Katetri

Katetri is a flexible tube inserted into the body to perform diagnostic or therapeutic tasks. Catheters provide access to vessels or body cavities to drain fluids, deliver medications or nutrients, measure pressures, or facilitate imaging and treatment.

Common types include vascular catheters, such as central venous catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines), and arterial lines, used in intensive care to monitor or administer fluids. Urinary catheters, for example Foley catheters, drain urine. Other catheters include peritoneal dialysis catheters, chest tube drains, biliary catheters, and neuraxial catheters used for anesthesia and pain control.

Insertion is performed by trained clinicians under sterile technique. Catheters are secured to the skin and regularly assessed for patency and infection. Maintenance may involve flushing with saline or heparinized solution, dressing changes, and minimizing movement. Potential complications include infection, thrombosis, catheter occlusion, bleeding, vessel injury, dislodgement, and, rarely, air embolism.

Materials are typically silicone or polyurethane; latex is less common due to allergy risk. Catheters may have coatings or antimicrobial features to reduce infection. The choice of catheter depends on the body site, duration of use, and patient factors.