A flexible catheter is a soft, pliable medical tube designed for insertion into the body to manage fluids. Its primary function involves either draining excess fluids or introducing necessary substances into various body cavities or vessels. Its inherent flexibility enhances patient comfort during insertion and wear, adapting to the body’s natural contours and minimizing tissue irritation.
Primary Medical Uses
Flexible catheters are widely utilized for urinary catheterization, addressing situations where individuals cannot empty their bladder naturally. This includes conditions such as urinary retention (inability to release urine) and urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage). Healthcare professionals also use these catheters to monitor urine output following surgical procedures or in critically ill patients, providing important data on kidney function and fluid balance. Beyond urinary management, flexible catheters can also facilitate the delivery of medications directly into the bladder, such as in certain chemotherapy treatments for bladder cancer. They may also be employed to provide nutritional support or fluids when oral intake is not possible, ensuring patients receive necessary hydration and sustenance.
Types of Flexible Catheters
Flexible catheters come in different forms, primarily categorized by their duration of use. Indwelling catheters, often known as Foley catheters, are designed to remain in the bladder for an extended period, ranging from days to weeks. These catheters are secured inside the bladder by a small, inflated balloon, which is filled with sterile water to prevent accidental dislodgement.
Another type is the intermittent catheter, which is inserted to drain the bladder and then immediately removed once the bladder is empty. Individuals can be trained to perform clean intermittent self-catheterization at regular intervals throughout the day.
Catheters are manufactured from various materials, including rubber, plastic (PVC), and silicone. Silicone catheters are frequently chosen for long-term indwelling use due to their biocompatibility.
Living with a Catheter
Managing a catheter at home involves consistent hygiene practices to prevent complications. Thorough hand washing with soap and water is recommended before and after handling the catheter or drainage bag. The area around the catheter insertion site should be cleaned daily with mild soap and water, following specific instructions from a healthcare provider.
Proper management of the drainage bag is also important; it should be emptied regularly, typically when it is about half full, and always kept below the level of the bladder to prevent urine backflow. Maintaining adequate fluid intake is encouraged to promote continuous urine flow through the catheter, which helps flush the system.
Patients should be aware of signs that may suggest a complication, such as persistent pain, the presence of a fever, or cloudy urine. They should contact their healthcare provider if these symptoms develop.