A urinary catheter is a small device used to empty the bladder, collecting any urine in a storage bag until it can be emptied.
They’re used if a person is having difficulty urinating, for example, if there’s a blockage in the bladder, because of an epidural during childbirth, or because of bladder weakness or nerve damage, according to Medical News Today.
There are three main types of urinary catheter, and clinical training courses such as those offered by tidaltraining.co.uk/clinical-training-courses/ can help any healthcare professional feel more prepared to deal with their use. Let’s have a look at three of the types.
Intermittent Catheters
Intermittent catheters are inserted just long enough to drain the bladder. One end is smoothly directed into the bladder, while the other allows urine to flow into a toilet or bag.
Indwelling Catheters
This type of catheter is inserted into the bladder like an intermittent catheter, but remains in place for around three months, kept inside the bladder using a medical balloon. Urine drains through a tube and into a bag, which can be stuck to the inside leg or hang on a stand nearby.
Suprapubic
Lastly, suprapubic catheters are also left in place for between 1 – 3 months. This catheter is inserted via the abdomen, which may need to be completed under general or local anaesthetic. These are used if the urethra is damaged or blocked. The urine can be directed into a discrete collection bag or a valve used so that the bladder can be drained into a toilet.
