Catheters
Urethral urinary catheters are hollow tubes inserted into the bladder via the urethra to aid in the drainage of urine. Urethral catheters come in two basic types:
Intermittent Catheters come in a variety of materials, configurations, and lengths, but are all designed to be inserted into the bladder via the urethra, drain the accumulated urine, and then be withdrawn. They can sometimes have a coating that makes them naturally slippery for insertion, or be used with an external lubricant. Some varieties have insertion systems designed to keep the catheter clean during insertion.
Indwelling (Foley) catheters are inserted into the bladder via the urethra, but are left in place for an extended period of time to continuously drain urine from the bladder. Indwelling catheters utilize an inflatable balloon to hold the catheter in place once it is inside the bladder.
Catheters are sized according to their French measurement, which is basically a measure of circumference. The larger the French (Fr) measurement, the greater the circumference (and diameter) of the catheter. Attached please find a useful conversion chart for French size to diameter.
Click here to view the chart.
Advanced Medical Group’s professional team of associates are widely recognized as the industry’s catheter experts. We will assist you with every aspect of your bladder care program and make the process as easy as possible!
