Urinary Catheter Guide

Resources, Tips, and Medical Product Reviews for Urinary Catheters

While most catheters are purchased for medical purposes, many men have found uses for external male catheters aside from incontinence or Urology. Once instance of this is with Scuba Diving.

Nature calls no matter where you’re at, and scuba diving presents some unique challenges. Scuba divers on extra long exploration dives in drysuits at some point need will need to urinate – surfacing on a deep dive to remove equipment and unzip the drysuit just to urinate is not practical or ideal.

And, of course, urinating in a drysuit is never a pleasant experience. So there are two realistic options that do not involve surfacing: 1) Wear a diaper or pad (such as Depends) to soak up urine and dispose when you surface or 2) Wear an external catheter that drains the urine from the suit through an output valve.

Since drysuits are made to prevent water from entering, a way to release urine underwater is needed to vent urine from inside the suit to the outside. Thankfully for male divers, valves designed for drysuits (known as a P-Valve) allow urine to release through a vent and an external catheter system.

A P-Valve connects to the drysuit on the thigh and allows for fluids to transfer out without allowing water in. It attaches directly to an external catheter system that allows the urine to drain through the tubing and out of the P-Valve.

What kind of catheters should be used for Scuba Diving?

A male external “Condom” catheter is the standard catheter worn by male divers. There are multiple options and brands in condom catheters, but typically the favorite among divers seems to be Rochester’s WideBand Catheters. Rochester WideBand series are popular scuba diving catheters because they offer more adhesive area and protection for the wearer than most other external caths.

Also popular is Rocheter Pop-On catheters, which are much shorter in length but still have a securing adhesive band.

There are also female versions of the condom catheter made for diving.

Considerations when using a Catheter during Scuba Diving

• Just as you should with all scuba equipment, keep P-valves and tubing clean. Flush the P-Valve tubing out with vinegar and water after each dive.
• Re-using catheters can cause bacteria buildup, putting you at risk for Urinary Tract Infections. Catheters are relatively cheap, so use a new one instead of attempting to re-use an old catheter.
• Minimize or eliminate kinking and bending of the tube when donning a drysuit. Kinking or bending can cause urine backflow in some instances or build pressure which can cause leaks.
• Consider an adhesive remover to keep away the “tacky” feeling common with using medical adhesives.
• Get proper sizing for the catheter. Catheters are usually measured in millimeters. If you’re unsure which catheter would provide the best fit, suppliers such as Rochester may provide samples, or try purchasing catheters individually in several different sizes to see which ones fit the best.
• If putting on a Wideband or lengthy adhesive bonded external catheter, be sure to pull back or remove any hair prior to wearing!

For good prices on scuba diving catheters, visit STLMedical.com.

For more information on diving with catheters, see these posts on Scubaboard.com:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/exposure-suits/212834-pee-valve-catheter-success.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/exposure-suits/210719-wideband-catheter-holy-crap.html

CAUTIs are one of the most common hospital infections, and many times these infections could be avoiding by better procedures followed by nursing staff inserting and changing the catheters. Urinary tract infections increase patient suffering, but even on a purely economical level it’s bad for hospitals because it increases the time and resources needed for care. So, in essence, everyone loses.

Regardless if an individual chooses to self-cath or is being cathed by a caretaker, good procedures should always be followed to prevent infection. And an individual needing a catheter should have a good understanding of the proper procedures for cathing – so, what can a patient do to protect themselves from improper nursing procedures and prevention of UTIs?
Educate Yourself

• Learn how Catheter-associated infections happen.
• Ask a lot of questions about the hospital’s procedures for catheterization. Understand how their process works, and ask what they do to prevent infections from happening.
• Find out the answers to how long it will be needed, why its necessary, and when it expected to be removed.
• If you don’t understand an answer, keep asking. Or perhaps you’re not asking the right questions – so talk with hospital staff who can lead you to the person who can answer your questions properly. Get family and friends involved if necessary to get the right answers.

