What are the key design features of indwelling urinary catheters. How do catheter sizes and balloon volumes affect patient comfort and safety. Which catheter types are best suited for specific medical conditions.

The Evolution of Urinary Catheter Design

Urinary catheters have undergone significant transformations since the 1990s, with advancements in composition, texture, and durability. The primary goal in catheter design is to mimic the natural physiological and mechanical properties of the urinary system. This involves creating thin-walled, continuously lubricated, and collapsible catheters that protect the urethra’s integrity while effectively draining the bladder.

Modern catheters feature smooth surfaces with two drainage eyes at the tip, facilitating efficient urine drainage. These eyes are typically positioned either laterally or in opposition, with the latter generally providing superior drainage capabilities.

Types of Catheter Tips: Choosing the Right Fit

Catheter tips come in various designs, each serving specific purposes:

• Straight-tipped catheter: The most commonly used design
• Coudé-tipped (Tiemann) catheter: Features an upward angle at the tip, ideal for navigating the male urethra’s curve
• Carson catheter: Equipped with a slightly larger bulb to overcome restrictions
• Council catheter: Includes a reinforced hole at the tip
• Whistle-tipped catheter: Open-ended design for draining large amounts of debris

The choice of catheter tip depends on the patient’s anatomy and specific medical conditions. For instance, a Coudé-tipped catheter is particularly useful for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia or urethral strictures, as it helps navigate obstructions at the bladder neck.

Catheter Sizing: Balancing Drainage and Comfort

Catheter size is crucial for patient comfort and effective drainage. The French (Fr) gauge system is used to measure catheter size, with each French unit equaling 0.33 mm in diameter. The range typically spans from 6 to 18 Fr.

Why is choosing the right catheter size important? The golden rule in catheter selection is to use the smallest size that allows adequate drainage, usually 14 to 16 Fr. Larger catheters (18 Fr or above) can lead to several complications:

• Increased erosion of the bladder neck and urethral mucosa
• Higher risk of stricture formation
• Impaired drainage of periurethral gland secretions
• Heightened patient discomfort and pain

Balloon Size and Its Impact on Patient Care

The retention balloon is a critical component of indwelling catheters, preventing expulsion and ensuring proper positioning. Standard balloon sizes are typically labeled as 5 mL or 10 mL, both of which are inflated with 10 mL of sterile water as per manufacturer instructions.

Are larger balloons always better? Contrary to common belief, routine use of larger capacity balloons (30 mL) should be avoided for long-term use. Here’s why:

• Larger balloons can lead to bladder neck and urethral erosion
• They may cause incomplete bladder emptying, increasing infection risk
• Oversized balloons can trigger bladder spasms, resulting in urine leakage around the catheter

The 10 mL balloon size is generally preferred as it minimizes residual urine, reducing the risk of infections and irritation. Larger balloons (30-60 cc) are primarily used in specific post-operative situations, such as facilitating drainage or providing hemostasis after prostate or pelvic surgery.

The Risks of Improper Balloon Inflation

Proper balloon inflation is crucial for patient comfort and catheter function. Underfilling or overfilling can lead to:

• Incorrect positioning of the catheter tip
• Irritation and trauma to the bladder wall
• Increased risk of catheter bypassing (urine leakage around the catheter)

It’s important to note that some catheter materials, particularly 100% silicone catheters, may lose water from the inflated balloon over time. In some cases, silicone catheters can lose up to 50% of their balloon volume within three weeks.

Optimizing Catheter Placement and Maintenance

Proper catheter placement is essential for patient comfort and effective drainage. In male patients, the catheter should initially be passed to the bifurcation (the “Y” junction) of the catheter to ensure correct positioning in the bladder.

