either blunt or penetrating trauma to the lower abdomen, pelvis, or perineum. Blunt trauma is the more common mechanism, usually by a sudden deceleration… read more with bleeding or microscopic hematuria (common)

  • UTI Introduction to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be divided into upper tract infections, which involve the kidneys ( pyelonephritis), and lower tract infections, which involve the bladder ( cystitis), urethra. .. read more (common)

  • Creation of false passages

  • Scarring and strictures

Prepackaged kits are typically used but the individual items needed include

  • Sterile drapes and gloves

  • Povidone iodine

  • Applicator swabs, sterile gauze, or cotton balls

  • Water-soluble lubricant

  • Urethral catheter (size 16 French Foley catheter is appropriate for most adult women)*

  • 10-mL syringe with water (for catheter balloon inflation)

  • Sterile collection device with tubing

* A closed catheter system minimizes catheter-associated UTI Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a urinary tract infection (UTI) in which the positive culture was taken when an indwelling urinary catheter had been in place for &gt… read more .

  • Sterile technique is necessary to prevent a UTI Introduction to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be divided into upper tract infections, which involve the kidneys ( pyelonephritis), and lower tract infections, which involve the bladder ( cystitis), urethra. .. read more .

  • The female urethral meatus appears as an anterior-posterior slit located anterior to the vaginal opening and about 2.5 cm posterior to the glans clitoris. If the meatus recedes superiorly into the vagina, as can happen in older women, it can often be palpated in the midline as a soft mound surrounded by a firm ring of periurethral tissue.

  • To expose the vulva, position the patient supine in either lithotomy or frog position (hips and knees partially flexed, heels on the bed, hips comfortably abducted).

  • Place all equipment within easy reach on an uncontaminated sterile field on a bedside tray. You may put the box containing the catheter and the drainage system between the patient’s legs, so that it is easily accessible during the procedure.

  • If not done already, attach the catheter to the collection system and do not break the seal unless a different type or size of catheter is required.

  • Test the retention balloon for leaks by inflating it with water.

  • Apply lubricant to the tip of the catheter.

  • Saturate the applicator swabs, cotton balls or gauze with povidone iodine.

  • Place the sterile fenestrated drape over the pelvis so that the vulva is exposed.

  • Gently spread the labia and expose the urethral meatus, using your nondominant hand. This hand is now contaminated and must not be removed from the labia or touch any of the equipment during the rest of the procedure.

  • Cleanse the area around the meatus with each cotton ball saturated in povidone iodine. Use a circular motion, beginning at the meatus and working your way outward. Discard or set aside the newly contaminated gauze or cotton balls.

  • Hold the lubricated catheter and gently pass it through the urethra, using your free hand. Urine should flow freely into the collection tubing. If the catheter accidentally passes into the vagina, it should be discarded and a new catheter used.

  • Inflate the balloon with the recommended volume of water, usually 10 mL. Resistance or pain may indicate that the balloon is in the urethra and not the bladder. If so, deflate the balloon, then insert it all the way before reinflation.

  • Pull the balloon up snug against the bladder neck, after the balloon has been inflated, by slowly withdrawing the catheter until resistance is felt.

VIDEO

  • Be sure to maintain strict sterile technique during the procedure to avoid urinary tract infection Introduction to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be divided into upper tract infections, which involve the kidneys ( pyelonephritis), and lower tract infections, which involve the bladder ( cystitis), urethra… read more .





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How to choose a Foley catheter? Foley catheter and prostatic catheter are the main differences.

In today’s article we will tell you how to choose a Foley catheter, what you need to consider when buying, what types and structural features of urethral catheters, and how prostatic catheters differ from Foley catheters.

