URINARY CATHETERS & CATHETER SUPPLIES

INTERMITTENT (STANDARD) CATHETER

The intermittent catheter, or a standard catheter, is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted temporarily into the bladder via the urethra. 

With intermittent catheters, the patient inserts and removes the urinary catheter several times a day, eliminating the need to wear a continuously draining catheter.  The external end of the tube may be left open, allowing the urine to drain into a receptacle. Another option is to attach the tube to an external drainage bag, which collects the urine.

Because you can remove the urinary catheter after your bladder is empty, you can live a more comfortable, active lifestyle.  These types of intermittent catheters may help with urinary incontinence in some patients.

COUDE CATHETER

A coude catheter, sometimes called a coude tip catheter, is a urinary catheter with a slightly curved tip that’s designed for easy insertion.

Coude tip catheters are typically prescribed if a patient has an enlarged prostate.  More commonly used in men, coude catheters can be used in women when they develop obstructions that require the use of catheter with a curved design.  In addition to being used by doctors and nurses, coude catheters can be used at home by patients who may need to self catheterize for a variety of reasons.

These types of urinary catheters are usually stocked in hospitals and medical clinics, and patients who need them can order them conveniently through various medical supply companies, or obtain them directly from their doctors.

CLOSED SYSTEM CATHETER

Closed System catheters are designed to help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTI’s) and offer easy catheterization for pediatric patients, those who use wheelchairs, and many other patient groups. 

Offering privacy and convenience that straight catheters do not, closed system intermittent catheters kits offer discreet, secure and reliable catheterization regardless of whether you are in a car, private home, or public restroom. Many closed system urinary catheters include an additional safety feature known as an “insertion” or “introducer” tip. This insertion tip allows a pre-lubricated catheter to skip through the initial bacteria often found in the urethra—which can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

STRAIGHT CATHETERS

Straight urinary catheters are catheters designed for patients who have chronic bladder problems and are able to perform the catheterization themselves.

Additionally, they are generally used for a quick “in-and-out” and are to be used only one time.  They are also used to obtain a sample specimen of urine for hospital or laboratory analysis.  And, unlike Foley-style catheters, they do not have a round balloon at the end to secure it in place.

Straight catheters are available in straight and curved packaging, designed for males, females and even pediatric usage and come in a variety of sizes.  To learn more about our selection of straight catheters, please call us today and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.