Catheter irrigation is the process of flushing a catheter with a sterile solution to remove bacteria and other contaminants. It is an important part of catheter care and can help prevent infection.
Catheter irrigation is typically done every few days or as directed by a doctor. It can be done at home or in a clinic. To irrigate a catheter, you will need:
A urinary catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine. It is used when a person is unable to urinate on their own, such as after surgery, childbirth, or due to a medical condition. Catheterization is a common procedure that is typically performed by a nurse or doctor.
There are two main types of urinary catheters: indwelling and intermittent. Indwelling catheters are left in place for an extended period of time, while intermittent catheters are inserted and removed as needed. Indwelling catheters are typically used for people who are unable to urinate on their own for an extended period of time, such as those who are paralyzed or have a spinal cord injury. Intermittent catheters are typically used for people who have difficulty urinating, such as those with a urinary tract infection or an enlarged prostate.
Foley Catheter Irrigation is a procedure used to maintain the patency of a Foley catheter, which is a thin tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine. Irrigation involves flushing the catheter with a sterile solution to remove any blockages or sediment that may have accumulated. This helps prevent infection and ensures the proper functioning of the catheter.
Importance and Benefits:Regular irrigation of a Foley catheter is crucial for several reasons. It helps:
A pleurx catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall. It is used to drain fluid or air from the pleural space, which can build up and cause difficulty breathing. Draining the pleural space can help to relieve symptoms and improve lung function.
There are two main types of pleurx catheters: small-bore catheters and large-bore catheters. Small-bore catheters are typically used to drain fluid from the pleural space, while large-bore catheters are used to drain air or large amounts of fluid. The type of catheter that is used will depend on the individual patient’s needs.