A Foley catheter or urethral catheter is a special medical device designed to drain urine from the bladder. To do this, it is introduced into the cavity of the bladder through natural ways – the urethra – and fixed with a balloon. Such a catheter is installed for a period of 1 to 90 days. Foley catheter is not uncommon in the Russian market. It can be ordered at a specialized company dealing with medical equipment and consumables, medical equipment stores, pharmacies, and some orthopedic salons. When buying a Foley catheter, do not forget to purchase a urinal – a special product that is attached to the Foley catheter, where urine enters after excretion from the body.

How to choose a Foley catheter?

To buy a Foley catheter, you need to clarify with your doctor the following parameters, knowledge of which will greatly facilitate your ordering a catheter:

Catheter size (diameter). The unit of measurement for the diameter of catheters is Sharière (Ch, Shr) or French (Fr). 1 Ch/Fr = 0.33 mm. The size of the catheter is chosen by the attending physician based on the patient’s condition, the time of installation, and the material of the catheter. As a rule, 6-10 Ch are children’s sizes, 14-16 Ch are more often for women, and 20-24 for men. Each case is unique, so never buy a Foley catheter without a doctor’s prescription. There are also various recommendations of professional urological associations – the Russian Society of Urology, the European Society of Urology – which detail the criteria for choosing a catheter diameter.

Diameter

Readings

6-8Ch

Child sizes

10Ch

Clear urine, no hematuria (presence of blood in the urine), mucus

12-14 Ch

Clear urine, without hematuria, mucus, “sand”

16Ch

Slightly turbid urine, may have mild hematuria with little or no clots, some mucus, tissue debris

18Ch

Severe hematuria, the presence of clots, a large amount of mucus, tissue debris, the presence of “sand” in the urine

20-24Ch

Severe hematuria, a large amount of mucus, blood clots, “sand”. Washing required.

If the catheter is often clogged, you can choose a larger size. It must be remembered that the larger the diameter of the catheter, the higher the risk of injury to the urethra.

Another characteristic of the product associated with the size of the Foley catheter is the color coding. This helps doctors and nurses in the operating room or treatment room quickly find the right catheter based on its color, and not on the labels on the packaging or on the catheter itself. The color coding may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it is usually universal and helps doctors navigate the range of consumables more easily. In the picture above you will see a red connector – this is the part in the Foley catheters that is color-coded. We see the red connector and understand that this catheter is 18 Ch.

Foley catheter length. Foley catheters can be male or female. This is due to anatomical features – the urethral canal in men is longer than in women. The length of the female Foley catheter is about 25 cm, the male one is 40-42 cm. The female Foley catheter is not available in all medical equipment stores and pharmacies, and besides, it cannot be used in men, so women and men are prescribed universal catheters 40 cm long.

Balloon size. To fix the catheter in the bladder cavity, a balloon is used, located at the distal end of the catheter. Upon insertion, the balloon is deflated and does not protrude above the catheter surface. With the successful introduction of the catheter into the bladder, the balloon is “inflated” with saline to the desired volume. Thanks to a special valve in the connector, saline does not flow back. Foley catheters most often have a balloon volume of 30 ml, but there are models with a balloon of 15 or 50 ml. In children’s Foley catheters, the volume of the balloon is 1.5-5 ml. The balloon prevents the urethral catheter from “falling out” of the bladder.

Foley catheter tip straight or curved or Nelaton vs Tiemann. The tip of the Foley catheter (the part above the balloon) can be straight or curved. The straight form (classic version) is the most common model. Such a tip is also called the Nelaton catheter, after the urologist who first used a urethral catheter to divert urine. For complicated cases of insertion, for example, with prostatic hyperplasia, there is a coracoid curved tip – the Tiemann catheter. The tip itself in Tiemann or Nelaton catheters is closed with two side holes.

