Katheterismus

Katheterismus, or catheterization, is the introduction of a catheter into a natural body channel or vessel for drainage, administration of fluids or measurement of parameters. It is performed across several medical fields, with urinary catheterization being the most common form. In urology and medicine, catheters are used to drain the bladder, relieve urinary retention, collect sterile urine samples, or deliver medications. Vascular catheterization provides vascular access for fluids, drugs, nutrition, hemodynamic monitoring, or dialysis access. Other routes include biliary, venous, arterial, or intracavitary catheterizations for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Historically, catheters date to ancient civilizations, but modern practices emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Foley catheter, introduced in the 1930s, features an inflatable balloon to secure placement in the bladder. The Seldinger technique, developed in the 1950s, popularized percutaneous catheterization of vessels using a guidewire.

Techniques emphasize asepsis, appropriate catheter size (French units), lubrication, and closed drainage systems when possible. Common complications include infection, urethral trauma or obstruction, catheter misplacement, and blockage. In vascular procedures, risks include bleeding, thrombosis, embolism, and pneumothorax. Contraindications depend on context and include urethral injury, indwelling infection, or patient intolerance.

To minimize harm, catheterization should be performed when indicated, using sterile technique, and with timely removal when no longer necessary. Training and institutional protocols guide practice and infection prevention.