- Latex: Latex is the protective fluid contained in tissue beneath the bark of the rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis. Natural rubber latex (NRL) exhibits a number of properties that make it very desirable for use in medical devices. These properties include strength, comfort and elasticity. Additionally, NRL provides good barrier protection at a relatively low cost. Latex catheters are soft, flexible and comfortable and continue to be one of the best catheter choices available.
- Catheter Inflation Guidelines:
- Ensure that the Bard Foley catheter balloon is positioned well within the patient's bladder. Slowly, with a gentle, constant force, inflate the Bard Foley catheter balloon with the volume prescribed on the package. Note that 5cc balloon must be inflated with between 9cc and 10cc sterile water. Improperly inflated Bard Foley catheter balloons may cause drainage and deflation difficulties.
- Catheter Deflation Guidelines:
- Select a luer slip syringe
- Slide the plunger of the syringe up and down the barrel of the syringe several times to "loosen it up"
- Compress the plunger all the way and then pull back the plunger slightly so that it does not adhere to the front of the syringe barrel
- Gently insert the syringe in the catheter valve
- Do not use more force than is required to make the syringe "stick" in the valve
- Allow the pressure within the balloon to force the plunger back and fill the syringe with water
- If you notice slow or no deflation, re-seat the syringe gently. Once again, allow the balloon to deflate slowly on its own
- If the balloon does not deflate, reposition the patient
- Ensure that the catheter is not in traction - The proximal end of the catheter is not compressed within the bladder neck
- Ensure that urine flows freely
- Attempt to deflate the balloon by using the pressure in the balloon to force water into the syringe as described above
- If the balloon still fails to deflate, apply very gentle, slow aspiration. Aspiration that is too rapid, or too forceful, may cause the inflation lumen within the Foley catheter to collapse
- If permitted by hospital protocol, the valve arm may be served
- If this fails, contact an adequately trained professional for assistance, as directed by hospital protocol
- Silicone: Silicone is a synthetic compound that is bio-compatible, non-toxic and flexible. The clear construction of our Foley catheter permits visualization of clots, mucous and inital urine flow. The 100% silicone catheter is often used for latex sensitive patients.
- Infection Control: Bardex Infection Control anti-infective Foley catheters with Bacti-Guard silver alloy coating and Bard hydrogel has been clinically proven to reduce catheter associated UTIs. The coating is engineered to prevent bacterial adherence and preserve the integrity of the urethral mucosa. This coating is applied to a variety of catheter types such as Bardex I.C. and Lubri-Sil I.C. catheters.
- Bard Hydrogel: Bard's proprietary hydrogel coating maximizes patient comfort. This hydrophilic coating produces a cushion of fluid between the catheter and the mucosal lining of the urethra and the bladder thereby reducing friction and irritation that can be lead to infection. Bard hydrogel is applied to a variety of catheter types such as Lubricath and LubriSil catheters.
- Silicone Elastomer: Hydrophobic material that rejects moisture and can be applied to latex catheters. This permanent coating prevents irritation by providing a smooth surface.
- Foley Catheter Tip Design: A Standard Foley catheter has rounded smooth tip designed to reduce trauma when inserted. Latex catheters are constructed with a reinforced tip that provides added strength during insertion and reduces irritation and bladder coiling. On Bard's silicone Foley catheters, a precisely molded tip eliminates excess material that can cause irritation. Smooth drainage eyes created by our unique two-steps process provide for easier insertion and uninhibited drainage flow.
- Speciality Foley catheters may have other tip types such as Council, Coude, Olive, Couvelarie, Round and Whistle and are Typically used for surgical procedures. A "Specialty" Foley catheter is determined by the tip configuration, number of lumens or channels and the size of the balloon.
- Foley Catheter Balloons: Catheter balloons are designed to secure the catheter in the bladder. Bard provides high quality ribbed balloons with exceptional strength, symmetrical inflation characteristics and proper positioning of the catheter tip within the bladder.
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