Folio catheter. Foley Catheter Care: Essential Guide for Proper Maintenance and Hygiene
How to clean and maintain a Foley catheter. What supplies are needed for catheter care. When to change drainage bags. How to prevent infections with a urinary catheter. What to do if complications arise with a Foley catheter.
Understanding Your Foley Catheter
A Foley catheter is a crucial medical device for those who need assistance with urinary drainage. But what exactly is it? A Foley catheter is a thin, flexible tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine. It’s held in place by a small balloon filled with water, ensuring it stays securely positioned.
The catheter system consists of several key components:
- The catheter tube itself
- A drainage tube connecting to a collection bag
- A leg bag for daytime use (0.5 liter capacity)
- A night bag for overnight drainage (2 liter capacity)
- Cath-Secure tape to keep the system in place
Understanding how your Foley catheter functions is essential for proper care and maintenance. Urine flows from your bladder through the catheter and drainage tube, collecting in the attached bag. This continuous drainage helps prevent urinary retention and associated complications.
Daily Care and Maintenance of Your Foley Catheter
Proper care of your Foley catheter is crucial for preventing infections and ensuring its optimal function. What does daily catheter care involve?
- Clean the catheter every day
- Change drainage bags twice daily
- Replace drainage bags with new ones weekly
- Wash drainage bags daily
- Stay hydrated by drinking 1-2 glasses of liquid every 2 hours while awake
It’s normal to occasionally see small amounts of blood or urine around the catheter insertion site, especially during movement or bowel movements. However, if you notice a lack of urine draining into the collection bag, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Cleaning Your Foley Catheter
How do you properly clean a Foley catheter? Follow these steps for effective cleaning:
- Gather supplies: mild soap (like Dove), Cath-Secure tape
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer
- Clean your genital area with mild soap and water
- Clean the catheter insertion site (urethra)
- Clean the catheter from the insertion point downward, away from your body
- Rinse the area well and gently dry
- Secure the catheter with a new Cath-Secure tape
Remember to hold the catheter at its entry point to avoid tension during cleaning. This gentle approach helps prevent irritation and maintains the catheter’s proper position.
Comfortable Wear and Positioning of Your Catheter
Proper positioning of your Foley catheter and drainage bag is essential for comfort and functionality. How can you ensure optimal placement?
- Position the leg bag below your knee to aid drainage
- Use Velcro straps to secure the leg bag to your calf
- Employ a leg strap to fasten the tubing to your thigh
- Ensure straps are not too tight to prevent circulation issues
- Apply a water-based lubricant to prevent soreness around the insertion site
If you notice marks on your skin from the straps, they may be too tight. Loosening them slightly can improve comfort and reduce the risk of blood clots. Regular repositioning and proper strap adjustment are key to preventing skin irritation and maintaining good circulation.
Hygiene and Infection Prevention with a Foley Catheter
Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial when living with a Foley catheter. How can you minimize the risk of infections?
- Take daily showers to keep the catheter insertion site clean
- Use the night bag when showering, as it’s waterproof
- Avoid baths while the catheter is in place to reduce infection risk
- Clean your genital area thoroughly during each shower
- Change drainage bags as recommended to prevent bacterial growth
Why is it important to avoid baths with a Foley catheter? Bathing can introduce bacteria into the catheter system, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. Showers are safer as they allow for better cleaning of the insertion site without submerging the catheter in standing water.
Showering with Your Foley Catheter
Showering with a Foley catheter requires some adjustments to your routine. What precautions should you take?
- Always use the night bag when showering
- Consider showering in the morning before switching to the leg bag
- Clean the catheter and insertion site as part of your shower routine
- Ensure thorough drying of the area after showering
By incorporating catheter care into your daily shower routine, you can maintain optimal hygiene and reduce the risk of complications. Remember to be gentle when cleaning and drying to avoid irritation or dislodging the catheter.
Managing Drainage Bags: When and How to Change
Proper management of your drainage bags is essential for maintaining a hygienic and effective catheter system. How often should you change your drainage bags?
