What a Catheter Does and Where to Find One

What is a catheter and where can you find one?  This is a tube that is used for special medical cases.  This tube is meant to be put inside a cavity, vessel or duct.  The operation is basically to allow drainage or injection.  These tubes are usually thin and soft, though they can be larger.  Some of these items are used temporarily, some regularly and some actually stay inside the body permanently, in the case of indwelling catheters or a permcath.

The most common reasons for buying one today include the following.  If a man needs to drain urine but is unable to go naturally, catheterization may be required.  There may also be drainage required from the urethra or the kidneys.  Another problem that might arise includes the drainage of fluid collections, as in the case of abdominal abscess.  If at any point, a patient needs intravenous fluids, then catheterization can be recommended.

Other conditions that typically require such a device include an angioplasty, angiography, catheterization ablation, balloon septostomy and balloon sinuplasty.  Subcutaneous administration of insulin may also require catheterization, which could be necessary for diabetes patients.  Even in pregnancy, such an object may be used.  An umbilical line is a special type of device used in NICU that provides quick access to the central circulation of premature babies.  An item that would be of interest to men is that of a condom catheter, which helps men (usually recovering from prostate surgery) to dispel urine discreetly.

Some of the top brands include Coloplast, Astra Tech, Rochester Medical, Hollister, Cure, Rusch and Bard.  These items are usually only available by prescription.  They can be purchased at a medical supply store or online, with an appropriate prescription.  How much can you expect to pay for such a device?  They typically cost less than $20, and they can easily be cleaned after initial use.  There are also disposable models, which come in larger quantities.  Most doctors will be willing to teach you how to use these devices, so take advantage of a doctor’s kindness.  This will ultimately save you a lot of money, and it’s not as hard as you may think.

Where can you buy these devices?  Try an online store that sells catheters directly to patients.  You will probably need a doctor’s prescription but these documents can easily be faxed in.  This saves you a trip and saves you paying top dollar.  Online purchasing makes ordering medical supplies easy and very convenient.