Catheters, Foley Catheters, Drainage Bags, Catheter Clamps

What is a Urinary Catheter?

Urinary Catheters are tubes made of flexible material such as silicone or latex and are inserted into the bladder through the urethra to remove urine from the body. If there is a medical issue precluding someone from emptying the bladder on their own, or if the bladder muscles are too weak to hold in the urine, a urinary catheter is utilized. The urine drains freely as it is produced and flows into a drainage bag. There are three main types of urinary catheters; indwelling, intermittent and external.

An indwelling, or Foley catheter, is inserted into the body through the urethra and remains in the bladder. The urine drains into an external bag. The drainage bag may be attached to the leg or bedside. A small balloon filled with a sterile solution keeps the catheter from exiting the body. These catheters come in different sizes and shapes for men, women and children. They are used for long-term catheterization and must be inserted and withdrawn by a medical professional.

An intermittent catheter is generally single-use and is used without a drainage bag. It is also inserted into the urethra, but only at the time the user chooses to empty the bladder. The most modern intermittent catheters are coated with a hydrophilic solution which makes insertion more comfortable. This type is intended for short term catheterization. The intermittent catheters come in three styles; Coude, Robinson and straight. Most patients are able to insert and use intermittent catheters without assistance. Intermittent catheter users are able to maintain a more active and independent lifestyle.

An external catheter is worn on the outside of the body. Most commonly used by men, they are also called condom catheters. External catheters can be used for men with restricted mobility as well as those with urinary incontinence. They attach to the penis with an adhesive that is either incorporated into the device or externally applied. As urine is produced, it expresses into a drainage bag. Since they are non-invasive, there is less risk of urinary tract infections and are preferred by caregivers for their ease in use and changing.

Who uses Catheters?

People recovering from surgery, experiencing limited mobility or those with urinary incontinence may greatly benefit from these medical devices. The indwelling and external styles are used in tandem with drainage bags, which may be worn on the body or hung from the bedside.

Rehabmart is proud to offer an extensive selection of catheters from well-known manufacturers that include Posey, Independence Medical, DeRoyal, McKesson Medical Surgical, Medline and Skil Care.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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