How can healthcare providers ensure optimal catheter function? Regular monitoring and maintenance are key:

• Check for proper balloon inflation
• Monitor for signs of irritation or infection
• Ensure the catheter is draining effectively
• Replace catheters according to manufacturer guidelines and patient needs

Addressing Common Catheter Complications

Despite advances in catheter design, complications can still occur. Some common issues include:

1. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
2. Catheter-associated bladder discomfort (CABD)
3. Catheter encrustation and blockage
4. Trauma to the urethra or bladder
5. Balloon deflation or rupture

How can these complications be minimized? Preventive measures include:

• Proper hand hygiene and aseptic technique during catheter insertion and care
• Regular catheter and drainage bag changes
• Adequate hydration to promote urine flow
• Prompt removal of catheters when no longer medically necessary
• Education of patients and caregivers on proper catheter care

Innovations in Catheter Technology

The field of urinary catheter design continues to evolve, with ongoing research aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing complications. Some recent innovations include:

• Antimicrobial-coated catheters to reduce infection risk
• Self-lubricating materials for easier insertion and reduced trauma
• Smart catheters with sensors to monitor urine output and detect potential issues
• Biodegradable materials for short-term catheterization

These advancements hold promise for enhancing patient comfort and reducing catheter-associated complications. However, further research is needed to fully evaluate their long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Patient Education and Catheter Care

Proper patient education is crucial for successful catheter management, especially for those requiring long-term catheterization. Healthcare providers should focus on:

• Teaching proper hand hygiene techniques
• Demonstrating correct catheter cleaning procedures
• Explaining signs and symptoms of potential complications
• Providing guidance on when to seek medical attention
• Offering emotional support and addressing quality of life concerns

By empowering patients with knowledge and skills, healthcare providers can improve catheter care outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

The Role of Caregivers in Catheter Management

For patients who require assistance with catheter care, educating caregivers is equally important. Caregivers should be trained in:

• Proper handling and cleaning of the catheter and drainage system
• Recognizing signs of infection or other complications
• Maintaining dignity and privacy during catheter-related procedures
• Supporting the patient’s emotional well-being

By involving caregivers in the catheter management process, healthcare providers can ensure continuity of care and improve patient outcomes.

The Future of Urinary Catheter Design

As medical technology advances, the future of urinary catheter design looks promising. Researchers and manufacturers are exploring various avenues to enhance catheter performance and patient experience:

• Nanotechnology-based materials for improved biocompatibility
• Integrated monitoring systems for real-time urine analysis
• Alternative drainage methods to reduce the need for indwelling catheters
• Personalized catheter designs based on individual patient anatomy

These innovations aim to address current limitations in catheter technology and improve overall patient care. However, it’s important to note that any new developments will require rigorous testing and approval processes before becoming widely available.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Catheter Management

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to play a significant role in the future of urinary catheter management. Potential applications include:

• Predictive algorithms for early detection of catheter-associated complications
• AI-assisted catheter insertion guidance systems
• Automated monitoring of urine output and composition
• Personalized care plans based on patient-specific data

While these technologies are still in development, they hold promise for revolutionizing catheter care and improving patient outcomes.

Ethical Considerations in Catheter Use

As with any medical intervention, the use of urinary catheters raises ethical considerations that healthcare providers must address:

• Balancing the need for catheterization with potential risks and complications
• Ensuring informed consent and patient autonomy in catheter-related decisions
• Addressing quality of life issues associated with long-term catheter use
• Considering cultural and religious beliefs that may impact catheter acceptance

Healthcare providers must approach catheter use with sensitivity and respect for patient preferences, while also adhering to best practices for patient safety and care quality.

The Impact of Catheterization on Patient Dignity

Maintaining patient dignity is a crucial aspect of catheter care. Healthcare providers should consider:

• Using privacy screens or curtains during catheter-related procedures
• Offering choices in catheter types and management strategies when possible
• Providing emotional support and counseling for patients struggling with body image issues
• Encouraging patient involvement in care decisions to promote a sense of control

By prioritizing patient dignity, healthcare providers can improve the overall experience of catheterization and promote better adherence to care protocols.

Economic Considerations in Catheter Selection and Use

The economic aspects of catheter use are an important consideration for healthcare systems and patients alike. Factors to consider include:

• Cost-effectiveness of different catheter types and materials
• Long-term economic impact of catheter-associated complications
• Balancing initial costs with potential savings from reduced complications
• Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses for patients

Healthcare providers and administrators must weigh these economic factors against clinical outcomes to make informed decisions about catheter selection and use.

The Role of Health Economics in Catheter Innovation

Health economic studies play a crucial role in driving catheter innovation and adoption. These studies help:

• Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of new catheter technologies
• Inform policy decisions regarding catheter use and reimbursement
• Guide resource allocation for catheter-related research and development
• Identify areas where improvements in catheter design could yield significant economic benefits

By incorporating health economic considerations into catheter design and selection processes, healthcare systems can optimize resource utilization while improving patient outcomes.

