I found an article on the web that simplifies the matter of urinary catheters, which I like, because the web is too filled with incomprehensible descriptions, definitions, and all manner of medical language that can seem indecipherable to us mere mortals. The article is Common Types and Uses of Urinary Catheters. But I don’t think the article is complete. And there are one or two points that I don’t agree with.
First, in the “indwelling catheter” section, the author says these need to be changed once per week. This is not consistent with common practice. Indwelling catheters are changed on a monthly basis, not weekly. Can you imagine? Even leg bags can be used for 10-14 days before they need to be changed out.
As for types of catheters used as indwelling catheters, the author does say that the Foley is the most common, which is true. But it shouldn’t be! The Foley is 76 years old and has been used with no real change in design. It’s been shown to cause damage to the bladder for a number of reasons. It should be replaced by the demonstrably safer Douette ™ catheter, by Poiesis Medical. I have no affiliation with them, by the way. See this article and associated video for more info on this – The Duette – A Better Catheter Than The Foley. I would also point out that the pigtail catheter is also used for indwelling purposes. That’s the kind I had initially.
And for non-indwelling types of catheter, I would also add the “condom catheter,” which does not have to be inserted anywhwere:). It simply – for a guy anyway – fits around the “outlet” like a condom would and captures the urine into a bag that way.
But other than that, the article is a good read, especially for non-medical folk. Find it here: https://www.copyright-free-content.com/health-fitness/common-types-and-uses-of-urinary-catheters/
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