Kertakäyttökateettereita

Kertakäyttökateettereita, known in English as single-use catheters, are medical devices designed for a single patient use and then disposed of. They are commonly employed in healthcare settings for various medical procedures, primarily for draining bodily fluids or administering medication. The most frequent application is bladder catheterization, where a catheter is inserted into the bladder to relieve urinary retention, obtain sterile urine samples, or monitor urine output.

These catheters are typically made from materials like latex, silicone, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The design usually includes a hollow tube with one or more drainage eyes near the tip and a port for connection to a collection bag or drainage system. Some catheters are designed with a balloon near the tip that can be inflated with sterile water or saline once inside the bladder, helping to keep the catheter in place.

The primary advantage of single-use catheters is the significant reduction in the risk of healthcare-associated infections, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). By eliminating reuse, the potential for cross-contamination between patients is minimized. This also simplifies the process for healthcare providers, as it removes the need for sterilization procedures between uses.

Kertakäyttökateettereita are available in various sizes, lengths, and types, including intermittent catheters, Foley catheters, and suprapubic catheters, to suit different clinical needs and patient anatomies. Their widespread adoption has become a standard of care in many medical specialties due to their safety and effectiveness.