- Switch from night bag to leg bag in the morning
- Change from leg bag to night bag before bedtime
- Replace drainage bags with new ones weekly
- Change bags immediately if they become clogged or blocked
Why is it important to change drainage bags regularly? Regular changes help prevent bacterial growth, reduce odors, and ensure proper drainage. It’s also an opportunity to inspect the system for any signs of problems or wear.
Steps for Changing Drainage Bags
What’s the proper procedure for changing drainage bags? Follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Prepare the new bag by closing the drainage spout
- Detach the old bag from the catheter tubing
- Clean the end of the catheter tubing with an alcohol wipe
- Attach the new bag to the catheter tubing
- Secure the new bag in place with straps or holders
- Empty and clean the old bag before storing or disposing
Always ensure a smooth transition between bags to prevent urine leakage or introduction of bacteria. If you’re unsure about the process, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for a demonstration or additional guidance.
Hydration and Dietary Considerations with a Foley Catheter
Proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining urinary health and the effective function of your Foley catheter. How much should you drink, and what dietary factors should you consider?
- Aim to drink 1-2 glasses of liquid every 2 hours while awake
- Water is the best choice for hydration
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can irritate the bladder
- Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Consider cranberry products to promote urinary tract health
Why is hydration so important with a Foley catheter? Adequate fluid intake helps flush the urinary system, reducing the risk of infections and preventing the formation of sediment or blockages in the catheter. It also helps maintain healthy urine output, which is important for monitoring kidney function.
Managing Fluid Intake
How can you effectively manage your fluid intake with a Foley catheter?
- Keep a water bottle handy throughout the day
- Set reminders to drink regularly
- Monitor urine output to ensure it matches fluid intake
- Adjust fluid intake based on activity levels and climate
- Consult your healthcare provider about specific fluid recommendations
Remember, while hydration is important, it’s also crucial to balance fluid intake with your body’s needs and any other medical conditions you may have. Your healthcare provider can offer personalized advice on the optimal fluid intake for your situation.
Recognizing and Addressing Potential Complications
While proper care significantly reduces risks, it’s important to be aware of potential complications that can arise with a Foley catheter. What signs should you watch for?
- Fever or chills
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Pain or burning sensation in the lower abdomen or urethra
- Blood in the urine
- Leakage around the catheter
- Decreased or no urine output
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider promptly. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications and ensure your continued health and comfort.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
What can you do if you encounter common catheter-related problems?
- Blockage: Increase fluid intake and notify your healthcare provider
- Leakage: Check for kinks in the tubing and ensure proper bag positioning
- Discomfort: Apply water-based lubricant and ensure proper catheter positioning
- Skin irritation: Keep the area clean and dry, and use barrier creams as recommended
While these steps can help address minor issues, it’s important to seek professional medical advice for persistent problems or any concerns about your catheter’s function.
Long-Term Living with a Foley Catheter
Adapting to life with a Foley catheter may require some lifestyle adjustments. How can you maintain a good quality of life while managing your catheter?
- Develop a consistent care routine
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Stay active within your doctor’s recommendations
- Maintain social connections and activities
- Consider joining support groups for individuals with catheters
Living with a Foley catheter doesn’t have to limit your lifestyle significantly. With proper care and management, many individuals lead active, fulfilling lives while using long-term catheters.
Traveling with a Foley Catheter
How can you prepare for travel with a Foley catheter?
- Pack extra supplies, including catheters, bags, and cleaning materials
- Carry a travel letter from your doctor explaining your medical needs
- Research medical facilities at your destination
- Consider using a leg bag for easier management during transit
- Stay hydrated, especially during air travel
With proper planning and precautions, traveling with a Foley catheter can be manageable and enjoyable. Always consult with your healthcare provider before undertaking extensive travel to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Remember, living with a Foley catheter requires ongoing care and attention, but it doesn’t have to dominate your life. By following proper care procedures, staying vigilant for potential complications, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team, you can effectively manage your catheter and maintain a good quality of life.
About Your Urinary (Foley) Catheter: How To Clean and Care for It
This information will help you care for your urinary (Foley) catheter.
