Types of urinary catheters and main product parameters

As an important medical device, urinary catheters play a vital role in urinary management. According to the type, urinary catheters can be divided into single-lumen, double-lumen and triple-lumen catheters; according to the manufacturing material, they can be divided into latex catheters and silicone catheters.

• The diameter of the catheter is measured in Ch or CH, and the outer diameter of the catheter is indicated by the French measurement standard (F, Fr or FG). 1mm=Ch3/F3, and the size range is Ch6~30. The size of the catheter is generally F6~F10 for pediatrics, and adults generally use F10 or above. According to the characteristics of urine, the presence or absence of crusts, flocs, hematuria or even blood clots, choose a suitable catheter to achieve a good drainage effect. It is usually recommended to use the smallest diameter catheter within the allowable range. For example, in case of severe hematuria, a three-lumen catheter of F20~24 is required for continuous bladder flushing.

• Catheter length: Usually, the length of the catheter is only different between children and adults. The length of the catheter for children is 25~30cm, and the length of the catheter for adults is 35~42cm.

2. Lubricant on the surface of the catheter

When the catheter is inserted, the patient will experience varying degrees of discomfort or pain. Lubricants can dilate and lubricate the urethra, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort. There are four common lubricants: water-soluble lubricants; water-soluble lubricants containing antibiotics; water-soluble lubricants containing anesthetic lidocaine/lignocaine; water-soluble lubricants containing anesthetic lidocaine/lignocaine and antibiotics.

3. Size and amount of water injected into the catheter balloon

It is recommended to inject 5-15 ml of water into the balloon of an adult catheter. Inject water into the balloon according to the instructions in the catheter manual.

4. Urine collection bag selection

After the urinary catheter is inserted, it is directly connected to a sterile urine collection bag (if the catheter is only for collecting urine specimens, it is not necessary to connect). Unnecessary disconnection of the closed drainage system should be avoided, because the sterile closed drainage system minimizes the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection. However, if it must be disconnected, the urine collection bag should be replaced using sterile technology, and both the urinary catheter and the urine collection bag should be replaced if necessary.