What Are Catheters Used For?

A catheter is a tube that can be inserted into the body to allow the draining or administering of fluids. Catheters can be placed in ducts, blood vessels and other cavities. According to Innovate US, the use of catheters dates back to the 1860s.

Urinary Catheters

• Urinary catheterization is the placement of a catheter or catheter system into the body to collect or drain urine from the bladder. According to Drugs.com, it is often used to control urinary incontinence, especially after major surgical procedures and in cases where one cannot voluntarily expel urine from their bladder. Conditions including spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis can cause incontinence.

Cardiac Catheters

• Cardiac catheterization is the placement of a catheter into the arteries or veins of your groin, neck or arm into your heart. This type of procedure is used to diagnose and treat cardiac conditions and according to Mayo Clinic, generally presents little risk of major complication. Conditions where cardiac catheterization may be applicable include arrhythmia, clogged arteries and congenital heart defects.

Central Venous Catheter

• A central venous catheter is placed into a large blood vessel in the arm, neck, upper chest or leg. According to American Thoracic Society, this type of catheterization is often used to deliver long-term intravenous fluids or medication when the condition requires, such as for bacterial infections. It can also be used to deliver a large dose of fluids to patients suffering from shock or dehydration, to deliver nutrition to patients unable to eat and on patients who need frequent blood samples.

Risks

• There are sometimes risks when using catheters. According to Mayo Clinic, cardiac catheterization can cause bleeding, infection and pain where the tube was inserted as well as ripping during threading to the heart. During urinary catheterization, there is a risk for bacteria buildup resulting in a urinary tract infection.