Back to top
About your urinary (Foley) catheter
Your Foley catheter is a thin, flexible tube placed through your urethra (the small tube that carries urine from your bladder to outside your body) and into your bladder. Your Foley catheter drains your urine (pee). It’s held inside your bladder by a balloon filled with water.
How your Foley catheter works
Your urine goes from your bladder and through a drainage tube into a drainage collection bag. The drainage bag stays on your leg with a special tape called Cath-Secure®.
You will have 2 types of drainage bags:
- A leg bag. This is the bag that you wear during the day. It holds half a liter of urine.
- A night bag. This is the bag you will put on at night before you go to bed. It holds 2 liters of urine.
The parts of the catheter that are outside your body are shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. The parts of your Foley catheter and drainage bag
Back to top
How to take care of your Foley catheter
To take care of your Foley catheter, you will need to:
- Clean your catheter every day.
- Change your drainage bags. You will change your drainage bag 2 times a day:
- In the morning, change the night bag to the leg bag.
- At night before you go to bed, change the leg bag to the night bag.
- Replace your drainage bags with new bags once a week. You should also change your drainage bag if it gets clogged or blocked.
- Wash your drainage bags every day.
- Drink 1 to 2 glasses of liquids every 2 hours while you’re awake to keep you hydrated.
You may see some blood or urine around where the catheter enters your body. This may happen when you’re walking or having a bowel movement (pooping). This is normal if there’s urine draining into the drainage bag. If you do not have urine draining into the drainage bag, call your healthcare provider.
Back to top
How to comfortably wear your Foley catheter and leg bag
- The tubing from your leg bag should fit down to your calf with your leg slightly bent. If you have extra tubing, you may need to cut it. Your healthcare provider will show you how to do this.
- Always wear the leg bag below your knee. This will help it drain.
- Place the leg bag on your calf using the Velcro® straps your healthcare provider gave you. Use a leg strap to secure the tubing to your thigh.
- If the straps leave a mark on your leg, they are too tight. Loosen them. Leaving the straps too tight can lower your blood flow and cause blood clots.
- Use a water-based lubricant (such as Astroglide® or K-Y®) to keep your penis or vagina opening from getting sore.
- Keep your penis or vagina opening clean by taking a shower every day.
This will help prevent infections when your Foley catheter is in place.
Back to top
How to shower with your Foley catheter
- You can shower while you have your catheter in place.
- Do not take a bath until your catheter is removed. Taking a bath while you have your catheter in place puts you at risk for infections.
- Make sure you always shower with your night bag. Your night bag is waterproof. Do not shower with your leg bag. Your leg bag has cloth on the side and will not dry as fast.
- You may find it easier to shower in the morning before you change your night bag to your leg bag.
Back to top
How to clean your Foley catheter
You can clean your catheter while you’re in the shower. Follow these instructions.
- Gather your supplies. You will need:
- Mild soap, such as Dove®.
- 1 Cath-Secure®.
- Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- If you’re washing your hands with soap and water, wet your hands and apply soap. Rub your hands together well for at least 20 seconds, then rinse. Dry your hands with a paper towel. Use that same towel to turn off the faucet.
- If you’re using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover your hands with it. Rub them together until they’re dry.
- Using mild soap and water, clean your penis or vagina.
- If you have a penis, pull back your foreskin (the skin around the tip of your penis), if needed. Clean the area, including your penis.
- If you have a vagina, separate your labia (the smaller folds of skin around your vaginal opening). Clean the area from front to back.
- Clean the area where the catheter enters your body. This is called your urethra.
- Clean the catheter from where it enters your body and then down, away from your body. Hold the catheter at the point it enters your body so that you do not put tension on it.
- Rinse the area well and dry it gently.
- If you removed your old Cath-Secure, attach the catheter to your leg with a new Cath-Secure. This will keep the catheter from moving.
Back to top
When to change your drainage bags
You will change your drainage bag 2 times a day. Change it:
- In the morning after you shower, change the night bag to the leg bag.
