What is micro catheter& how does it work?

23 September 21

A micro catheter is a plastic tube with catheter eyes (small holes) common to empty urine from the bladder can be both permanent (residual catheters) and intermittent. This is intermittent catheter. It is inserted into the bladder at regular intervals and removed immediately after the bladder has been completely emptied.

Micro catheter with and without a surface layer

Catheters should be gelled to reduce the friction between the catheter and the tissue in the urethra. There are catheters with the supplied gel or with a special surface layer that are activated when it meets water (hydrophilic surface layer)

Which length of microcatheter should you choose?

In general, your micro catheter needs to be slightly longer than the urethra, which is 15-20 cm long in men and 3-4 cm in women. This is because the catheter’s eyes are not located at the tip of the catheter. There are both standard and compact variants. Men with an enlarged prostate may benefit from a catheter with a slightly curved tip.

How do you find a catheter with the right size (diameter)?

Most adults start with a catheter size of 12–14 Ch (1 Ch = 0.33 mm diameter). Your doctor or nurse can help you choose the size that suits you.

The composition of micro catheter

Catheters are made of different materials, and some of these may contain:

1. First, PVC, which is quite common in medical products.
2. Second, it contains emollients that can be potentially harmful to both your body and the environment
3. Silicone does not need any plasticizers for the plastic micro catheter. It is flexible
4. PU (polyurethane) is becoming increasingly popular for micro catheter
5. Above all, as it is sturdy but flexible and does not contain plasticizers for plastics.

Which catheter is easier to insert?

A slightly stiffer catheter may be easier to insert, which is especially relevant if you have impaired hand function. When choosing a catheter, make sure with your doctor or nurse that the material common in the product does not endanger your health (such as PVC and phthalates) and that it is easy for you to use.

Catheter eyes (holes for tapping) for micro catheter

The catheter normally has two holes punched at the tip of the catheter. When the catheter reaches the bladder, the urine flows out through these holes and empties the bladder. To reduce the risk of damage to the urethra, look for catheter eyes that are polished and have a surface coating.

 

 

How to handle micro catheter?

The cone at the end of the micro catheter makes it possible to connect a urine bag if you do not have access to a toilet. A catheter is a hollow, flexible tube that drains urine from the bladder. To prevent the catheter from slipping out, the tip of the catheter is provided with a small balloon

It is filled with sterile water when the catheter has been inserted. When the bladder fills, the urine flows through the catheter. You do not need to urinate when you have a catheter. The same catheter should never be left for more than three months.

Why should the same micro catheter not be common again?

It is due to the limitation of the material and the increased risk of infection. If you need a micro catheter for more than three months or, if needed, it is the district.

What kind of collection bag is needed?

You need two types of bags: a leg bag and a bed bag. The leg bag is worn during the day under the clothes. At night, a bed bag (which is much larger) is connected to the leg bag or directly to the catheter, where all urine excreted during the night is collected

By closing the system, the risk of infection is reduced. It is important not to break the closed system of the micro catheter more often than necessary, and you should therefore only detach the collection bag from the catheter when changing the bag.

How to carry the leg bag, microcatheter?

The leg bag is usually fastened around the thigh or calf with the help of elastic bands. You can also carry the bag is specially designed trouser legs, which you can get through the district nurse, or in a holster that is held up by a waist belt.

The leg bag is available in three different sizes: 350 ml, 500 ml, and 750 ml. There are also four different hose lengths: direct connection (without hose), 10 cm, 30 cm, and 38 cm. The district nurse will help you choose the type that suits you best.

What happens to the micro catheter when the bag is filled?

When the leg bag is filled, the micro catheter becomes heavier, and you will then feel that the fastening straps are tightened. It is best not to let the bag get too full.
Empty the leg bag by opening the tap in the bottom of the bag and let the contents drain out.

It is preferably in a toilet. If you find it difficult to empty the bag in the toilet, you can use a bowl, which you then empty in the toilet.
Do not forget to close the tap after emptying the bag. Always wash your hands afterward.

What happens to micro catheter at night?

When you go to bed, connect the leg bag to a bed bag. The bed bag holds more urine, so you do not have to get up in the middle of the night to empty it. Loosen the fastening straps of the micro catheter when you go to bed. The bed bag should not be on the floor.

Remember that urine cannot flow upwards and that the bag must therefore always be placed below the level of the bladder. The catheter or tube of the bag must not be bent or squeezed so that the urine cannot run down into the bag.

How often should you change the bag of micro catheter?

The leg bag should normally be changed once a week.  The bed bag with a tap is easy to use for up to a week. Rinse it with water after each emptying and let it dry.  Use a small funnel when filling with rinsing water.