There are basically four types of urinary catheters, namely, external catheters, intermittent catheters, Foley catheters, and closed system catheters.
External or condom catheters are designed to be used by males only. They are ideal for those who do not require invasive catheterization and their purpose is served with an external device. These urinary supplies are shaped like a condom and designed to slip over the user’s penis. The device is then connected to a urinary bag for collection of the urine which flows from the urinary bladder through the urethra. It is quite often preferred by men because it is easy to use.
Male external catheters from Coloplast, Hollister, Urocare and Rochester Medical are examples of quality products which are made of skin-friendly material and designed to give the best possible security. For the latex-sensitive, skin irritation is kept to the minimum with silicone devices.
Intermittent catheters are for use only when required. They are bought by those who do not need 24-hours catheterization. Either their requirement is for the short-term while the user is recuperating after a surgery or they could involve catheter-based management of the urinary bladder for life. So during intermittent catheterization, urinary catheter tubing is inserted into the bladder through the urethra and the accumulated urine is allowed to drain out. The catheter is pulled out after the bladder is emptied. The process is repeated when required and can be performed by the user or a caregiver at home.
Intermittent catheters provide less risk of UTIs (urinary tract infection). You will find a whole variety in intermittent urinary catheters with different tips and styles or a combination of both. There are straight tip catheters, hydrophilic catheters (such as SpeediCath Compact Male Catheter), coude tip catheters, PVC catheters, red rubber catheters (like Bardia Urethral Red Rubber Catheter), silicone catheters, funnel end catheters, round tip catheters, lubricath catheters, olive tip catheters, and more.
Foley catheters, also known as indwelling urinary catheters are bought by those who need continuous catheterization. This type of catheter is inserted into the urinary bladder of the user and allowed to remain there for some days till it is the time to change or remove completely. Indwelling catheters are made from silicone rubber or natural rubber and have two lumens or channels running along their length. One lumen is the drainable port and its opening is inserted into a urine collection bag. The other lumen has a valve at one end and a balloon at the other end. Sterile water is injected through the valve into the balloon once the catheter is placed inside the bladder. The balloon inflates and holds the tubing in place.
There are several Foley catheter brands which are established names in the industry. It is always advisable to buy your urology supplies from established manufacturers so you can be sure that the product you are using is reliable and safe. Some of the best selling brands we sell are Bard Bardex, Kendall, Rusch, Cysto-Care and Lubricath.
Suprapubic catheters involve placing a catheter into the bladder but through a cut made in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone. This procedure is done for those with damaged bladder or urethra or who are suffering from nerve damage.
When selecting your catheter, consider looking at Closed System Catheters. They are a type of an integrated catheter system which has the tubing connected to the urinary collection bag. This allows for touchless catheterization and hence, reduces the risk of UTIs and cross-contamination because the system remains sterile. They are self-contained with a pre-lubricated catheter within a urine collection bag. A closed system catheter allows for safe, simple catheterization. Its introducer tip shields the catheter and allows it to bypass the initial part of the urethra which is most infested with urinary tract bacteria.
Leading manufacturers like Coloplast, Teleflex Inc, Hollister, Bard, Peco Medical and Cure Medical make quality closed system catheters with user-friendly designs and features. People with limited dexterity because of spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and spina fida will find this type useful. There are multiple types available including straight tip or coude tip and in all French sizes. You can buy for pediatric sizes or different male and female lengths.
There are varying types of urinary drainage bags, too. Without one, catheterization is incomplete. It is always recommended to drain the urine through a Foley catheter or external male catheter into a good quality drainage bag. This ensures hygiene and safety. You are assured of not exposing the other end of the tubing to an unhygienic environment.
The urine collection bags are durable and cost-effective. Important feature is the anti-reflux drip chamber which prevents the back flow of urine. There are different volume capacities and so depending on your emptying-out frequency you can decide which will best suit your needs. All bags are designed to be discreet and secure and for all types of users – wheelchair-bound or ambulatory, children or adults. Choosing a urine bag will depend on your needs. Select from leg bags, bedside drainage bags and urine pouches.
Users with an active lifestyle and always on the move should consider buying urinary leg bags. They are specially designed for day-time users. These urine bags are to be attached to the leg of the user allowing total freedom of movement. They cling to the contour of the leg and remain unnoticeable under clothing.
These urinary supplies are reliable and made of heavy duty vinyl for extended wear. They are leak resistant and provide protection from odor. The graduated markings allow the caregiver to keep an eye on the urine output. Two strong straps are attached to the bag for securing it to the leg. Use-types include reusable and disposable leg bags.
Top brands like Kendall, Dispoz-A-Bag, Conveen, AMSure and Elite are behind quality leg bags. You can also select the type of straps you need to go with your leg bag. Available are fabric straps, latex straps, cloth bands, velcro straps, sport leg bag straps, foam straps and straps with button closures.
Bedside bags, like the name suggests, are urinary drainage bags designed to be hung by the bed. They are ideal for night-time users. Volume capacity of bedside drainage bags is large so that the user does not has to get up in the night to empty out the bag. Hooks and string allow the bags to be tied to and hung by the bed rail securely. They can be used 24 hours allowing the user to sleep comfortably through the night.
Insertion and irrigation trays are packaged with the necessary elements to assist in catheterization. For example, the AMSure catheterization tray features 1000ml outer basin tray, waterproof drape, fenestrated drape, vinyl gloves, iodine swabsticks, lubricating jelly and a specimen container. Some trays, like the one from Bard, contain a silicone Foley catheter attached to a drainage bag along with a URO-PREP tray to assist in aseptic catheter insertion.
Also find a selection of urinals and bedpans designed for those who are unable to visit the toilet independently. The range includes high quality and handy urine specimen collection bags and containers, midstream collection systems, kidney stone strainers and disposable urine bags. Catheter accessories section has lubricating jelly, straps and holders, clamps and plug, adaptors and dilators and more while drainage bag accessories includes bag holders and hangers, bag straps, drainage bottles, drain valves, etc.
All urology medical supplies are made by top and established manufacturers some of which are Coloplast, Covidien, Bard Inc, Medline Industries, Urocare and Hollister. They are made up of high-quality material and are safe and reliable to use. Check out the vast range of external or condom catheters, intermittent catheters, Foley catheters, all types of drainage bags like leg bags and bedside bags, pessaries, irrigation trays and drainage systems, urinary drainage tubing, enema supplies, and more.
