Urological catheters are a disposable medical instrument; hollow latex, silicone, polyvinylchloride tubes of various design, length and diameter. Used in urology with a therapeutic and diagnostic purpose.
Objectives of using urological catheters
Urological catheters are inserted into the bladder through the urethra , and in case of its obstruction - through the suprapubic urinary fistula. Their use is necessary for various urological diseases, which result in the inability to empty the bladder on its own. With the help of urological catheters, a catheterization procedure is performed (emptying the bladder). In addition, various types of urological boats are used to: drain the bladder, rinse, inject medicinal substances into it, etc.
Types of urological catheters
The modern pharmaceutical market offers us a wide variety of cavitary urological catheters, in particular:
- catheters of different diameter and length;
- catheters of different design, different number of moves;
- catheters are rigid (metallic) and soft (rubber);
- catheters for short-term and long-term catheterization;
- catheters for children and adults;
- female and male urological catheters.
The necessary type of urological catheter is determined by the diagnosis, sex, age, and anatomical features of the patient's urethra.
The most commonly used types of urological catheters are:
- Urolic catheters of Foley . Designed for long-term catheterization: from 7 days (latex) to 1 month (silicone). There are two-way and three-way. One stroke displays urine, the second is for medication administration, the third (if the catheter is three-way) is used for instillation . All urological Foley catheters have an empty can on their distal end, which after filling into the bladder is filled with sterile water, so that it is reliably kept in the bladder.
- Male and female urological catheters of Nelaton . Designed for short-term catheterization. The medical polyvinyl chloride, from which the Nelaton catheters are made, softens under the influence of body temperature, which allows for easy and painless administration. Male and female urological catheters of this species differ in length, they are produced at 20 and 40 cm, for women and men, respectively.
- Urological catheters of Timan (rubber) and Mercier (plastic) . They have a similar design: a slightly curved distal end and a scallop at the outer end, indicating the direction of the bend. Mercier catheter is lowered into hot water before use, it acquires elasticity and is able to repeat bends of the urethra as much as possible.
- Headed urological catheters Pescera . Used in cases where catheterization through the urethra can not be done. They are introduced through the suprapubic urinary fistula (anterior canal in the anterior abdominal wall).
- Metallic male and female urological catheters.
All urological catheters differ in internal and external diameter, for each diameter corresponds the corresponding number (caliber), and some species, in particular Nelaton's catheters, also have different color markings. The caliber is indicated at the outer end of the catheter.
Where to buy urological catheter?
Urological catheter can be bought in almost any pharmacy. When buying, do not forget to specify the type of boat and its number (this information will be reported to you by the doctor). You can also purchase through an online pharmacy or a specialized online store. The unconditional advantage of urological catheters is their affordability.