UNDERSTANDING INTERMITTENT CATHETERS
Intermittent Catheter Indications
Intermittent catheterization has become the preferred treatment for patients with acute or chronic bladder dysfunction as a result of injury, medical condition or surgery. Studies show that intermittent catheter (IC) use leads to fewer complications than the formerly preferred, long-term indwelling catheters. Common conditions associated with IC use include:
- Neurogenic Bladder - A name given to urinary conditions resulting from brain, spinal cord or nerve damage. These neurological conditions include injuries and diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, Spina Bifida, and spinal cord injuries.
- Urethral Stricture - The narrowing of the tube that transports urine out of the bladder due to scarring. Left untreated, strictures will result in serious urinary tract problems including inflammation and infection.
- Urinary Incontinence - A general term to describe the loss of bladder control resulting in involuntary leakage. Depending on the underlying reason for incontinence, IC may be indicated.
- Vesicoureteral Reflux - Most commonly associated with young children and infants, this condition occurs when the flow of urine is reversed from the bladder into the ureter or kidneys.
- Other medical reasons such as enlarged prostate and stroke or bladder surgery.
Intermittent Catheter Risks
Risks associated with the clean catheterization process can be mitigated by employing proper insertion and hygiene protocols. If the intermittent catheter is the wrong size or inserted improperly, trauma to the urethra or bladder can cause scarring, resulting in urethral stricture. More commonly, however, Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections, or CAUTIs, occur when bacteria is introduced to the bladder as a result of a poor sanitation process. Following a few simple preventative measures will help mitigate that risk.
CAUTI Prevention*
- Wash your hands before handling your intermittent catheter as most will come in sterile packaging.
- Clean the area surrounding your urethra with an antibacterial cleanser prior to self-catheterization.
- If it is necessary to reuse your intermittent catheter, be sure to disinfect it thoroughly before insertion.
* Image source: cdc.gov
Intermittent Catheter Sizing
Intermittent Catheters, also referred to as 'in and out' catheters, are available in many sizes to accommodate anatomical differences, gender, and age. The diameter is measured in French Gauge and will be clearly indicated by the funnel color and on the catheter's packaging. The most common adult size is 14 French; however, the best catheter diameter will be large enough to permit a steady urine flow and small enough to slide through the urethra without causing damage.
The length of intermittent catheters is different for men, women, and children. The following information is based on industry averages. Your unique needs may vary.
Please consult your physician to determine the correct intermittent catheter size.
- Intermittent Catheters for Males average 14 to 18 inches in length & 14 to 22 French in diameter.
- Intermittent Catheters for Females average 6 to 10 inches in length & 12 to 16 French in diameter.
- Pediatric Catheters average 6 to 13 inches in length & 6 to 10 French in diameter.
PARTS OF AN INTERMITTENT CATHETER
Catheter Tips
The narrow end of an intermittent catheter is referred to as the insertion tip. This tip leads the way through the urethra and into the bladder during all urinary catheterization processes, whether using a Foley catheter, closed-system catheter, or intermittent catheter. Despite the manufacturer, all catheters are designed with either a straight tip or a coudé tip. Straight intermittent catheters are the most commonly used, however, those with urethral strictures or blockages, atrophic vaginas, or enlarged prostates may find comfort in cathing with a curved insertion tip like the Magic 3 Intermittent Catheter Coudé Tip Catheter or Cure's Ultra® Coude Catheter.
The Importance of Eyelets
Catheter eyelets are small holes near the insertion tip end of the catheter tube used to drain the urine from the bladder. As inconsequential and simple as these holes may seem, manufacturers continuously strive for design advancements to make the process of self-catheterization more comfortable, efficient and safe. Innovations include placement, shape and number of eyelets on the catheter for efficient drainage as well as polishing and recessing the holes for smooth insertion. Industry leading brands, like Cure Medical uses an ultrasonic process to ensure that all eyelets are exceptionally smooth, one of the many quality features of the Hydrophilic Cure Catheter® for Men.
Catheter Connectors
Also known as catheter funnels, connectors are typically colored in accordance with the universally-accepted French Size Chart used to identify the diameter of a catheter tube. The funnel is also a functional part of the catheter as it can be connected with a urinary leg bag or other drainage receptacle. Not all intermittent catheters are designed with a funnel end. Luer end catheters, or whistle tip catheters, are open on one end. Coloplast, an industry innovator, offers many variations of intermittent catheters including the Self-Cath Straight Tip Intermittent Catheter available with a funnel or a luer end. Choosing one style over the other is a matter of personal preference.
Catheter Lubricants
To avoid CAUTIs, urethral strictures or other painful damage to the urethra’s delicate tissue, a lubricant of some sort is imperative when inserting a catheter. To prevent these and other issues, it’s important to use a lubricant. Options include over-the-counter products like Surgilube® are readily available and even available in discrete foil packs like McKesson Lubricating Jelly. For ultimate convenience, pre-lubricated catheters are often the preferred choice. Hydrophilic catheters like Cure Medical’s Straight Intermittent Catheter with a hydrophilic coating (pictured to the left) are coated with a plastic substance that becomes slick and smooth for easy insertion when immersed in the included purified water. Closed urinary catheter systems often include hydrophilic-coated catheters.