Foley Catheters

Foley catheters, also called indwelling urinary catheters, are used by healthcare providers to empty the bladder when a person has a condition that makes it difficult or impossible to urinate. The catheter drains the urine from the bladder into a collection bag. They can also be used for patients who are recovering from surgery and need time to heal their bodies.

A Foley catheter is constructed of a thin, flexible tube that goes into the bladder via the urethra. The catheter is held in place by a balloon filled with sterile water that rests in your bladder while another tube drains into the collection bag. With a range of sizes, they are designed to fit any body type or age.

When Is a Foley Catheter Needed?

There are several situations or conditions that call for using a Foley catheter including the following:

• Severe urinary incontinence or retention
• Prostate enlargement
• Surgical procedure on genitals or prostate gland
• Any procedure that causes a temporary loss of bladder control
• Scarring that impedes urination
• Surgical procedures that require draining the bladder
• Medicines that need to go directly into the bladder

Caring for Your Foley Catheter

Cleanliness is of the utmost importance when handling a urinary catheter. Any germs can cause infection when using this medical device. You should wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly both before and after handling the catheter. The catheter tube should be cleaned in soapy water at least twice per day and gently patted dry with a clean towel or paper towel. The collection bag should be emptied every two or three hours. In the case of a larger collection bag – usually for night use – it should be emptied every eight hours.

Depend on Honest Medical for Complete Foley Catheter Supplies

Honest Medical offers a full line of Foley catheters and catheter supplies such as:

• Standard, Silicon, Coated
• Catheter Drainage Bags
• Catheter Fixation Devices such as a Statlock Foley
• Drainage Bags
• Catheter Valves
• Catheter Insertion Kits

If you have any questions about urinary catheters or catheter supplies, contact an Honest Medical Care Specialist at (833) 933-2323.