Foley catheter

Foley Catheter

A Foley catheter is a flexible tube that is often passed through the urethra and into the bladder to drain urine. It is a type of indwelling urinary catheter, which means it is designed to be left in place in the bladder for a continuous period of time.

History

The Foley catheter is named after its designer, Frederic Foley, an American urologist. Foley invented the device in the 1930s while working at the Boston City Hospital. The original design has been modified over the years, but the basic concept remains the same.

Design and Function

The Foley catheter is made of a flexible material, usually silicone or latex, and is available in various sizes. It has two or three separate 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. If present, the third lumen can be used to deliver medications to the bladder.

Uses

Foley catheters are used in a variety of medical situations. They are commonly used in patients who are unable to control their bladder function due to nerve-related conditions such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. They are also used during and after certain types of surgery, and in patients who are critically ill or bedridden.

Risks and Complications

While Foley catheters are generally safe, they can sometimes cause complications. These can include urinary tract infection, bladder stones, and damage to the urethra. Long-term use can also lead to changes in the bladder's structure and function.

See Also

• Urinary catheterization
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary tract infection

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  Diagram of an inflated and deflated Foley catheter

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  Ultrasound scan showing a Foley catheter in place

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  Cross-section of a Foley catheter