Keeping it Clean

• Ensure any visitors, nurses, and doctors all clean their hands with soap and water. All caregivers should wash their hands before touching you, the catheter, or the tubing. Don’t touch, or let anyone else touch, the catheter and tubing without washing their hands first.
• Ensure any catheter inserted into the body is sterile and opened immediately before use.
• If you are told you have a high bacteria count on your skin, clean it with an anti-septic solution.
• Keep a stock of soaps, anti-septics, no-rinse cleansers, gels, lotions, etc. for your own personal use and for nursing care.

Getting Help

• Talk with the nurses or doctors immediately if bandages or equipment get wet or dirty.
• If there is any pain, redness, or soreness around the catheter, let the nurses and doctors know.

Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections are the source of the suffering of patients, extended costs, and more frequent hospital care for many patients.  In fact, CAUTIs have been on the rise in hospitals for years now.

Medline’s new catheter tray helps to improve the process of cathing patients to help prevent the costly ($4.5 – 6.65 billion dollar) healthcare-associated UTIs from cathing, most of which is due to incorrect procedure in the cathing process.  CAUTIS stand for about 40% of all healthcare-associated infections.

So whats the big idea?  Medline’s new ERASE CAUTI system helps prevent these catheter infections by helping to streamline the process of correct cathing.  Here are some of the new additions:

Photo Illustrations of Tray Contents - Easy and clear instructions for nurses and health care professionals to know exactly how to use the tray.  This is helpful not only for the health care professional, but also explaining the catheter and the tray components to the patient.

Checklist of Procedures – The instructions with the system come with a checklist of procedures for the catheter tray.  Using a checklist dramatically reduces the number of procedural errors in health care; likewise, following correct procedures can dramatically reduce incidents of incorrect cathing and infections.

Patient Education Cards – Included with the tray are materials to educate the patient for the bedside care they are receiving.  The cards are an easy, useful way of providing this information to patients.

One-Layer Tray Design – The simple design of the tray allows the caretaker to follow an easy, straightforward process that leaves little room for variance (and error).  The sequence of events followed using the ERASE CAUTI system follows the instructions from start to finish.  This helps make patient care efficient and accurate.

Visit Medline’s Website for More.

This article from the AP shows that the Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) have been on the rise in 2009 despite changes in policy that have failed to address the shortcomings of medical care in hospital settings.

In fact, urinary infections caused by catheterization after surgery increased in frequency by 3.6 percent last month.

CAUTIs isn’t the only lacking element of health care infections; bloodstream infections increased by 8 percent, and overall infections increased 1.6 percent.

The silver lining of the report shows that pneumonia follwowing surgery has dropped by 12 percent, but these cases are far less prevelent than CAUTIs, one of the most common forms of infection.

The study also shows us that Catheter associated urinary tract  infections are most common among the low-income patients and the uninsured, disappointing officials in the Institute of Medicine who have worked to educate about medical errors and how to prevent them, including CAUTIs.

These infections increase hospitalization time, patient suffering, and costs which puts more strain on the already complex and strained healthcare system.    Minimizing infections has the opposite effect; better care, less expenses, and one more hospital bed for a new patient.  All CAUTIs can be mediated simply by providing mindful, careful consideration for any catheter insertion.  By good nursing with sterile environments, correct procedures, and changing the catheter at the correct, recommended interval infections can be prevented and possibly eliminated.

The New Jersey-based UroValve has been granted Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) approval for their product, the Surinate Bladder Management System, which means clinical studies will begin according to this Press Release from Urovalve.

Surinate is an ingenious urinary catheter designed for men who suffer from urine retention. Urine retention can be caused from a number of conditions in aging men, the most common being enlarged prostates (BPH) which create urine retention, urge incontinence, and overactive bladder issues.

Many men try drugs, incontinence products such as diapers and external catheters to help manage episodes. Men who can’t do these – or choose not to – will suffer through intermittent catheterization up to 6 times a day to drain their bladder.

The Surniate Catheter isn’t just a catheter, it’s actually a valve system that is far superior to other catheters on the market for these men. Here’s why:

Surniate keeps an open flow from the bladder to the external sphincter (just below the prostate) with a valve system easily controlled with an external magnet. The catheter valves keep the flow turned off until the wearer uses a small magnet externally to “switch” the valve’s position internally, just below the prostate, allowing the urine to flow out. When the magnet is pulled away, the valve shuts again and prevents the urine from flowing out.

