Catheters By Type
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Types of Catheters
The history of urinary catheters extends to ancient China, Egypt and the Roman Empire, when materials such as bronze or gold were used to form rigid tubes. By the 18th century, new designs conformed more closely to the urethra and provided lubrication for insertion. Vulcanized red rubber and single-eyed catheters appeared in the 19th century, and by the 20th and 21st centuries new materials such as latex, synthetic rubber and silicone offered solutions for longer-term use. Newer designs (such as the Foley catheter) brought greater comfort.
Southlake Medical offers intermittent, hydrophilic and closed system catheters from major brands, such as Bard, Coloplast-Mentor, Astra Tech and many more. To search Southlake Medical's catheters by brand, please choose from the list located under "Catheters By Brand" on the menu to your left.
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Closed System Catheters
Self-contained, intermittent catheter system, fully protected within its own closed sterile field. Significantly reduces the risk of infection and is especially useful for those in a wheel chair and for those with spina bifida. A closed system catheter is effective for those with limited dexterity, to manage incontinence with complete confidence.
Hydrophilic Catheters
Hydrophilic-coated catheters are characterized by having a layer of polymer coating that is bound to the catheter surface. The polymer absorbs and binds water to the catheter, resulting in a thick, smooth and slippery surface. The coating layer remains intact upon introduction into the urethra and ensures lubrication of the urethra in its entire length. Those who experience pain, pressure or discomfort using catheters should consider hydrophilic catheters as a viable solution.
There have been documented clinical studies that have shown that hydrophilic-coated catheters significantly reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections, as well as urethral damage and trauma, and withdrawal friction as well as increased user preference and patient satisfaction.
Intermittent Catheters
Intermittent catheterization is recommended to obtain a sterile urine specimen, to relieve urinary retention, for urologic surgery or surgery on contiguous structures, for critically ill patients requiring accurate measurement of intake and output, and for temporary obstruction of the bladder opening due to injury.
"Catheterization, Male." Encyclopedia of Nursing & Allied Health. Ed. Kristine Krapp. Gale Cengage, 2002. eNotes.com. 2006. 3 Aug, 2010