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Types of Urinary Catheters

Urinary catheters' primary function is to manage urinary retention. They can be used in incontinence patients, but because of the potential negative effect, extended use of a catheter is considered a last resort. Indwelling catheters are catheters designed for a long period of time. The procedure of catheterization is typically done by a nurse.

  1. Facts

    • A urinary catheter is a medical device used to drain the bladder by inserting it into the patient's bladder through the urethra. With a catheter in place, the patient's bladder is drained without having to physically move. This process is used in men and women and can also be used to inject medication or to diagnose a bladder condition.

    Types

    • There are five types of urinary catheters: Foley, Robinson, coupé, irrigation, and external Texas. A Foley catheter is a balloon made of silicone rubber or natural rubber that inflates at the tip with sterile water. A Robinson catheter is used for a short period of time compared to the Foley catheter because it does not have a balloon to hold it in place. The Coupé catheter has a curved tip, which makes it easy to use. An irrigation catheter has a separate lumen designed to carry irrigation fluids into the bladder. An external Texas catheter, also called a condom catheter, is used externally and has a lower risk of infection.

    Sizes

    • The balloon in the Foley catheter comes in two sizes: 5 cc and 30 cc. The size of a catheter is important to allow the flow of urine without leakage around the catheter; the larger-sized catheters are important in patients that may have the potential for thick or bloody urine after surgery.

    Warnings

    • The larger the catheter, the higher the risks are for damage to the urethra. Incontinent patients or patients that are required to use a catheter for a long period of time may develop a urinary tract infection (UTI), blood infection, skin breakdown, bladder stones, urethral injury, cancer or blood in the urine. Consult with your physician if you are experiencing bleeding around the catheter, fevers, chills or the urethra begins to swell around the catheter.

    Consideration

    • When there is urine leakage around the catheter, it may be that the catheter is too small, the balloon on the tip is the wrong size, bladder spasm is occurring, or the catheter may be blocked by a blood or thick sediment. Urine leakage may also be caused by constipation or a urinary tract infection. After long-term use of a latex catheter, some patients may develop an allergic reaction or sensitivity to the latex. Patents who develop a reaction may be required to use Teflon or silicone catheters.

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