Global Perspectives on Urinary Catheter Use

Urinary catheter use and management practices vary across different countries and healthcare systems. Factors influencing these variations include:

• Availability of different catheter types and technologies
• Cultural attitudes towards catheterization
• Healthcare system resources and priorities
• Local guidelines and regulations governing catheter use

Understanding these global perspectives can provide valuable insights for improving catheter care practices worldwide and addressing disparities in access to optimal catheter technologies.

Challenges in Low-Resource Settings

In low-resource healthcare settings, catheter management presents unique challenges:

• Limited access to a variety of catheter types and sizes
• Constraints on sterile supplies and equipment
• Shortages of trained healthcare providers for catheter insertion and care
• Higher risk of catheter-associated infections due to environmental factors

Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches, such as developing low-cost, durable catheter materials and implementing context-appropriate training programs for healthcare workers.

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Catheter Care

Effective catheter management requires a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. Key team members may include:

• Urologists
• Nurses specializing in continence care
• Infection control specialists
• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Psychologists or counselors

By leveraging the expertise of various healthcare professionals, patients can receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of catheter use and its impact on their lives.

The Role of Specialized Catheter Care Clinics

Specialized catheter care clinics are emerging as a valuable resource for patients requiring long-term catheterization. These clinics offer:

• Expertise in complex catheter management cases
• Comprehensive patient education and support
• Access to the latest catheter technologies and management strategies
• Continuity of care for patients with chronic catheterization needs

By centralizing catheter care expertise, these clinics can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on general healthcare services.

Research Directions in Urinary Catheter Science

Ongoing research in urinary catheter science is focusing on several key areas:

• Development of biofilm-resistant materials to reduce infection risk
• Exploration of tissue-engineered alternatives to traditional catheters
• Investigation of novel drainage systems to minimize urethral trauma
• Evaluation of catheter-free management strategies for specific patient populations

These research directions hold promise for addressing current limitations in catheter technology and improving patient care outcomes.

The Potential of Regenerative Medicine in Catheter Science

Regenerative medicine approaches are being explored as potential alternatives to traditional catheterization. These include:

• Stem cell therapies to regenerate damaged urethral tissue
• Bioengineered scaffolds to support urethral reconstruction
• Gene therapy approaches to enhance bladder function
• Tissue-engineered bladder substitutes for patients with severe bladder dysfunction

While still in early stages of research, these regenerative medicine approaches could potentially revolutionize the management of urinary dysfunction and reduce the need for long-term catheterization.

Designs – Indwelling Urinary Catheters

Catheters are semi-rigid but flexible tubes. They drain the bladder but block the urethra.

The challenge is to produce a catheter that matches as closely as possible to the normal physiological and mechanical characteristics of the voiding system.

This requires construction of a thin-walled, continuously lubricated, collapsible (conformable) catheter to protect the integrity of the urethra; a system to hold the catheter in place without a balloon; and a design to imitate the intermittent washing of the bladder with urine.

Catheter products have changed significantly in their composition, texture, and durability since the 1990s.

The catheter should have a smooth surface with two drainage eyes at the tip that allow for urine drainage.

Drainage eyes are placed either laterally or opposed. Opposing drainage eyes generally facilitate better drainage.

Catheter Tips

The most commonly used catheter is a straight-tipped catheter.

A Coudé-tipped catheter, or Tiemann catheter, is angled upward at the tip to assist in negotiating the upward bend in the male urethra.  

This feature facilitates passage through the bladder neck in the presence of obstruction from a slightly enlarged prostate gland (e.g., in benign prostatic hyperplasia) or through a narrowed stricture in the urethra.

The Carson catheter is a slightly larger bulb to assist in negation of restrictions. 

The Council catheter features a reinforced hole at the tip of the catheter.

A whistle-tipped catheter is open at the end and allows drainage of large amounts of debris (e.g., blood clots).

Catheter Size and Length 

Each catheter is sized by the outer circumference and according to a metric scale known as the French (Fr) gauge (range is 6 to 18 Fr), in which each French unit equals 0.33 mm in diameter.

The golden rule is to use the smallest catheter size (termed bore), generally 14 to 16 Fr, that allows for adequate drainage.

