Catheters By Material
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- Latex Rubber
- Latex Red-Rubber
- Silicone Coated Rubber
- Silicone
- Plastic - Vinyl
- Nitrofurazone (antibacterial)
- For More Information
Urinary catheters are available in latex, silicone, and plastic and can come with Hydrogel and antimicrobials catheter coatings, designed to provide a smooth surface that protects against irritation of the urethral mucosa and encrustation. Each coating varies somewhat in its performance and benefits.
Latex Catheters
Latex catheters are soft, flexible, conformable, and low cost and they continue to be one of the most popular catheter choices available.
Latex - Red Rubber Catheters
Red rubber latex catheters have a little more stiffness and have the added benefit of being radiopaque; the addition of barium to the latex also makes these catheters firmer and less likely to kink. However, due to the rise in latex sensitivity, some facilities are removing all latex products and going latex free.
Although latex sensitivity can be an issue for some patients, the actual prevalence of latex allergy in the general public is low (around 1%). Latex sensitivity most commonly occurs in patients with repeated exposure, such as children with spina bifida. In addition, individuals with a history of atopy or allergies to bananas, avocado, kiwi, or chestnuts may cross-react to latex. Strict latex precautions, including use of latex-free catheter kits and drainage systems, should be followed with latex-sensitive patients. Since 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required that medical devices containing latex be identified by including a latex warning statement on the product label.
Silicone Coated Rubber
A little stiffer than the Reb Rubber, the Silicone Coated Rubber catheter can be the middle ground between durability and comfort. These are latex catheters covered in silicone which helps protect people from the latex, and has an easier insertion and makes it a bit more rigid.
Another advantage is that these catheters have thinner walls and have a larger lumen for better drainage and flow. It's softer and can be more comfortable than a straight silicone catheter.
Plastic/Vinyl
Intermittent foley catheters are available in latex and plastic/vinyl. Plastic/Vinyl catheters are used with patients who might need a stiffer catheter than available in latex, may have an enlarged prostate and may also have an allergy to latex.
Silicone
Silicone catheters are available uncoated or hydrogel-coated. Studies have shown that silicone is more biocompatible with urethral tissue than latex, leading to reduced incidence of urethritis and possibly of urethral strictures. However, animal studies of catheters used for more than 6 weeks showed no difference between silicone and latex catheters in terms of inflammatory changes. Some catheter manufacturers use a leaching process to remove latex proteins and processing chemicals that could lead to reactions. One advantage of silicone catheters is that the thinner walls provide larger internal lumens per external diameter and are less prone to collapse during aspiration. This feature results in greater flow and is advantageous for patients with blood clots or sediment in their urine. A disadvantage of silicone catheters is the permeability of the balloons, resulting in loss of fluid over time; silicone balloons should be checked regularly, adding fluid as needed. Another disadvantage of silicone catheters is the tendency of the balloons to form creases or cuffs when deflated, which can lead to painful and difficult removal. Finally, patients may complain that silicone catheters are firmer and cause more discomfort than softer latex catheters.
Nitrofurazone
A catheter coated with the antibacterial nitrofurazone is also available. Studies have shown that this catheter (Release-NF, Rochester Medical, Stewartville, MN) can reduce UTI rates for up to 7 days; however, they failed to provide a significant reduction in infections caused by organisms resistant to nitrofurazone, and clinicians are concerned that this coating could lead to selective antimicrobial resistance.
For More Information
If you'd like to speak with our Catheter Specialist to help you determine the right catheter option for you or a family member, please call us at 1-866-481-9002.