Foley catheter material. The material of the catheter directly affects the comfort of the patient, the frequency of replacement of the catheter and its operational characteristics. Today, Foley catheters are made from:

  • Silicone-coated latex (siliconized latex) is a cheap material, quite soft, porous. Unfortunately, many patients are allergic to latex, making long-term use impossible. To reduce the risk of allergies, as well as to improve performance, the latex catheter is coated with a micron layer of silicone. A latex Foley catheter is placed for up to 7 days.
  • Silicone is a fully biocompatible material that does not cause inflammation or allergic reactions. Silicone catheters are soft, with a thin wall. Silicone Foley catheters have a large internal lumen, which provides better urine diversion. They clog less and can be installed for up to 30 days. Children’s catheters are made of silicone. The special treatment of the silicone and the surface of the catheter allowed them to be installed for up to 90 days – for example, the X-Tra and Folisyl LT series from Coloplast.
  • “Silver” is an outdated type of catheter. Material: silicone with a layer of silver, so these catheters are often called “silver plated”. It was believed that silver catheters have antibacterial activity, however, studies have shown that the presence of a layer of silver does not significantly affect either the development of infection or the time of installation. Due to low profitability and lack of clear clinical efficacy, silver catheters are practically withdrawn from circulation. Instead, patients are advised to buy long-lasting silicone Foley catheters (with an insertion period of up to 90 days).

Number of strokes: 2 or 3? The most problematic issue. Unfortunately, due to errors in terminology, doctors, patients, and pharmacy staff often confuse three-way Foley catheters with prostatic catheters (TURP catheters, hemostatic catheters). The classic Foley catheter has 2 passages, that is, 2 channels, one of which is used for urine diversion, and the second for balloon inflation. In some cases, a third channel / passage is required – for washing and introducing medicinal substances into the bladder cavity.

However, there are prostatic or three-way catheters. Prostatic catheters are used exclusively in men after prostate surgery – resection of the prostate. Do not confuse them with Foley catheters. Despite the similar structure and function, both of these catheters differ. These differences are:

  • Balloon volume: for prostatic catheters, the balloon has a volume of 50-120 ml to effectively prevent bleeding after prostate surgery (for Foley catheters it is 15-30 ml).
  • Tip structure: prostatic catheters are divided into types Dufo, Delinot, Kuveler and others. The curved Dufour and straight Kuveler tips also have a large drainage hole for successful drainage of urine, blood clots, pieces of tissue and mucus. Below is a typical three-way Dufour catheter.
  • Diameter: prostatic catheters size 18 to 24 Ch/Fr. Foley catheters have a much wider size range – from 6 to 30 Ch.
  • Number of channels: prostatic catheters are usually always three-way.

Attention! This article is not a call for self-treatment! Be sure to consult with your doctor! Never insert and remove urethral catheters yourself!

Bottom line: any patient may be faced with the need to purchase Foley catheters. When choosing a catheter, it is important to know its dimensions, which are measured in Charrière / French, balloon volume, number of strokes. When buying, check all the data, be sure to check the expiration date of the medical product, the presence of the Registration Certificate and the Declaration and compliance, the availability of instructions. If you find it difficult to choose, then we recommend you the following positions:

  • Classic 100% silicone Foley catheter: 30 ml balloon volume, sizes 14-24 Ch/Fr, for up to 30 days of placement.
  • 100% Silicone Dufour Prostatic Three-Way Catheter: 50 ml balloon volume, sizes 18-24 Ch/Fr, for up to 30 days of placement.
  • Dufour Prostatic 3-Way Short Tip 100% Silicone Catheter: 50 ml balloon, sizes 18-24 Ch/Fr, for up to 30 days.

You can buy Foley catheters in Moscow at Uromed M by calling +7 495 783 68 11 or by sending a request to e-mail [email protected] We work with individuals and legal entities. Fast delivery to any region of Russia. No minimum order!

Uromed M is the official distributor of Coloplast products (France) in Russia. Direct deliveries from the Coloplast factory from France.

