There are many different types of medical catheter. Generally a medical catheter is a thin tube, generally made of soft plastic or PVC that can be inserted into the body. By modifying the material or adapting the manufacture of the catheters, custom medical catheters are also available for cardiovascular, urological, gastrointestinal, neurovascular, and ophthalmological applications.
Catheters can be inserted into a body cavity. Functionally, they enable drainage, the administration of liquids, access with surgical instruments, and depending on the type of catheter, perform a variety of other tasks.
Catheters have an opening at the end so that when urine is in the bladder, it proceeds uniformly through the tube into a collection bag. Other than urinary catheters, other types of medical catheter are also used in pediatric wards.
Types of Medical Catheters
Medical catheters come in a variety of types depending upon the material and their use. Three different catheters are:
- Straight intermittent catheters
- Hydrophilic catheters
- Closed system catheters
1: Straight intermittent catheters
Straight catheters are common. Straight intermittent catheters are named ‘in and out’ catheters because they can be inserted and exerted five times a day.
These catheters comprise latex or silicone, which is frequently used with a lubricant and has a funnel at the other end to empty into the toilet. This is usually an intermittent catheter.
These catheters are uncoated and unpolished, so they need to be lubricated before used.
2: Hydrophobic catheters
Hydrophobic catheters come with a coated surface that is activated with water, therefore does not need a separate additional lubricant. As they are a higher quality they can reduce the risk of the inflammation to the urethra.
Most types of hydrophilic catheters come with a sterile water packet within the catheter packet. This soaks the catheter and actives its lubrication.
These types of medical catheter are a higher quality and are simple to use.
3: Closed system catheters
These medical catheters come pre-lubricated and are attached to a set bag. The machine is sterile and touch-free, which can reduce infections. The urine drains into the bag which is disposed of.
Closed systems are particularly useful for patients who are in wheelchairs because it gives them the ability to intermittently self-cath without having to transfer from their chairs to a toilet every time.
Of the many different types of medical catheter, hydrophilic single-use catheters are typically thought of as the best at reducing the risk of complications.
