Tag Archives: catheter

The Three Most Common Types of Catheter

A catheter is a hollow tube made of rubber or plastic, which is inserted into a particular area of the body to deliver or remove fluids. The majority of the time, they are used in hospitals, nursing homes or other health care facilities. A professional health care provider usually inserts them in the body even though certain patients learn the process themselves. The most common types of catheters are intravenous, urinary and cardiac catheters.

The urinary catheter is usually used to empty the bladder of urine. The majority of times it is inserted into the bladder through the urethra and then drains the urine out into a small container or an attached bag. A number of conditions prompt the use of the urinary catheter. Read more…

Choosing The Correct Catheter For You

There are a variety of reason that you may be in need of a catheter. As you certainly are aware of, catheters are used in such places as the hospital when for one reason or other the doctors and medical staff decide that it is in a patient’s best interest that he or she be fitted with one. For other people, however, the use of a catheter while at home may be a necessary choice. For these people, unlike those in the hospital setting, the purchase of a self administering catheter will be necessary, which can be fitted by the patient by him or herself alone or with the assistance of another person. In any case, whether you are at home or at some medical institution, the use of a catheter will require choosing the right type of this instrument according to your needs. This will be decided upon by you and your caregivers in accordance with the advice of your doctors.

Although none of us really wishes to have to use a catheter, the right choice when it comes to this piece of important medical technology can really make a big difference when it comes to the catheter’s effectiveness, its ease of use, and of course your personal comfort. Some of the leading self administered catheters come equipped with straight and soft tips that enhance comfort to the user to a very high degree. Of course, you will have to purchase a catheter based on whether you are a man or a woman and according to the particular needs of your anatomy. Whether you will be using an external catheter or an internal variety will depend greatly on your individual needs as well. Read more…

Sorting Through Different Types Of Urinary Catheter Devices

What is a catheter and what varieties are available?  This refers to any device that helps to drain the body of fluid by way of a cavity insertion.  In terms of home care, this usually means a urinary device.  A patient may be recovering from prostate surgery or may develop a short or long-term condition making regular urination impossible.  When this happens a doctor can suggest a device that allows for catheterization drainage.

What types of devices can you choose from?  The first type is the Foley device, which is also known as an indwelling catheter.  This item uses a balloon inflated with sterilized water.  There is also a flexible device without a balloon (which does not stay in place) and a Coudé, which has a curved tip.  There are also types of Foleys, including hematuria style device. Read more…

Using and Caring for a Catheter

Many people use catheters.  A catheter may be a temporary or permanent solution for your urinary problems.  It is essential that you know how to properly keep your bladder clear and clean.  The system uses tubing that drains the bladder into a bag.  The collection system must be kept clean in order to ensure that bacteria are kept out.  If the system is not kept clean, there is a risk of infection.

A catheter is designed to keep your bladder properly emptied.  The device may vary slightly in design, but the function is usually the same.  A small plastic tube is inserted into the bladder with a tube that empties into a bag.  The Foley is the most common type.  The area must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water before you start the procedure.  This is essential.  One of the main causes of urinary tract infection is bacteria getting into it from the outside.  This can occur when the area is not clean before proceeding. Read more…

Finding The Right Products For Your Catheter Needs

When you need a catheter, then you know the frustrations and setbacks that come along with this need. There are numerous precautions that you will need to take in order to keep from infections due to bacteria and contamination. You will need to choose products that are guaranteed to be clean and sanitary. After all, self catheterization will be an ongoing process and you do not want to have to reuse any of the products.

How do you choose the catheter products that you will need? You will want to choose a company that will be able to provide ongoing quality customer service. After all, you will be dealing with them on a regular basis, and with a sensitive issue. Make sure that the company is available through multiple contact methods and that they treat you in a professional manner.

Read more…