Foley's catherter

Foley's catheter is a thin, sterile tube, inserted in urethra to bladder to drain urine. Because it can be left in place in the bladder for a period of time, it is also called an indwelling catheter.

It is held in place with a balloon at the end, which is filled with sterile water to hold it in place. The urine drains into a bag and can then be taken from an outlet device to be drained.


Parts of Catheter


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SIZE

The diameter of the catheter is measured in millimeters. Authorities recommend the "narrowest and softest tube" that will serve the purpose. Rarely is a catheter larger than size 18 F required, and sizes 14 or 16 F are used more often. Catheters greater than size 16 F have been associated with patient discomfort and urine bypassing. A size 12 catheter has been successfully used in children and female patients with urinary restriction.

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