A Foley catheter is a thin, flexible tube designed to drain urine from the bladder. It is a type of indwelling urinary catheter, meaning it remains in place to continuously manage urine flow. Healthcare providers use these catheters for individuals who cannot urinate on their own, for monitoring urine output in critically ill patients, or during and after surgical procedures.
The Role of the Balloon
A distinctive feature of the Foley catheter is its small, inflatable balloon located near the tip. This balloon serves a purpose: it acts as an anchoring mechanism to keep the catheter securely positioned inside the bladder, preventing accidental slipping out. Once inserted, the balloon is inflated with a sterile fluid.
Without this balloon, the catheter would not remain in place, making continuous urine drainage impossible. The balloon creates a retention point within the bladder, allowing the catheter to channel urine into a collection bag outside the body. This design ensures stability and functionality.
Common Balloon Volumes
Foley catheter balloons come in several standard volumes, measured in cubic centimeters (cc) or milliliters (mL), which are interchangeable units. The most common balloon sizes are 5cc, 10cc, and 30cc. The specific balloon volume is indicated on the catheter’s packaging or directly on the inflation port.
A 5cc balloon is used for standard adult patients and pediatric applications, providing sufficient anchorage for routine drainage. A 10cc balloon is common for general adult use. Larger volumes, such as 30cc, are reserved for specific clinical situations. These larger balloons might be used to apply pressure to stop bleeding after certain urological surgeries, like prostate surgery, or in cases requiring greater stability.
Ensuring Proper Balloon Inflation
Inflating the Foley catheter balloon to the correct volume is important for patient safety and the catheter’s effectiveness. Medical professionals use sterile water to inflate the balloon, following manufacturer’s guidelines for the precise volume. Using sterile water helps minimize infection risk and prevents crystal formation that can block the deflation channel.
If the balloon is under-inflated, it may not adequately anchor the catheter, leading to accidental dislodgement. This can cause discomfort and require re-insertion. Conversely, over-inflating the balloon can exert excessive pressure on the bladder wall, potentially causing discomfort, bladder spasms, or trauma. Over-inflation can also lead to the balloon rupturing, which may leave fragments within the bladder that require medical removal. Adhering to the recommended inflation volume ensures the catheter remains securely in place while minimizing potential complications.