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What are catheter accessories?
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Catheter accessories are devices which are designed to be used with a catheter and urinary drainage systems for their smooth functioning.
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What are the different types of catheter accessories and devices?
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- Stabilizing devices: Stabilizing devices, such as leg straps, prevent accidental pulling of the catheter.
- Catheter valves: Valves attached to the end of the catheter to allow or restrict urine flow.
- Grips: Grips can be mounted on the end of the catheter to prevent direct handling of the catheter prior to insertion and thus protect against infection.
- Adhesive pads and tapes: Adhesive pads and tapes anchor the catheter against the skin to prevent accidental pulling or displacement.
- Knee spreaders: Knee spreaders aid in positioning the legs to allow for easy insertion of the catheter.
- Spigots: Spigots are small plugs which block the flow of urine through the catheter.
- Urinary drainage bags: Urine drainage bags collect urine which flows through the catheter (tube) that has been placed inside the patient’s bladder.
- Leg bags: Leg bags are worn strapped to the leg to store urine drained from the bladder by means of a catheter or penile sheath.
- Catheter straps: Catheter straps are designed to eliminate slipping, twisting and discomfort. Catheter strap can be adjusted to position, fit and comfort.
- Catheter holders: Catheter holders secure and reduce pulling on indwelling catheter without restricting patient movement for greater comfort.
- Incontinent sheath holders: Incontinent sheath holders help to secure a urinary drainage sheath (external male catheter) in place without the use of adhesive.
- Tubing and connectors: Tubing and connectors are used to connect catheter to leg bags.
Intermittent Catheterization Aids:
- Handles: Intermittent catheters are fairly small and thin and if you have a problem with your hands or find a pincer grip difficult you might find them too fiddly to use. Special intermittent catheters are available that come with a handle already attached or specially designed grips are available that attach to the end of the catheter. These are larger and make holding the catheter easier.
- Leg spreaders: These are designed to help separate the legs and hold them apart during catheterization. Some have a mirror or light source attached. Both inflatable and metal leg spreaders are available. The metal ones are more expensive and some people find them harder to use than the inflatable ones which are cheaper and easier to carry.
- Penis holder: This can be used to hold and support the penis in a good position to make catheterization easier. They are particularly useful if you have a small or retracted penis (common after prostate surgery) or if you have poor use of your hands or use of only one hand.
- Labia holder (women only): This is designed to help spread the labia (vaginal lips) to help expose the entrance to the urethra. It may be useful for women who have poor use of their hands or use of only one hand. If you have poor eyesight and are catheterizing by feel alone you may find this useful as it will enable you to use both hands to feel for the urethral opening.
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What are the benefits of catheter accessories?
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Catheter accessories help in the smooth functioning of a catheter. Different accessories have different task. They: - Make it safe and secure
- Assist in proper insertion
- Prevent premature catheter removal
- Make it easy to use
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