We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

What is a Medical Catheter?

By Pamela Pleasant
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

A medical catheter is typically used following a surgery or injury to collect fluid from a specific area. It is generally a flexible plastic tubing that is inserted into the skin. In some cases, a glass or metal tubing can also be used, depending on the circumstances. There are many medical conditions and ailments that require a medical catheter. In some cases, they are needed to avoid a life-threatening situation, but they can also be used for convenience.

A cardio medical catheter is used when there are problems with the heart. For example, an after-load catheter is used to relieve the aortic pressure around the heart. A catheter can be inserted through a vein and into the heart area for diagnostic purposes. They can be used to help blood circulation and to stimulate the heart. This type of medical catheter can also be used to drain mucus or other fluids away from the heart area.

A balloon type of medical catheter is commonly used to drain urine from the body. It is inserted into the urethra to allow urine to drain, surpassing the bladder and collecting in a plastic bag. This catheter is typically used following a surgery on the bladder or any surrounding organs. The risk of infections can then be greatly reduced because no urine or bacteria can enter the site. A balloon medical catheter can also be inserted in order to fill the bladder with fluid for medical testing procedures.

A double-chamber medical catheter has two functions. It not only collects fluid from a specific area but it also can deliver essential medications to an area. Instead of only one tube opening, it has two separate tubes that can be placed in the vicinity of each other. This eliminates the need for separate injections and medicine can be delivered directly to the area. Eliminating traumatic procedures is also much more comfortable for the patient.

There are side effects that can be caused by the use of any type of catheter. Cardio catheters can cause internal bleeding if they are not removed correctly. Urinary catheters can cause tearing and urethra damage if they are not lubricated correctly. When a catheter is not occasionally moved or properly lubricated, the surrounding skin can grow in around it, making removal a difficult and painful experience. Catheters can also be the main cause of infections.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.