Catheters are thin, flexible tubes designed for medical purposes. They are used in patient care to perform a variety of functions, such as draining fluids from the body, delivering fluids or medications, and measuring pressure. Catheters come in various types and are utilized in different medical procedures and conditions.

Types of catheters

Foley Catheter:

A Foley catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine from the body. It's often used for patients who have urinary retention, need accurate urine output measurement, or require continuous drainage (e.g., during surgery or childbirth).

Central Venous Catheter (Central Line):

Central venous catheters are placed in large veins, typically in the chest or neck, to administer medications, fluids, or parenteral nutrition directly into the bloodstream. They are also used for drawing blood, monitoring central venous pressure, and for hemodialysis access.

Peripheral Intravenous (IV) Catheter:

Peripheral IV catheters are inserted into a peripheral vein, typically in the hand or arm, to deliver medications, fluids, or blood products. They are commonly used for short-term intravenous access in hospitals and clinics.

Arterial Catheter (Arterial Line):

Arterial catheters are inserted into an artery to continuously monitor blood pressure and collect arterial blood samples. They are often used in critical care settings to closely monitor a patient's hemodynamic status.

Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube):

Nasogastric tubes are inserted through the nose and into the stomach. They are used for feeding patients who cannot eat normally, administering medications or contrast agents, and decompressing the stomach in cases of gastrointestinal obstruction.

Pulmonary Artery Catheter (Swan-Ganz Catheter):

Swan-Ganz catheters are advanced into the pulmonary artery to monitor cardiac function, assess pulmonary pressures, and provide information about fluid status. They are often used in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit.

Indwelling Urethral Catheter (Suprapubic Catheter):

Indwelling urethral catheters are inserted into the bladder and left in place for an extended period to manage urinary retention, incontinence, or surgical recovery. Suprapubic catheters are inserted through a surgical incision in the lower abdomen, providing an alternative to urethral catheters.

Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube):

Gastrostomy tubes are surgically placed directly into the stomach, allowing for long-term enteral nutrition and medication delivery in patients who cannot swallow or eat by mouth.