• Less catheterization – The Surniate valve system can be work up to 28 days before replaced, as opposed to 4-6 times per day with traditional Intermittent/Foley catherers.
• Easier to Drain – The device allows one to function like normal; scheduling bathroom times and easily draining the bladder without unnecessary cathing and risk of UTIs and unnecessary discomfort.

To find out more about this new technology now undergoing clinical trials including a video, see Urovalve’s Technology page.

When seeking the ideal catheter, safety and cleanliness are the first and foremost concerns.  But if you can provide safety and cleanliness with quick and easy application and then also make the device as portable and discreet as possible, you’ve got a urinary catheter that is far superior to other catheters.

There are many challenges to developing such a product.  For instance, since catheters need to be hydrated and lubed for insertion, they often require additional lube.  Next, it needs to be fool-proof sterile, meaning packaged in such a way that it’s obvious to the user if the sterility has been compromised.  They also need to be in the right size and materials to protect the urethra and bladder from discomfort and damage.   Then, you’re faced with the challenges of packaging such a product so it’s portable, safe, and easy.

For those active women who are on the go – working, traveling, moving around on a daily basis – there’s always demand for improvements in managing urological needs.  Most urinary catheters are cumbersome and packing full length catheters along with lubes to carry with us on a daily basis is not the way we want to live our lives.

Coloplast delivers in all of these areas with the most convenient Intermittent Urinary Catheter yet, the SpeediCath Compact.  Designed especially for the active woman, the SpeediCath provides superior application when compared to other catheters.

SpeediCath is at the proper length for insertion into the female urethra for catheterization, so by design it eliminates potential harm.  It has an ultra-smooth texture that is pre-lubricated with a sterile saline solution.  The compact design looks similar in size and shape to a lipstick or lipgloss container and discreetly fits in a purse with your other purse goodies.

Since this catheter is “all inclusive”, there’s no need to carry around more supplies for a proper cath.  Simply use a SpeediCath by twisting it open, pulling out the pre-lubed tip while holding the easy grip handle and insert.  Once finished, place the catheter tube back into its container, discard, and go about your day.

Coloplast’s latest addition to their line of catheters for women makes using a urinary catheter far more convenient than regular catheters.  It makes application fast and easy with the added benefit of portability and discreetness unmatched by any other female intermittent catheter on the market.

SpeediCath costs more than the standard fare of standard silicone urinary catheters, so it’s probably not the only catheter you’ll want to have around.  If your cathing on a regular basis, costs add up quickly, so you will likely want to keep cheaper urinary catheters at home where it’s easier and more comfortable for cathing and the extra discretion isn’t necessary.   But for those prone to cathing in public places or in need of quick and painless cathing, pack a few SpeediCath Compact tubes in your purse before you go about your day and you’ll be glad you did.

The National Associated for Continence (NAFC), an organization that provides education about the cause, treatments, diagnosis, and management of incontinence and other urological dysfunctions, has released a new educational pamphlet for consumers who may be facing urinary catheterization as well as nurses who need to instruct patients on self catheterization.

The publication, sponsored by the Rochester Medical Corporation, outlines step-by-step instructions for self-cathing, product selection, and Medicare coverage for urinary catheters.  There’s also a focus on preventing Urinary Tract Infections, which are of course very common implications for many using catheters that increase suffering, hospital visits, and can even mean severe urological damage for some.

Catheterization is performed by hospitals, homes, or nursing facilities about 4-5 million times per year, and the estimated cost of Urinary Tract Infections (many times due to incorrect catheterization) is over $1.6 billion US dollars annually in the United States alone.

From the article:

Leslie Wooldridge, GNP-BC, editor of this publication, believes this pamphlet will help many. “I will recommend this publication to all of my patients who catheterize, many of whom may not be aware of the recent change in Medicare coverage. Other healthcare professionals will find this pamphlet useful as well.”