- At night before you go to bed, change the leg bag to the night bag.
Replace your drainage bags with new bags once a week. You should also change your drainage bag if it gets clogged or blocked.
Back to top
How to change your drainage bag
This video demonstrates how to change your urinary (Foley) catheter drainage bag.
Video Details
- Gather your supplies. You will need:
- A clean cloth (not one you’re using for bathing) or a 4 x 4 piece of gauze.
- Your night or leg bag (whichever one you are switching to).
- 2 alcohol pads.
- Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- If you’re washing your hands with soap and water, wet your hands and apply soap. Rub your hands together well for at least 20 seconds, then rinse. Dry your hands with a paper towel. Use that same towel to turn off the faucet.
- If you’re using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover your hands with it. Rub them together until they’re dry.
- Empty the urine from the drainage bag into the toilet. Make sure the spout of the drainage bag never touches the side of the toilet or any emptying container. If it does, wipe it with an alcohol pad for 15 seconds.
- Place the clean cloth or gauze under the connector to catch any leakage.
- Pinch the catheter with your fingers and disconnect the used bag.
- Wipe the end of the catheter with an alcohol pad.
- Wipe the connector on the new bag with the second alcohol pad.
- Connect the clean bag to the catheter and release your finger pinch.
Make sure the catheter is tightly connected to the bag to keep it from opening or leaking.
- Check all connections. Straighten any kinks or twists in the tubing.
Back to top
How to take care of your drainage bags
Caring for your leg drainage bag
- Empty the leg bag into the toilet every 2 to 4 hours, as needed. You can do this through the spout at the bottom of the bag. Do not let the bag get completely full.
- Do not lie down for longer than 2 hours while you’re wearing the leg bag. This can keep your urine from draining the way it should.
Caring for your night drainage bag
- Always keep the night bag below the level of your bladder.
- When you go to sleep, hang your night bag off the bed. You can do this by using a small trash can. Place a clean plastic bag inside the trash can. Hang your night bag inside of the trash can.
Cleaning your drainage bags
Clean your leg bag and night bag every day. Follow these instructions.
- Gather your supplies. You will need:
- White vinegar.
- Cool water.
- Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- If you’re washing your hands with soap and water, wet your hands and apply soap. Rub your hands together well for at least 20 seconds, then rinse. Dry your hands with a paper towel. Use that same towel to turn off the faucet.
- If you’re using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover your hands with it. Rub them together until they’re dry.
- Rinse the bag with cool water. Do not use hot water because it can damage the plastic.
- To help get rid of the smell, fill the bag halfway with a mixture of 1part white vinegar and 3 parts water. Shake the bag and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- If you cannot get the mixture into the bag, try putting the vinegar and water into a measuring cup with a pour spout. Then use the spout to help pour the mixture into the bag.
- If you cannot get the mixture into the bag, try putting the vinegar and water into a measuring cup with a pour spout. Then use the spout to help pour the mixture into the bag.
- Rinse the bag with cool water. Hang it up to dry.
Back to top
How to prevent Foley catheter infections
Follow these guidelines to prevent getting infections while you have your catheter in place:
- Keep the drainage bag below the level of your bladder.
- Always keep your drainage bag off the floor.
- Keep the catheter secured to your thigh to keep it from moving.
- Do not lie on your catheter or block the flow of urine in the tubing.
- Take a shower every day to keep the catheter clean.
- Wash your hands before and after touching the catheter or bag.
Back to top
Common questions about caring for your Foley catheter
Can I place a Foley catheter myself?
No. Your catheter is placed by your healthcare provider.
How long can I wear my Foley catheter before it needs to be changed?
Your catheter should be replaced about once a month, if it stops working, or if you have an infection.
Can I poop when I have a Foley catheter?
Yes. Your catheter will not affect your pooping.
Can I get an erection with a Foley catheter?
Yes. You can get an erection with a catheter in place.
Can I drive with a Foley catheter?
You can drive with a catheter unless your healthcare provider gives you other instructions.
Can I exercise with a Foley catheter?
