What is a Urethral Catheter?

Update Date: 2024-05-23 Source: Network

Catheter: Its Purpose, Types, and Materials

The catheter is a commonly used medical device that plays a crucial role in the treatment of certain diseases. For patients suffering from certain conditions, the catheter is often necessary to assist in urine drainage, thus its quality directly affects the patient's safety. When using a catheter, it is important to be aware of certain precautions. Let's delve into what a catheter is and its related aspects:

1. What is a Catheter?

A catheter is a tube inserted into the urethra and into the bladder to facilitate the drainage of urine. It is typically made of natural rubber, silicone rubber, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Once inserted into the bladder, a balloon near the tip of the catheter secures it in place, preventing it from slipping out. The drainage tube then connects to a urine bag to collect the urine.

2. Types of Catheters

Catheters are generally classified by their outer diameter circumference, ranging from 6F to 30F, with 13 different specifications. For adults, commonly used catheters include the 12F, 14F, 16F, and 18F sizes. (F stands for French, indicating the millimeter circumference. Conversion formula: F=2πr. Rough estimation: F (millimeters) equals three times the outer diameter (millimeters)).

3. Materials Used for Catheters

1. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): These catheters are relatively stiff, causing more irritation and a strong foreign body sensation. They are generally inexpensive and often come without a balloon.

2. Dry Rubber (Raw Rubber): These catheters are softer but can still cause irritation. Prolonged use may lead to irritation and inflammation of the urethral mucosa. They are also inexpensive and often without a balloon.

3. Silicone Rubber: These catheters are soft and have good biocompatibility, causing little to no foreign body sensation for the patient. However, they can be difficult to maintain a smooth surface during the molding process and are generally more expensive. They are often without a balloon.

4. Natural Latex: These catheters are soft, biocompatible, and comfortable for the patient. They have a high surface finish and cause minimal irritation. They are moderately priced and often come with a balloon, making them convenient for indwelling use.