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Foley catheters Folysil, silicone, type male straight

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Foley catheters Folysil, silicone, children (06-10 Ch/Fr)

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Foley catheters Folysil LT for use up to 90 days, type male straight

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Foley catheters Folysil LT for use up to 90 days, type female straight

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Foley catheter: structure, materials, price, size

Pomerantsev’s Foley catheter has a wide range of applications. Used to divert urine, treat the urinary system, prepare for surgery, diagnose diseases, stimulate labor. For urinary disorders, Foley catheters are installed if long-term catheterization is necessary. Depending on the material, they can be used up to 90 days.

Foley catheter materials:

Often there are questions about which Foley catheter is better and why they have such different prices. Pricing depends primarily on the material of the catheter. The material affects the duration of use of the catheter.

Latex catheters. Foley latex catheter has great flexibility, elasticity, strength. Modern latex contains the minimum amount of proteins that can cause allergies. The catheters are also coated with silicone. This minimizes the risk of allergies. Latex catheters are used for catheterization up to 7 days. Latex catheters are cheaper than silicone ones.

Silicone catheters. Silicone biocompatible resistant material. Silicone prevents the deposition of salts on the inner opening of the catheter. Therefore, silicone catheters are used for catheterization up to 30 days. They are more expensive than latex.

Silver Foley catheters. There are also silver coated silicone catheters that can be used for 30 to 90 days. Silver prevents the growth of bacteria, the occurrence of urinary tract infections. Due to the high cost of production, the price of such catheters is higher.

For example, Foley Urethral Catheters, Silver Plated Foley Dover™ Medtronic (Unomedical)

Foley Catheter Design:

Foley catheters are available in 2-way and 3-way.

Two way channel has two ports. One to divert urine, the other to inflate the balloon.

Three-way catheter has a third port for drug administration, sampling, etc.

Foley catheters for women, men and children.

Adult catheters are available in 40 cm lengths and are a universal choice. Sometimes they are divided into male and female.

Women’s Foley catheters are shorter than men’s. After all, the female urethra is shorter than the male.

Male Foley Catheters are 40 cm long.

Pediatric Foley Catheters are thinner and shorter than adults. Sometimes they have additional design features for easier insertion into the child’s urethra.

Catheters are numbered according to the Charrier scale and the size is selected according to the table:

Table, Foley catheter dimensions:

Gender Size Connector color Inner diameter OD Length Canister size
Child Ch 6 pink 1.1 mm 2.0 mm 28 cm 3-5 ml
ChildCh8 black 1. 7 mm 2.7 mm 28 cm 3-5 ml
Child Ch 10 gray 2.3 mm 3.3 mm 28 cm 3-5 ml
Male, Female Ch 12 white 2.8 mm 4.0 mm 39-40 cm 30 ml
Male, Female Ch 14 green 3.3 mm 4.7 mm 39-40 cm 30 ml
Male, Female Ch 16 orange 3.8 mm 5.3 mm 39-40 cm 30 ml
Male, Female Ch 18 red 4.5 mm 6.0 mm 39-40 cm 30 ml
Male, Female Ch 20 yellow 5.1 mm 6.7 mm 39-40 cm 30 ml
Male, Female Ch 22 purple 5. 6 mm 7.3 mm 39-40 cm 30 ml
Male, Female Ch 24 blue 6.2 mm 8.0 mm 39-40 cm 30 ml
Male, Female Ch 26 pink 6.9 mm 8.7 mm 39-40 cm 30 ml
Male Ch 28 brown 7.5 mm 9.3 mm 39-40 cm 30 ml
Male Ch 30 gray 8.0 mm 10.0 mm 39-40 cm 30 ml

When choosing a Foley catheter, the following are taken into account: they are used up to 90 days.

– catheter size. The attending physician helps to determine the size.

The most famous manufacturers of Foley catheters in Russia:

Coloplast (Coloplast), Convatec (Konvatek), Vogt Medical (Vogt Medical), Apexmed (Apeksmed), Medtronic Medronik (Unomedical) Unomedical.