Foley Catheter

Towson Medical Equipment is centrally located within Montgomery County and Baltimore serving Maryland, DC and Virginia. We carry a variety of DME products including foley catheter supplies.  We are also providers for most local insurances.  View our order form here.

A Foley catheter is a sterile flexible tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine. It is a form of the indwelling catheter that can be inserted and left in the bladder for some time. Once inserted, a balloon filled with water is used to hold it in place and prevent it from slipping out of the bladder. On the other end of the catheter, a bag is fixed into which urine collected in the catheter is drained. Uses, types, and brands of Foley catheters vary widely depending on materials used, design and mode of application among others.

Foley catheter uses

The catheter is used medically to assist persons with problems urinating normally. It is done through an insertion into the urinary track. Medical conditions include being critically ill, undergoing surgical procedures, suffering from medical retention and the need to monitor urine output, are some of the reasons under which catheters may be administered.

A catheter also plays an important role during induction of labor in pregnant mothers. During the process, the balloon part of the catheter is inserted behind the cervical walls and then inflated. This applies pressure on the cervix causing it to dilate and hence ease the labor process.

In severe cases of nose bleeding, a catheter is used to block blood flowing from the nose to the mouth.

Types of catheters

There are different types of catheters depending on the various factors. They include:

1. Indwelling catheters

These are catheters inserted into the bladder through the urethra. This form of catheter requires a balloon, which is inflated to hold the catheter in place and prevent it from slipping out. On the other end, a bowl is fixed where urine is collected.

2. Intermittent catheter

These work in the same way as indwelling catheters. The major difference between the two is, the intermittent catheter is inserted to last enough time to empty the bladder, after that it is removed. This means the patient or caretaker must be taught how to insert and remove the catheter when the need arises.

3. Suprapubic catheter

This is a form of an indwelling catheter inserted through a hole made in the abdomen to the bladder. It is commonly used for patients with adamaged or blocked urethra, as well as, those suffering from long-term health conditions.

4. Condom catheters

This is a special catheter for men with functional or mental problems and without urinary retention. It is designed like a condom and fixed to a tube; a drainage bag is on the other end where the urine collects.

Catheter brands

There is a wide variety of catheter brands available in the market today. These are from different manufacturers and made in various sizes, materials and designs. Common brands include:

– Bard catheters
– MTG catheters
– Teleflex catheters
– Urocare Catheters
– Coloplast Catheters

Conclusion

Catheters form some of the vital medical applications for those with problems passing urine. Choosing the best uses and types and brands of Foley catheters require medical guidance. For this reason, it is important to consult with a personal doctor in the event there are problems in passing urine and related problems. It is also important to ensure health precautions are in place when using the catheter.

Please visit specific items below.  You can also contact Mary (manager of Olney Medical Equipment) for further information at 301-774-8200 or Bethany in Towson at 410-882-4005. Prescriptions may be faxed directly to Mary at 301-774-5767. Thank-You for your Time and for Choosing our Company to provide you with excellent medical supplies and service!