Foley's catheter : Parts, Technique and indications : Clinical skills

Summary

This video provides a detailed explanation of the Foley catheter, including its components, usage, and safe insertion process. It covers the different parts of the catheter such as the urine drainage port, balloon port, Y junction, and tip, and explains the different sizes of catheters used for various age groups and genders. The process of proper insertion, lubrication with lignocaine gel, and balloon inflation using distilled water is demonstrated. Important precautions are discussed, including the need to avoid saline or air for inflation to prevent complications, as well as how to safely remove and dispose of the catheter.

Takeaways

• 😀 A Foley catheter is used to drain urine from the urinary bladder in patients who cannot urinate voluntarily or are bedridden.
• 😀 The key parts of a Foley catheter include the urine drainage port, balloon port, Y junction, and the tip with an aperture that rests in the urinary bladder.
• 😀 Foley catheters come in various sizes, ranging from 8 to 26 French (FR), with the size indicating the diameter of the catheter, tailored to different age groups and genders.
• 😀 The insertion of a Foley catheter requires lubrication with lignocaine gel to ease the process, and Betadine should be used to clean the genital area before insertion.
• 😀 The catheter must be inserted until the Y junction, ensuring that the balloon is inflated only after the catheter is in place inside the bladder.
• 😀 Distilled water, not normal saline or air, should be used to inflate the catheter's balloon to prevent complications such as crystallization or leakage.
• 😀 The balloon must be inflated after the catheter reaches the Y junction to avoid damaging the membranous part of the urethra, which is more prone to rupture.
• 😀 Catheter insertion in cases of penile injuries should avoid the urethra entirely; instead, a suprapubic catheter should be used.
• 😀 The maximum fluid volume for inflating the balloon should be limited to 30 mL to prevent rupture, with 10 mL being a safe amount.
• 😀 The Foley catheter should be carefully removed by deflating the balloon using a syringe, and it should be pulled slowly to prevent injury to the urethra.
• 😀 Proper training is essential for the safe insertion and removal of a Foley catheter, as untrained practitioners may cause harm by improperly inflating the balloon or inserting the catheter too forcefully.

Q & A

What is a Foley catheter and when is it used?

A Foley catheter is a medical device used to drain urine from the urinary bladder, typically used for patients who cannot urinate voluntarily or are bedridden.

What are the different parts of a Foley catheter?

A Foley catheter consists of several parts: the urine drainage port, balloon port, Y-junction, and the tip. The tip has a small aperture that collects urine from the bladder.

What is the significance of the 'balloon' in a Foley catheter?

The balloon is located near the balloon port. It inflates inside the bladder to keep the catheter in place, preventing it from slipping out once inserted.

What does the 'Y-junction' refer to in a Foley catheter?

The Y-junction is the point where the catheter's drainage tube splits, leading to both the balloon and the drainage port.

How are Foley catheter sizes determined?

Foley catheters come in various sizes, denoted by 'FR' (French size). The size ranges from 8 to 26, and different sizes are suited for various age groups. For example, size 8-10 is for children, size 12-16 is for females, and sizes 20-22 are for adult males.

Why is the membranous part of the urethra considered more prone to trauma?

The membranous part of the urethra is the weakest part, as it lacks surrounding tissue, making it more susceptible to injury, especially when inserting a catheter.

What should be done before inserting a Foley catheter?

Before insertion, the genital area must be cleaned thoroughly with Betadine. Lignocaine gel should also be applied to the catheter tip to facilitate smooth insertion and reduce discomfort.

Why is it crucial to insert the Foley catheter until the Y-junction in males?

Inserting the catheter up to the Y-junction ensures the balloon is correctly placed within the bladder and reduces the risk of injury to the membranous urethra.

What is the proper technique for inflating the balloon of the Foley catheter?

After the catheter is inserted into the bladder, a 10cc syringe filled with distilled water is used to inflate the balloon through the balloon port. Distilled water is preferred over normal saline or air to avoid complications like crystallization or leakage.

How should a Foley catheter be removed safely?

To safely remove a Foley catheter, the balloon must be deflated by inserting a syringe into the balloon port. After deflation, the catheter should be slowly and carefully removed to avoid injury.