The use of large-size catheters (e.g., 18 Fr or larger) is not recommended because catheters with larger diameters can cause more erosion of the bladder neck and urethral mucosa, can cause stricture formation, and do not allow adequate drainage of periurethral gland secretions, causing a buildup of secretions that may lead to irritation and infection. Also, large size catheters can cause pain and discomfort.  

Balloon Size

A retention balloon prevents the catheter from being expelled. The preferred balloon size may be labeled either 5 mL or 10 mL, and both are instilled with 10 mL of sterile water for inflation per manufacturer’s instructions. Larger balloons (30 cc – 60 cc) are generally used to facilitate drainage or provide hemostasis when necessary, especially in the postoperative period. The balloon of the catheter usually sits at the base of the bladder, obstructing the internal urethral orifice. 

A fully inflated balloon allows the catheter tip to be located symmetrically. If a 5 mL balloon is inflated with more than 10 mL of water, irritation may occur unilaterally on the bladder wall from increased pressure of the balloon.

The specified amount of inflation ensures a symmetrical shape and allows for the catheter to maintain position in the bladder while minimizing patient discomfort   Underfilling or overfilling may interfere with the correct positioning of the catheter tip, which may lead to irritation and trauma of the bladder wall.

A balloon with a fill size greater than 10 mL, such as a 30 mL balloon, is not recommended because the 10 mL size keeps residual urine minimal, thus reducing the risk of infections and irritation.

The catheterized bladder is in a collapsed state as a result of constant urine drainage. However, a 30 mL balloon will allow persistence of a small pool of undrained urine, so the bladder emptying is not complete and the undrained urine can leak around the catheter (referred to as “catheter bypassing”)..

The use of a larger balloon size is mistakenly believed by many nurses to be a solution to catheter leakage or urine bypassing around the catheter. However, a large balloon increases the chance of contact between the balloon or catheter tip and the bladder wall, leading to bladder spasms that may cause urine to be forced out around the catheter.

A 30 mL balloon is used primarily to facilitate traction on the prostate gland to stop bleeding in men after prostate surgery or to stop bleeding in women after pelvic surgery.

Routine use of larger capacity balloons (30 mL) should be avoided for long-term use as they can lead to bladder neck and urethral erosion.

Several catheter materials have been found to lose water from the inflated balloon over time in the bladder with 100% silicone catheters losing as much as 50% of their volume within 3 weeks.

In men, the catheter should be passed initially to the bifurcation (the “Y” junction where the balloon arm and catheter meet) to ensure that the balloon will not be inflated in the urethra. 

Catheter Materials

A wide range of catheter materials are available, and the material selected should be chosen by: 

1. how long the catheter will remain in place,
2. comfort,
3. the presence of latex sensitivity,
4. ease of insertion and removal, and
5. ability to reduce the likelihood of complications such as urethral and bladder tissue damage, colonization of the catheter system by microorganisms, and encrustation

Note: Prior to insertion, all indwelling catheters should be visually inspected for any imperfections or surface deterioration.

1. Latex Catheter: The possibility of a latex allergy is an important consideration as many urinary catheters are constructed from latex or a related material. 

There are reported increases in allergies and reactions in patients with long-term use of all urinary latex and rubber catheters. Patients who have asthma and other allergies are at increased risk for these allergies. Latex allergy can result in symptoms such as skin irritation, rashes, and blisters. Urethritis and urethral strictures can also result from latex allergies.  Coatings such as silicone and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are used to coat latex catheters.

2. Hydrogel coating, which remains intact when used, has demonstrated the ability to reduce the high level of cytotoxicity associated with latex catheters. However, coated latex catheters do not protect against an allergic reaction to the underlying latex because the coating wears off.

Bonded hydrogel-coated latex catheters may be longer lasting than silicone catheters because their hydrogel coating prevents bacterial adherence and reduces mucosal friction. Hydrogels or polymers coat the catheter, absorbing water to produce a slippery outside surface. This results in the formation of a thin film of water on the contacting surface, thus improving its smoothness and lubricity. These properties might act as potential barriers to bacterial infection and reduce the adhesion of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria to catheters. 

3. Silicone- and hydrogel-coated catheters usually last longer than PTFE-coated catheters. If the person is latex sensitive, silicone catheters should be used. Avoiding latex catheters may also decrease the incidence of encrustation. All-silicone (100%) catheters are biocompatible and are believed to have encrustation-resistant properties.  Silicone catheters are thin-walled, rigid catheters with a larger diameter drainage lumen. 