Karen Sasso, RN, APN, BSN, MSN, CCCN, clinical reviewer of this publication, explains the use of this pamphlet: “Catheterization should be easy and painless. This pamphlet will help many learn the correct way to catheterize and how to avoid discomfort and possible bladder infections that occur when incorrect technique is performed.”

The pamplet can be purchased from NAFC’s online Paypal store here.  For bulk orders, call them at 1.800.BLADDER (252.3337) or e-mail memberservices@nafc.org.

When a catheter is inserted into the human body, it irritates the urethral and bladder mucosa. This reduces the natural defense mechanism and provides an ideal surface for the growth of bacteria. The chances of getting a urinary tract infection from a catheter are high. The risk of infection increases with the number of days the catheter is in place.

Silver is an antimicrobial with a molecular structure that makes an effective means of destroying microorganisms. Multiple studies indicate that urethral catheters coated with hydrogel and silver salts reduce the risk of developing a urinary tract infection. These benefits apply to catheters coated with silver alloy on both the internal and external surfaces of the catheter. The catheter is not silver in color.

The Health Care Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee has reviewed the various studies performed comparing silver-coated catheters to standard catheters. Their findings indicate that further research is needed on the effect of antimicrobial/antiseptic-impregnated catheters in reducing infections.

This advisory committee recommends:

1. Minimizing urinary catheter use and the duration of use in all patients
2. Avoid the use of urinary catheters for management of incontinence

There is growing evidence that catheter-associated urinary tract infections could be reduced by using silver-coated catheters. It is important to note that the best way to avoid urinary tract infections is to not have a catheter in place. Before deciding to use a silver-coated catheter, discuss this issue with your physician.

More data related to silver-coated catheters:

CAUTI Reduction Strategy

Science Blog

Guideline For Prevention Of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections 2009

Prevention of Nosocomial Urinary Tract Infection

Last week, the Infectious Diseases Society of America has released the guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention, and mangament of catheter-associated urinary tract infections for adults. (18+) These guidelines are designed for any and all medical professionals and individuals involved directly with patient care.  These guidelines are in the March 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

UTIs caused by catheterization is the number one cause of health care associated infections worldwide.  The guidelines aim to end unnecessary catheterization and the improper use of catheters.  For instance, removing the catheter as soon as it’s not needed, and ensuring cathing is only performed when necessary.

Cutting down on hospital infections decreases patient suffering of course, but it also lessens nursing time and the expense of treating UTIs that could have been avoided.

From the article, here are the indications for indwelling catheterization:

Indications for Urinary Catheter Use

• Clinically significant urinary retention if medical therapy is not effective and surgical correction is not indicated.
• Urinary incontinence for comfort in a terminally ill patient if less invasive measures fail and collecting devices are not an acceptable alternative.
• Need for accurate urine output monitoring in critically ill patients.
• When the patient is unable or unwilling to collect urine (ie, during prolonged surgical procedures with general or spinal anesthesia; selected urologic and gynecologic procedures in the perioperative period).

Overall, it seems the consensus is that indwelling Urinary Catheterization should not be performed in a hospital simply for urinary incontinence alone; one of the above requirements must be met. And of course, all staff should be informed of the correct policies and procedures for catheterization.

While Catheter-associated UTIs still need more research in determining the ideal information, requirements, and practices for catheterization, researchers are positive that new advances in Urological health are accelerating and future development in this area will result in fewer UTIs.

Hip fracture surgery is a common surgery where a urinary catheter is used to continue regular bladder function. Of course, cathing is not a procedure that anyone wants to go through, its relatively unpleasant, and those going through surgery that requires a urinary catheter want to return to normalcy as soon as possible.

Clamping the catheter is supposed to shorten the amount of time it takes to return to normal bladder function, but a study suggests this common practice has little or no effect on the number of catheters needed or the time cathing is required post-surgery.

Researchers studied 113 patients 50+ who had a hip fracture and urinary catheters. Some had either had their urinary catheters clamped before removed, and some were removed with free drainage.

It was discovered that no difference was found between the two groups in the time it took for their bladders to return to normal function or the time they spent in the hospital.

It’s a benefit for nurses who can simplify the process of re-cathing, which before required the time and consideration to clamp the catheter as part of the procedure.