Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Indwelling urinary catheter, urinary retention catheter, balloon catheter, retention catheter, self-retaining catheter, urethral catheter, bladder catheter, urinary drainage tube, FR catheter, Foley
Definition
A Foley catheter is a flexible tube with an inflatable balloon tip that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine.1 Developed by Frederick Foley in 1935, this indwelling urinary catheter consists of a hollow tube with two separate channels (lumens) running its entire length.2 The first lumen opens at both ends and drains urine into a collection bag, while the second lumen has a valve on the outside and a balloon on the inside which is inflated with sterile fluid or saline to hold the catheter securely in place within the bladder.3
The catheter is typically made of silicone, latex, or polytetrafluoroethylene-coated materials, with sizes measured in French gauge (Fr), ranging from 12-16Fr for most adults.4 Modern variations include triple-lumen catheters that have a third channel used to flush the bladder with sterile fluids, particularly after urological surgeries.5 Some catheters are also impregnated with antibacterial or silver films to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.6
The primary purpose of a Foley catheter is to provide continuous drainage of urine from the bladder when normal urination is not possible or when bladder emptying needs to be monitored.7 It allows for accurate measurement of urine output, particularly important in critically ill patients, and can remain in place for periods ranging from several hours to several weeks, depending on the material and clinical indication.8
Clinical Context
The Foley catheter is utilized in a wide range of clinical scenarios across multiple medical specialties.1 In urological practice, it serves as a primary intervention for both acute and chronic urinary retention, which may result from conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, urethral strictures, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, or post-surgical complications.2 Clinicians also employ Foley catheters during perioperative management, particularly for surgeries lasting more than one hour, procedures involving the urinary tract, or cases requiring intensive care monitoring post-operation.3
In critical care settings, Foley catheters are essential for accurate measurement and monitoring of urine output in hemodynamically unstable patients, allowing for precise fluid management and early detection of renal dysfunction.4 For patients with spinal cord injuries or neurological conditions affecting bladder control, these catheters may be used as a long-term solution for managing urinary elimination.5
Beyond traditional urinary drainage, Foley catheters have found application in various specialized procedures. In obstetrics, they may be utilized during labor induction, where the balloon is inflated in the cervical canal to facilitate cervical ripening.6 In gastrointestinal surgery, modified applications include their use as temporary feeding tubes or for administering enemas through stomas.7
The selection of appropriate patients for Foley catheterization follows evidence-based guidelines to minimize complications, particularly catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).8 Current best practices emphasize using catheters only when medically necessary, selecting the smallest appropriate size (typically 12-16Fr for adults), maintaining a closed drainage system, and removing the catheter as soon as clinically indicated.9 For patients requiring long-term catheterization, regular assessments and catheter changes (every 2-12 weeks depending on material) are recommended to reduce encrustation and biofilm formation.10