4. Antimicrobial-coating: A major problem with Foley catheters is that they have a tendency to contribute to urinary tract infections (UTI). This occurs because bacteria can travel up the catheters to the bladder where the urine can become infected. In an attempt to prevent bacterial colonization, catheters have been coated with silver alloy or nitrofurazone, a nitrofurantoin-like drug.

This has been helpful, but it has not completely solved this major problem. An additional problem is that Foley catheters tend to become coated over time with a biofilm that can obstruct the drainage. This increases the amount of stagnant urine left in the bladder, which further contributes to the problem of urinary tract infections. When a Foley catheter becomes clogged, it must be flushed or replaced.

Both nitrofurazone-coated and silver alloy-coated catheters seem to reduce the development of asymptomatic bacteriuria during short-term (< 30 days) use.
Despite their unit cost, there is a suggestion that these devices might be a cost-effective option if overall numbers of infections are significantly reduced through their use.

• Antibiotic-coated catheters were found in a meta-analysis to prevent or delay bacteriuria in short-term catheterized, hospitalized patients.   However, in 2012, nitrofurazone impregnated catheters were taken off the market.  
• Silver is an antiseptic that inhibits growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Silver alloy-coated catheters are thought to cause less inflammation and have a bacteriostatic effect because they reduce microbacterial adherence and migration of bacteria to the bladder.
  Because they prevent bacterial adherence, these catheters also minimize biofilm formation through their release of silver ions that prevent bacteria from settling on the surface.  
  There appear to be few adverse effects, and microbial resistance to the active agent is unlikely. 

Catheter Drainage BagsDrainage bags and an anchor for the drainage tube are parts of the design of an indwelling urinary catheter system.  These may include a: leg drainage bag, overnight drainage bag, and a spare leg strap or a device to secure the catheter tubing to the leg.  Drainage bags that cannot be worn and concealed are commonly referred to as “nighttime or overnight bags,” or “large capacity bags,” or “bedside bags”. Drainage bags that can be worn and concealed are commonly referred to as “leg bags” or abdominal bags, commonly referred to as “belly bags.”  Leg bags generally hold 300- 900 cc whereas an overnight bag can hold up to 2000cc.  It is recommended that reusable drainage bag be replaced every 30 days.   

The current design of urinary drainage bags prevents the introduction of bacteria into the closed indwelling urinary catheter system.  There are anti-reflux bags, single use bags, closed urinary drainage systems, and bags with urine sampling ports.  A leg bag cannot be characterized as closed because of the need to regularly open the leg bag for drainage and connect to an overnight drainage bag in most cases.  To minimize opening of a catheter system, a leg bag can be attached to a larger bag for overnight drainage. 

References: 
1. Brosnahan J, A. Jull, et al. Types of urethral catheters for management of short-term voiding problems in hospitalized patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2004, (1): CD004013.
2. Gray M. Does the construction material affect outcomes in long-term catheterization? JWOCN, 2006, 33: 116-121.
3. Lawrence EL. and IG. Turner. Materials for urinary catheters: A review of their history and development in the UK. Med Engineering Phys, 2005, 27: 443-453.
4. Leuck AM, Johnson JR, Hunt MA, Dhody K, Kazempour K, Ferrieri P, et al. Safety and efficacy of a novel silver-impregnated urinary catheter system for preventing catheter-associated bacteriuria: a pilot randomized clinical trial. Am J Infect Control. 2015;43:260-5. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2014.11.021.
5. Newman D. The indwelling urinary catheter: Principles for best practice. JWOCN, 2007, 24: 655-661.
6. Pickard R, Lam T, MacLennan G, Starr K, Kilonzo M, McPherson G, et al. Antimicrobial catheters for reduction of symptomatic urinary tract infection in adults requiring short-term catheterisation in hospital: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2012;380:1927-35. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(12)61380-4.  
7. Politano AD, Campbell KT, Rosenberger LH, Sawyer RG. Use of silver in the prevention and treatment of infections: silver review. Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2013;14:8-20. DOI: 10.1089/sur.2011.097.
8. Weissbart SJ, Kaschak CB, Newman DK. Urinary drainage bags. In: Newman DK, Rovner ES, Wein AJ, editors. Clinical Application of Urologic Catheters and Products.  Switzerland: Springer International Publishing; 2018, 133-147.
9. Zugail AS, Pinar U, Irani J. Evaluation of pain and catheter-related bladder discomfort relative to balloon volumes of indwelling urinary catheters: A prospective study.  Investig Clin Urol. 2019 Jan;60(1):35-39. doi: 10.4111/icu.2019.60.1.35. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Catheter problems | healthdirect

What is a catheter?

