A Foley catheter is a hollow tube that is inserted into the urinary bladder via the urethra to drain urine. Foley catheters are commonly used after surgeries or when a patient is unable to urinate on their own. When inserted properly under sterile conditions, Foley catheters provide an effective way to drain urine without causing further injury or trauma. However, there are also risks associated with their use, so understanding how they work and their proper care is important.
What are Foley Catheters Made Of?
Foley catheters are made of either latex or silicone materials. Latex catheters were more commonly used in the past but due to latex allergies, silicone catheters have become the standard. Silicone is less likely than latex to cause allergic or inflammatory reactions.
The catheter itself is a long, narrow, flexible tube that is divided into two channels – one to drain urine and the other serves as the inflation channel. At the tip of the catheter is a small balloon, which is deflated during insertion but inflated once in place using a saline solution. The balloon holds the catheter securely inside the bladder without causing damage.
Dual lumen design allows drainage without removal
The dual lumen design of Foley catheters is key to their effectiveness. One narrow lumen extends from the distal tip up through the balloon and terminates just before the proximal end of the catheter. This is called the inflation channel. The other wider lumen runs from the distal opening at the tip back to the proximal end of the catheter for urine drainage.
The inflation channel allows a nurse or doctor to inflate the small latex or silicone balloon at the tip of the catheter once it is fully inserted in the bladder. Inflating the balloon with just a few milliliters of sterile saline solution anchors the catheter securely in place. This means the catheter can remain inserted to drain urine continuously without needing constant reinsertion.
Risks associated with improper use of Foley Catheters
While very effective, there are also risks if Foley catheters are not inserted or cared for properly. Some risks include:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Improper insertion technique or poor hand hygiene can lead to bacteria being introduced into the bladder, causing UTIs. Left untreated, UTIs can lead to more serious complications.
– Trauma and Irritation: Forcing the catheter in or leaving it in place too long can cause micro-abrasions that make the urethra and bladder more susceptible to infection. Improper balloon inflation pressure can also irritate the urethra or bladder.
– Blockages: Not keeping the catheter and drainage bag clear can result in urine backflow and blockages. This increases infection risk and prevents proper drainage.
– Displacement: If the balloon is not properly deflated before removal, it can tear the urethra. Not securing the catheter properly also risks displacement during movement which requires reinsertion.
Proper technique and care is needed to prevent complications. Doctors receive special training to insert Foley catheters using a completely aseptic technique, but nursing staff and caregivers also need education on maintenance and care.
How are Foley Catheters Inserted?
When a Foley catheter needs to be inserted, whether in a clinical setting or at home, clean technique is critical to prevent infections. Proper insertion involves:
1. Explaining the procedure to the patient and ensuring privacy and comfort.
2. Performing hand hygiene using an antimicrobial soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
3. Putting on gloves and opening the sterile catheter pack without contaminating the contents.
4. Cleaning the urethral opening and surrounding area with antiseptic.
5. Gently guiding the catheter tip into the urethra with one hand while holding it near the body with the other hand.
6. Advancing the catheter slowly until urine flows or the balloon is at the bladder neck.
7. Inflating the balloon as directed using the prescribed amount of sterile saline.
8. Securing the catheter to the leg so it does not pull out.
9. Detaching and discarding the syringe and connecting the catheter to the drainage bag.
Proper technique and regular care is needed to keep catheters clean and functioning properly between uses as well.
Catheter Care and Maintenance
Once a Foley catheter is inserted, care is required to prevent complications. Some best practices for catheter maintenance include:
– Daily meatal hygiene using mild soap and water to keep the area clean.
– Keeping the catheter and drainage bag below the bladder at all times to prevent backflow.
– Elevating the bed if using an indwelling catheter to ensure proper drainage.
– Emptying the drainage bag regularly and measuring urine output as directed.
– Using a leg or abdominal bag depending on mobility to prevent dislodging.
– Checking for blockages, kinks or other issues and troubleshooting as needed.
– Monitoring for signs of infection like fever, pain or foul-smelling urine.
– Keeping a care log to track outputs and issues to share with providers.
– Contacting a provider immediately for any problems like pain or inability to drain.
With proper insertion, care and maintenance, Foley catheters can provide an important short-term drainage solution when needed. Understanding how to use them correctly is key for optimal results.
Conclusion
In summary, Foley catheters are a valuable medical device but also carry risks if not handled properly. Their dual lumen design allows for secure placement with continued drainage. Clinicians receive special training in clean insertion techniques, but nursing staff and caregivers play an important role in ongoing care and maintenance to prevent complications. With the right protocols in place, Foley catheters can effectively manage urinary drainage when other options aren’t possible.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile
