About Foley Balloon Catheters
A Foley catheter is a flexible tube that is passed through the urethra and into the bladder to drain urine. It is the most common type of indwelling urinary catheter. The tube of a Foley catheter has two separated channels, or lumens, running down its length. One lumen is open at both ends, and drains urine into a collection bag. The other lumen has a valve on the outside end and connects to a balloon at the tip. The balloon is inflated with sterile water when it lies inside the bladder to stop it from slipping out. Foley catheters are commonly made from silicone rubber or natural rubber.
Features:
- Used for short/long term urine drainage
- Has a 4-layer system, developed to address the common problem of catheter blockage and failure
- The inner-most layer, made from non-stick silicon, deters salt encrustation from attaching itself to the catheters inner surface
- The 2nd layer is made from a special high-strength polymer that provides strength to the catheter wall while allowing a larger lumen size. This larger lumen size minimizes blockages caused by encrustation, resulting in higher flow rate through the catheter.
- The 3rd layer is made from low-protein latex with suitable antioxidants, that increases the shelf-life of the catheter
- The outer-most Silicon layer, minimizes the occurrence of allergy and irritation when the catheter comes in contact with skin, thereby acting as a protective layer for the patient
- Less catheter blockage as a result of the 4-layer system leads to longer in-dwell time, higher comfort and cost effectiveness for the patient
- Smooth eye, ultra-thin highly elastic balloon and hard non-return valve for trouble free inflation and deflation
- Application: Urology
- Size Available: 8 Fr to 26 Fr
- Material Used: Silicone, Natural Latex
- Packing: Poly Pack, 10/Box, 600/Carton
Versatile Tip Options for Clinical FlexibilitySelect from standard (olive), pediatric, or coude tips to address specific patient needs. This versatility enables effective catheterization for diverse anatomical considerations in both adults and children.
Convenient Identification and CompatibilityISO color-coded system allows for fast, accurate size selection, while a universal funnel connector ensures compatibility with most urine drainage bags. These features streamline workflow and help avoid connection errors in medical settings.
Safety and Sterility AssuredAdhering to CE standards, each catheter is guaranteed sterile when unopened. Latex-free material choices accommodate those with latex sensitivities, enhancing patient safety during procedures.
FAQ's of Foley Balloon Catheters:
Q: How do I select the appropriate tip type for a Foley Balloon Catheter?
A: Choose the standard (olive) tip for general adult use, pediatric tip for children, and coude tip for patients with challenging urethral anatomy or enlarged prostates. Tip selection should depend on patient anatomy and clinical indication.
Q: What are the benefits of ISO color coding for Foley catheter sizes?
A: ISO color coding helps medical professionals quickly identify and select the correct catheter size, preventing errors and improving workflow in urgent care situations.
Q: When should the catheter be replaced or disposed of?
A: Foley Balloon Catheters are designed for single-use. Dispose of them responsibly after each procedure or when indicated by the medical protocol to maintain sterility and reduce infection risk.
Q: Where can the Foley Balloon Catheter be used?
A: These catheters are suitable for use in hospitals, clinics, surgical centers, and home care settings for bladder drainage and urine retention management.
Q: What is the process for inserting and using the Foley Balloon Catheter?
A: Insertion must be performed by trained personnel using sterile technique. After lubricating and inserting the catheter, the balloon is inflated through the funnel connector with sterile water or saline to secure retention. Ensure compatibility with a drainage bag before use.
Q: How does the latex-free option benefit patients?
A: Latex-free Foley Balloon Catheters are ideal for patients sensitive or allergic to latex, minimizing allergy risks and improving overall safety of the catheterization process.
Q: What is the shelf life and storage requirement for unopened Foley Balloon Catheters?
A: Unopened catheters have a shelf life of 3-5 years if stored properly in cool, dry conditions to maintain sterility and optimal performance.