A catheter is a tube that is inserted into your bladder, allowing urine (wee) to drain freely. The catheter tube is attached to a drainage bag (a catheter bag), where the urine can be collected.

Catheters are usually inserted through the urethra (the narrow tube that connects your bladder to the outside).

Some people with urinary problems need catheters permanently, but more often people need them for a short time.

What are the different types of catheters?

There are several different types of catheters.

• Short-term indwelling catheter: catheter that is passed through the urethra and left in place for a short time. For example, during surgery.
• Long-term indwelling catheter: The catheter is inserted in the same way as a short-term catheter, but is used for longer. It needs to be changed regularly (usually every 4-6 weeks).
• Intermittent catheter: A catheter that is used at regular intervals to empty the bladder. After the bladder is emptied, the catheter is removed. Some people are able to do this themselves — this is called self-catheterisation.
• Suprapubic catheter: A catheter that is inserted into the bladder through a tiny hole in the abdomen. This type of catheter needs to be changed regularly (usually every 4-6 weeks).
• External catheter: A device that is placed over the penis to collect urine.

Why might I need to use a catheter?

There are many reasons why you may need to have a catheter. Some reasons include:

• bladder problems (including problems with the muscles controlling the bladder)
• problems with the nerves controlling the bladder. For example, if you have a spinal injury
• urinary retention (when you can’t pass urine even though you feel the need to)
• during labour and childbirth if an epidural has been used
• some types of bladder tests and treatments
• having certain types of surgery
• people who are very unwell in hospital

Catheter problems — what to do

There are several problems you might encounter with your catheter.

There is no urine draining — intermittent catheter

If urine is not draining after inserting an intermittent catheter, try coughing to help start the flow of urine.

Check you have inserted the catheter correctly into the urethra.

Blocked catheter

If you have an indwelling catheter, check there are no kinks in the drainage bag tubing or that the leg bag straps aren’t blocking the flow. Make sure the bag is below your bladder when you are lying, sitting or standing.

If you still can’t get the urine to flow, see your doctor. The catheter may have to be flushed or replaced. Use clean towels or pads to keep yourself dry while you wait to see a healthcare professional.

If you have a full bladder or are in discomfort, you will need to go to a hospital emergency department for treatment.

Catheter leakage

Sometimes urine can bypass the catheter and leak out. This can happen if the catheter is not placed properly. It can also be caused by:

• constipation
• bladder muscle spasms (sudden, involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle)
• a blocked catheter

Seek advice from your doctor or continence advisor if you have catheter leakage.

Catheter has fallen out

If you have an indwelling urinary catheter and it falls out, call your doctor or nurse immediately or go to a hospital emergency department for treatment.

Infection

Symptoms that may mean you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) include:

• cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• a burning feeling around the catheter, or itching or soreness
• blood in your urine
• abdominal (stomach) pain

You may also feel unwell, have a fever or have discomfort in your lower back or around your sides.

See your doctor straight away if you suspect you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you have an infection, you may need antibiotics. It’s also usually a good idea to drink more water, to flush the bacteria away.

When should I see my doctor?

Always see your doctor if you notice any blood in the urine or have symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

You should see your doctor or continence advisor if your catheter keeps getting blocked or if you have any pain due to your catheter.

Seek medical attention for any of the catheter problems mentioned above that cannot be managed with simple self-care measures.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

General catheter care

• Keep the area where the catheter is inserted clean. You should wash it gently using mild soap. Rinse well and dry thoroughly afterwards.
• Wash your hands before and after touching the area where the catheter is inserted.
• Avoid the use of talcum powder.
• Try to avoid constipation.
• Drink plenty of water as it will help to flush bacteria from your bladder and urinary tract, unless you have a medical condition which means this is not possible.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Foley Catheter – Medtech

• Description
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• About the Brand
• Warranty Information

Description

Catheter Length Ch/Fr 6 – 10 – 28 cm, Ch/Fr 12-26 – 40 cm. The reinforced wall of the catheter prevents it from twisting and sticking together of the inner surfaces when bent. The catheter has a closed atraumatic distal end with 2 lateral holes located contralaterally.

