Katheters

Catheters are flexible tubes inserted into the body to withdraw fluids, measure pressures, or deliver liquids. In English the standard spelling is catheter; katheter or katheters appear in other languages or historical usage. They are used across medical specialties and made from materials such as latex, silicone, or polyurethane. Urinary catheters drain urine from the bladder; Foley catheters include an inflatable balloon to retain them, while intermittent catheters are used for short-term drainage. Vascular catheters provide access to the bloodstream for intravenous therapy or blood sampling, including short peripheral lines, central venous catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), and implanted ports for long-term therapy.

Care and use involve aseptic insertion and, for many catheters, a closed drainage or regulated infusion system to minimize infection. Catheters are categorized by site and duration: urinary, vascular, and dialysis catheters are common groups. Complications can include infections (such as catheter-associated urinary tract infection or central-line–associated bloodstream infection), blockage, accidental removal, tissue trauma, thrombosis, and, for some central lines, air embolism or misplacement. Regular assessment and timely removal when no longer needed reduce risk. Catheter care emphasizes securement, cleanliness, monitoring for signs of infection, and adherence to local guidelines.

Applications span urology, critical care, anesthesia, surgery, and interventional radiology, reflecting the catheter’s roles in drainage, infusion, monitoring, and vascular access for procedures such as dialysis or chemotherapy.