Introduction
Among various urinary catheterisation supplies, the Foley catheter is one of the most common and widely used indwelling urinary catheters in hospitals. Named after its inventor, Frederic E. B. Foley, it is widely used in postoperative care, intensive care, and the treatment of patients with long-term urinary dysfunction.
This article will provide an in-depth understanding of: What is a Foley catheter? Its structural features, target population, usage methods, and precautions, helping you to fully grasp the basic knowledge of this important medical tool.
I. What is a Foley catheter used for?
A Foley catheter is a tube inserted into the urethra to drain urine from the bladder. Made from natural latex or silicone, it is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine. Once in place, a balloon near the tip of the catheter secures it within the bladder, preventing it from dislodging, while a drainage tube connects to a urine bag to collect urine.
II. Structural components of a Foley catheter
The Foley catheter typically consists of the following components:
- Catheter body: Made of soft materials such as silicone or latex, with a length suitable for the urethra of adult males and females.
- 2- way Foley catheter: One lumen is used for urine drainage, while the other is used to inject fluid (typically sterile saline) into the balloon.
- Terminal balloon: Expands when filled with fluid to prevent accidental dislodgement of the catheter.
- 3- way Foley catheter: The three lumens are for urine drainage, fluid injection with a hard valve, and irrigation/medication administration. The 3-way Foley catheter adds an additional drainage channel to the 2- way design, enabling continuous bladder irrigation. It is primarily used for irrigation following prostate enlargement surgery, bladder bleeding, or cloudy urine.
III. Features of the Foley catheter
- High stability: The balloon design allows it to remain securely in place within the bladder for extended periods.
- Easy to use: Healthcare professionals can quickly complete the catheterisation procedure.
- Wide range of applications: Suitable for various urinary system issues and surgical patients.
- Convenient for monitoring urine output: Suitable for monitoring urine output in critically ill patients.
IV. Which patients require a Foley catheter?
1. Suitable population includes
- Bedridden patients requiring long-term catheterisation
- Postoperative recovery patients (e.g., caesarean section, prostate surgery)
- Patients with urinary difficulties due to neurological conditions (e.g., spinal cord injury)
- Elderly patients with urinary retention
2. Common usage scenarios
- Operating room: Maintains urine output during anaesthesia to prevent bladder overdistension.
- ICU ward: Monitors urine output to assess renal function and circulatory status.
- Rehabilitation department or home care: Provides continuous urinary drainage support for patients with mobility impairments.
V. How long can a Foley catheter remain in place?
1. According to medical guidelines and clinical experience, Foley catheters can generally be safely left in place for 7 to 28 days, with the specific duration depending on the following factors:
| Material type | Recommended retention time | Characteristics |
| Latex Foley catheter | 7–14 days | Low cost but may cause irritation, suitable for short-term use |
| Silicone Foley catheter | 28 days or longer | Good biocompatibility, suitable for long-term retention |
| Coated antimicrobial catheter | Can be extended to over 30 days | Reduces infection risk, suitable for high-risk populations |
2. Key factors influencing retention time
2.1 Catheter material
Silicone material is more durable and less irritating, suitable for longer retention periods.
Latex material is prone to causing inflammatory reactions and is generally not recommended for use beyond two weeks.
2.2 Patient health status
Individuals with impaired immunity (e.g., diabetic patients, the elderly) are more prone to urinary tract infections and should have shorter replacement intervals.
If symptoms such as fever, hematuria, or pain occur, the catheter should be replaced or removed promptly.
2.3 Presence of complications
Includes catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), blockage, leakage, or balloon rupture.
Any abnormalities should be addressed immediately, and the catheter replaced.
2.4 Medical environment and nursing standards
In professional settings such as hospital ICUs, the usage time may be appropriately extended.
In home care settings, greater attention should be paid to cleanliness and replacement frequency.
VI. How to wear a Foley catheter?
- Prepare supplies: Disinfected cotton balls, lubricant, urine collection bag, syringe, sterile gloves, etc.
- Clean the local area: Thoroughly disinfect the urethral opening.
- Lubricate the catheter: Apply an appropriate amount of lubricant to reduce friction damage.
- Insert the catheter: Slowly insert it along the urethra until the balloon enters the bladder.
- Inject balloon fluid: Inject the specified amount of saline solution (generally 5–30 ml) through the injection chamber.
- Connect the urine collection bag: Ensure smooth drainage and secure the catheter to prevent pulling.
VII. Precautions for using the Foley catheter
- To reduce the risk of infection and enhance safety, the following precautions should be observed when using the Foley catheter:
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene: Wash hands before and after each use, and replace the urine collection bag regularly.
- Replace the catheter regularly: Replace every 2–4 weeks according to material recommendations.
- Monitor for abnormal symptoms: Seek medical attention promptly if fever, haematuria, pain, or unusual odour occurs.
- Prevent backflow: Ensure the urine collection bag is always below bladder level to prevent urine from flowing back.
- Prevent infection: When necessary, choose an antimicrobial-coated catheter to reduce CAUTI.
VIII. Trends in the development of Foley catheters
With advancements in medical technology, Foley catheters are continuously being optimised and upgraded:
- Antimicrobial coating technology: Such as silver alloy coatings or nanomaterials, which effectively inhibit bacterial adhesion.
- Highly biocompatible materials: Such as all-silicone catheters, which reduce irritation and discomfort.
- Integration of smart monitoring systems: Future models may be equipped with sensors to monitor urine parameters in real time.
Conclusion
Foley catheters play a crucial role in urinary system management, post-operative care, and long-term rehabilitation. Proper selection, standardised use, and scientific care are key to ensuring patient safety and improving quality of life.
If you are seeking high-quality Foley catheter products, please contact us to learn more about product specifications, usage guidelines, and care recommendations. We are committed to providing reliable urinary medical supplies for both healthcare institutions and individual users.