Dictionary

Catheter: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Healthcare Professionals

This article was written in collaboration with Christine T. and ChatGPT, our little helper developed by OpenAI.

Definition

A catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to allow the passage of fluids, provide access for surgical instruments, or monitor various physiological parameters. Catheters are commonly used in medical procedures to drain fluids, administer medications, or perform diagnostic tests.

Types of Catheters

There are various types of catheters, each designed for specific purposes and applications. Some common types include:

• Urinary Catheters: Used to drain urine from the bladder when a patient is unable to empty it naturally. Examples include indwelling catheters (Foley catheters) and intermittent catheters.
• IV (Intravenous) Catheters: Inserted into a vein to administer fluids, medications, blood products, or nutrition. Examples include peripheral IV catheters and central venous catheters (CVCs).
• Arterial Catheters: Placed in an artery to monitor blood pressure or obtain blood samples for analysis. Commonly used in critical care settings.
• Swan-Ganz Catheters: A specialized type of catheter that measures cardiac output, pressure, and other parameters in the heart and lungs. Used in critical care settings to assess and manage patients with heart or lung problems.
• Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs): A type of central venous catheter that is inserted through a peripheral vein and threaded into a central vein, typically used for long-term intravenous therapy.

Catheter Insertion

The process of catheter insertion varies depending on the type of catheter and the patient’s clinical situation. Some general steps involved in catheter insertion include:

• Obtaining informed consent from the patient, ensuring they understand the purpose, potential risks, and benefits of the procedure.
• Preparing the equipment and supplies needed for the procedure, such as sterile gloves, drapes, and the appropriate catheter.
• Cleaning the insertion site with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection.
• Using aseptic technique and maintaining sterile conditions throughout the procedure.
• Inserting the catheter into the appropriate body cavity, duct, or vessel, guided by the patient’s anatomy and clinical indications.
• Securing the catheter in place to prevent dislodgement or movement during use.
• Documenting the procedure, including the type of catheter, insertion site, and any complications or issues encountered.

Catheter Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of catheters are crucial to minimize complications and ensure patient comfort. Some general guidelines for catheter care and maintenance include:

• Regularly inspect the catheter and insertion site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
• Keep the insertion site clean and dry, using aseptic technique when changing dressings or cleaning the area.
• Ensure the catheter is secured and well-positioned to prevent dislodgement or kinking, which could impede fluid flow or cause discomfort.
• Monitor the function of the catheter, including fluid flow and patency, and address any issues promptly to prevent complications.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and institutional protocols for catheter maintenance and replacement, as the appropriate timeframes may vary depending on the type of catheter and individual patient factors.
• Practice proper hand hygiene before and after handling the catheter or related equipment to minimize the risk of infection.

Complications and Risks

Although catheter use is generally safe and well-tolerated, some potential complications and risks can occur, such as:

• Infection: Bacterial colonization of the catheter or insertion site can lead to local or systemic infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bloodstream infections.
• Dislodgement or Migration: The catheter may become dislodged or migrate from its intended position, potentially causing discomfort or impairing its function.
• Damage to Surrounding Tissues: The insertion or removal of a catheter may cause injury to surrounding tissues or structures, such as blood vessels, nerves, or internal organs.
• Thrombosis: Blood clots may form around or within the catheter, potentially leading to vessel blockage or embolization.
• Allergic Reactions: Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the catheter material, adhesives, or antiseptic solutions used during the procedure.

Real-Life Examples or Case Studies

In a real-life scenario, a patient with a spinal cord injury may require an indwelling urinary catheter to manage their bladder function. The healthcare team would insert a Foley catheter into the patient’s bladder, ensuring it is properly positioned and secured to prevent discomfort or dislodgement. The team would then monitor the patient’s urine output, as well as the catheter’s function and insertion site, to ensure proper care and minimize the risk of complications.

Resources and References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice. Silver Spring, MD: Nursesbooks.org.
• Gould, C. V., Umscheid, C. A., Agarwal, R. K., Kuntz, G., & Pegues, D. A. (2019). Guideline for Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections 2009. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 31(4), 319-326.
• O’Grady, N. P., Alexander, M., Burns, L. A., Dellinger, E. P., Garland, J., Heard, S. O., … & Saint, S. (2011). Guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 52(9), e162-e193.
• Rosenberger, L. H., Politano, A. D., & Sawyer, R. G. (2011). The use of a silver-impregnated catheter reduces the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Surgical Infections, 12(2), 151-155.
• Webster, J., Osborne, S., Rickard, C. M., & New, K. (2013). Clinically-indicated replacement versus routine replacement of peripheral venous catheters. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(4), CD007798.

Conclusion

Catheters are essential tools in healthcare, serving a variety of purposes, including draining fluids, administering medications, and monitoring physiological parameters. By understanding the different types of catheters, their appropriate use, insertion techniques, and care practices, healthcare professionals can minimize complications and optimize patient outcomes. Patients, in turn, can better understand the purpose and care of their catheters, facilitating their active involvement in their own healthcare management.