The proximal end of the main lumen of the catheter is equipped with an elastic universal connector compatible with various types of urinals. The connector is indelibly marked in a contrasting black color indicating the size of the catheter according to the Charrière scale and the maximum filling volume of the catheter balloon is 30 ml, for sizes Ch/Fr 6 – 10 – the volume is 3 – 5 ml.

The balloon filling lumen connector has an integrated elastic anti-return valve for a syringe with a Luer connector without a needle. The connector is color-coded for size facilitating quick and correct selection of the catheter.

Small size catheters (Ch/Fr 6-10) are equipped with a guidewire for ease of insertion. The catheter is ethylene oxide sterilized and double sterile wrapped to ensure maximum aseptic bladder catheterization. The inner sterile polyethylene package has longitudinal and transverse notches for opening the package with sterile gloves without the use of additional tools.

The outer individual packaging is a paper-film blister with information about the product and its manufacturer, catheter size, registration certificate numbers, date of manufacture and expiration date, as well as warning icons for use, storage conditions and disposal of the catheter. Shelf life 5 years.

About the brand

Apexmed International B.V. is a manufacturer of a wide range of high quality medical equipment, instruments and consumables.

The company’s products are created using innovative technologies and can significantly optimize the work of specialists in medical institutions, improve the efficiency of the treatment process.

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Warranty Information

Warranty Information

Medteh Limited Warranty is a voluntary manufacturer’s warranty. It grants rights regardless of rights under consumer protection law, 44-FZ, and 223-FZ, including, but not limited to, rights in relation to non-conforming products.
Therefore, the benefits provided by the Medteh Limited Warranty are in addition to, and not in lieu of, consumer rights, 44-FZ or 223-FZ rights.
Important! Warranty service is carried out within 12 months from the date of delivery of the equipment to the client.

Latex Foley Catheter Apexmed 14 CH/FR

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Product code:
201828

Manufacturer:
MSD PHARMACEUTICALS

Country of origin:
Russia

Release form:
Catheter

Dispensing procedure:
No prescription

There are contraindications, consult a doctor

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The price is valid only when ordering on the website

There are contraindications, consult a doctor

Manufacturer:
MSD PHARMACEUTICALS

Country of origin:
Russia

Release form:
Catheter

Order of issue:
OTC

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See all analogues Foley catheter

Prices for Foley catheter two-way latex Apexmed 14 CH/FR and availability of goods in pharmacies GORZDRAV in Moscow and Moscow region

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You can buy Foley catheter two-way latex Apexmed 14 CH/FR at the price of 130 ₽ in the pharmacies of GORZDRAV in Moscow and the Moscow region

Features

Features

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Description

Smooth transition from balloon to catheter shaft reduces insertion trauma,
transparent material allows you to visually control the movement of urine through the catheter,
double sterile packaging for aseptic bladder catheterization, vertical notches on both sides of the inner packaging to release the proximal and distal ends of the catheter,
packaged unfolded, which allows you to enter the catheter directly from the package without touching it,
the anti-return valve of the catheter is designed for filling the balloon with a syringe without a needle,
sterile,
designed for single use,

Presentation

Catheter

Composition

latex, silicone coated

Indications

90 012 Two-way silicone Foley catheter (Apexmed) is designed for long-term (up to 30 days) bladder catheterization, can be used in patients allergic to latex.
Biocompatible material reduces the risk of tissue irritation, ensures patient comfort and safety. The physicochemical properties of silicone prevent the formation of incrustations (deposition of salts on the inner wall of the channel).

Q&A

Do you have a book of complaints and suggestions?

You can send your complaints and wishes to us via the feedback form or to the postal address [email protected].

If my order consists of medicines that are in stock but in different pharmacies, when will it reach me?

We do not move between pharmacies. In this case, it is necessary to place several orders and pick up the goods in pharmacies with availability. . It is also possible to order all goods in one pharmacy, the goods of which are not available will be delivered to the pharmacy within 2-3 days.

Can I be sure that the Internet payment on your site is secure?

Yes, the transfer of information is carried out using SSL encryption and complies with the strict requirements of Russian legislation.