catéter

Catheter, sometimes written as catéter in some languages, is a flexible tube inserted into the body to drain fluids, introduce medications, or access internal pathways for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Catheters are used across medical settings and vary by intended use, size, material, and number of lumens.

Common types include urinary catheters, vascular catheters, and arterial catheters. Urinary catheters drain the bladder, with indwelling types like the Foley catheter that use a balloon to stay in place, as well as external, intermittent, and suprapubic varieties. Vascular catheters provide access for fluids, medications, nutrition, or hemodynamic monitoring; this group includes peripheral venous catheters and central venous catheters placed in large veins. Arterial catheters offer continuous blood pressure monitoring and arterial blood sampling. The choice of catheter depends on the clinical goal, duration of need, and patient factors.

Materials commonly used include latex, silicone, and polyurethane, with coatings or antimicrobial surfaces available to reduce irritation and infection risk. Catheters are designed with one or more lumens to separate drainage, infusion, and inflation functions where applicable. Insertion and ongoing care require trained personnel and sterile technique, securement to minimize movement, and maintenance of a closed drainage system when possible. Regular assessment for patency, securement integrity, and signs of complications guides continued use.

Risks include infections, bleeding, tissue damage, thrombosis, and catheter blockage or dislodgement. Removal is performed when drainage or access is no longer needed or when complications arise, after which monitoring for residual effects or infections continues as indicated.