There are many kinds of catheters that can be used to provide urinary drainage for a male patient.
Parameters:
(1) number of lumens (lumina)
(2) external diameter (gauge)
(3) special features
Purpose of Catheter
Number of Lumens
simple, short term urinary drainage
1
longer term drainage with an intracystic balloon
2 (Foley)
longer term drainage with an intracystic balloon and the need for an irrigation port
3
Patient Factors
Gauge
typical adult male
16 or 18 French
urethral stricture
12 or 14 French
benign prostatic hypertrophy
20 to 24 French
significant hematuria with blood clots
Additional Patient Factors
Special Feature
latex allergy
silicone
history of or risk factors for urinary tract infections
silver coated
coude tip
where:
• Coude = French for elbow
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Specialty: Nephrology, Clinical Laboratory
