Catheters & Tubes

Catheters and medical tubes are essential devices used in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare. They serve various functions, including fluid drainage, medication delivery, and airway management.

1. Catheters

A catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the body to remove or deliver fluids. It is widely used in urology, cardiology, anesthesiology, and intensive care.

Types of Catheters & Their Uses:

A. Urinary Catheters (Foley, Nelaton, and External Catheters)

Used for bladder drainage in cases of urinary retention, post-surgery, or chronic conditions.

• Foley Catheter:

  • Features: Soft, flexible tube with an inflatable balloon to keep it in place.

  • Material: Latex, Silicone, or PVC.

  • Sizes: 6Fr to 26Fr (French gauge).

  • Types: 2-way, 3-way (for bladder irrigation), and Silicone Foley Catheters.

• Nelaton Catheter:

  • Single-use, intermittent catheter for short-term drainage.

  • Material: PVC or Silicone.

  • Sizes: 6Fr to 18Fr.

• External (Condom) Catheter:

  • Used for male incontinence.

  • Worn externally over the penis and connected to a drainage bag.

B. Cardiovascular Catheters

Used for diagnostic and therapeutic heart procedures.

• Angiographic Catheter: For injecting contrast dye in coronary angiography.

• Balloon Catheter: Used in angioplasty to widen narrowed blood vessels.

• Central Venous Catheter (CVC): Inserted into large veins (jugular, subclavian) for IV fluids, medications, and blood draws.

C. Dialysis Catheters

Used in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

• Double-Lumen Catheter: For temporary dialysis.

• Permcath (Permanent Catheter): Used for long-term dialysis treatment.

2. Medical Tubes

Medical tubes are used for drainage, oxygen delivery, anesthesia, and fluid transport.

Types of Medical Tubes & Their Uses:

A. Endotracheal & Airway Tubes

Used for airway management in ventilated patients and anesthesia.

• Endotracheal Tube (ET Tube): Inserted into the trachea for mechanical ventilation.

• Tracheostomy Tube: Placed through a surgical opening in the trachea for long-term breathing support.

• Oxygen Nasal Cannula: A small tube placed in the nostrils to deliver oxygen therapy.

B. Gastrointestinal (GI) Tubes

Used for feeding, decompression, and drainage.

• Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube): For short-term enteral feeding and gastric decompression.

• Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube): For long-term feeding through the stomach wall.

• Rectal Tube: Used for gas relief and enema administration.

C. Drainage Tubes

Used to remove fluids from body cavities after surgery or infections.

• Chest Tube (Thoracic Drainage Tube): Removes air, blood, or fluids from the pleural space.

• Jackson-Pratt Drain (JP Drain): A closed drainage system used post-surgery.

• Penrose Drain: A passive drainage tube for open wounds.

D. Intravenous (IV) Tubes & Infusion Sets

Used for fluid, blood, and medication administration.

• IV Extension Tubing: Extends IV line reach.

• Blood Transfusion Set: Special tubing for blood transfusions.