Ask your healthcare provider if you can exercise while you have a Foley catheter in place.
Can I swim with a Foley catheter?
No. You cannot swim with a catheter in place.
Can I fly on an airplane with a Foley catheter?
Yes. You can fly on an airplane with a catheter.
Back to top
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if:
- Your catheter comes out. Do not try to put it back in yourself.
- You have a fever of 101°F (38.3 °C) or higher.
- You’re making less urine than usual.
- You do not have urine draining into your drainage bag.
- Your urine smells bad.
- You have bright red blood or large blood clots in your urine.
- You have abdominal (belly) pain and no urine in your catheter bag.
Back to top
Types of urinary catheters – NHS
There are several different types of urinary catheter, which are inserted and used in different ways.
Intermittent urinary catheters
In most cases, intermittent urinary catheters are recommended. These catheters are inserted several times a day, for just long enough to drain your bladder, and then removed.
You should be taught how to insert the catheter yourself. It’s usually inserted into your bladder through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body).
The sterile catheter is usually pre-lubricated, to reduce the risk of any discomfort when you insert it.
One end of the catheter is either left open-ended, to allow drainage into a toilet, or attached to a bag to collect the urine. The other end is guided through your urethra until it enters your bladder and urine starts to flow.
When the flow of urine stops, the catheter can be removed. A new catheter is used each time.
Indwelling urinary catheters
An indwelling urinary catheter is inserted in the same way as an intermittent catheter, but the catheter is left in place.
The catheter is held in the bladder by a water-filled balloon, which prevents it falling out. These types of catheters are often known as Foley catheters.
Urine is drained through a tube connected to a collection bag, which can either be strapped to the inside of your leg or attached to a stand on the floor.
Indwelling catheters are sometimes fitted with a valve. The valve can be opened to allow urine to be drained into a toilet, and closed to allow the bladder to fill with urine until drainage is convenient.
Most indwelling catheters need to be changed at least every 3 months.
Suprapubic catheters
A suprapubic catheter is a type of catheter that is left in place.
Rather than being inserted through your urethra, the catheter is inserted through a hole in your tummy (abdomen) and then directly into your bladder. This procedure can be done under general anaesthetic, epidural anaesthetic or local anaesthetic.
A suprapubic catheter is used when the urethra is damaged or blocked, or when someone is unable to use an intermittent catheter.
The catheter may be secured to the side of your body and attached to a collection bag strapped to your leg. Alternatively, a valve can be attached that opens to allow urine to be drained into a toilet, and closes to allow the bladder to fill with urine until drainage is convenient.
This type of catheter is usually changed every 4 to 12 weeks.
Read more about living with a urinary catheter.
Page last reviewed: 03 February 2023
Next review due: 03 February 2026
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”. |
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 catheter 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.
Size balloon. 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.
Available
Quick view
Foley catheters Folysil, silicone, type male straight
Manufacturer: Coloplast (Denmark)
Compare goods
Do not compare
In stock
Quick view
Foley catheters Folysil, silicone, female straight
Manufacturer: Coloplast (Denmark)
Do not compare
In stock
Quick view
Foley catheters Folysil, silicone, for insertion through the wire
Manufacturer: Coloplast (Denmark)
Do not compare
In stock
Quick view
Foley catheters Folysil, silicone, straight type serrated
Manufacturer: Coloplast (Denmark)
Do not compare
Available
Quick view
Foley catheters Folysil, silicone, Tiemann type (curved)
Manufacturer: Coloplast (Denmark)
Do not compare
In stock
Quick view
Foley catheters Folysil, silicone, children (06-10 Ch/Fr)
Manufacturer: Coloplast (Denmark)
Compare goods
Do not compare
In stock
Quick view
Foley catheters Folysil LT for use up to 90 days, type male straight
Manufacturer: Coloplast (Denmark)
Do not compare
In stock
Quick view
Foley catheters Folysil LT for use up to 90 days, type female straight
Manufacturer: Coloplast (Denmark)
Do not compare
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 |
Child | Ch8 | black | 1.![]() | 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.![]() | 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.