Catheter Brands

Patient Care Medical carries all the leading catheter brands, such as Cure, Bard, Coloplast, Wellspect, Hollister, Rochester, Kendall, Rusch, Mentor, and more.

A typical commercial single-use urethral catheterization tray (see the first, second, and third images below) includes the following:

• Preparatory solution (eg, povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine)
• Sterile cotton balls.
• Water-soluble lubrication gel.
• Sterile drapes.
• Sterile gloves.
• Urethral catheter.

There are 3 main types of catheters:

• Indwelling catheter.
• Condom catheter.
• Intermittent self-catheter.

The most used tip for routine catheterization is the Nelaton tip which is round with two drainage eyes. Due to the challenging curvature of the male urethra, a catheter with a curved tip can be used to ease insertion; this type is called a Tiemann tip and is the second most common.

Catheter Materials The most common materials are red rubber, latex, silicone, plastic and PVC. For those looking for a more rigid type, PVC material is the best choice. For those with latex allergy, red rubber is not a good option, but silicone is. Some catheters come already pre-lubricated.

In the development of catheters, raw materials that are commonly used include the following: Polyethylene. Polypropylene. Polyurethane.

Most bags are made of plastic and some have a fabric backing for comfort against the skin. They have a tube emerging from the upper side of the bag that connects to the funnel end of a catheter or sheath. At the bottom of the bag is a small tap or valve to allow emptying.

An indwelling urinary catheter is inserted in the same way as an intermittent catheter, but the catheter is left in place. The catheter is held in the bladder by a water-filled balloon, which prevents it falling out. These types of catheters are often known as Foley catheters.

The catheter itself will need to be removed and replaced at least every 3 months.

Suprapubic catheters are for long-term use. They're inserted into a small incision in the abdomen during an outpatient procedure. Once placed, suprapubic catheters drain the bladder for up to a month. These catheters are ideal for individuals who are immobile or wheelchair-bound.

What factors impact the pricing of catheters? Some types of catheters are considered to be more high-end because of their features, materials, lubrication, packaging, etc. For example, besides the uncoated catheters, there are other variants that are pre-lubricated.