Why do hospitals use catheters？

Hospitals use catheters for various medical purposes, primarily to assist with the management of patients’ urinary and vascular systems. Here are some of the key reasons why catheters are commonly used in medical settings:

1. Urinary Catheters: These are inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine from the body when a patient is unable to urinate normally. Common situations where urinary catheters are used include:

-Post-Surgery: After certain surgeries, patients may have difficulty urinating due to anesthesia or muscle weakness, so a catheter helps empty the bladder.

– Urinary Retention: Some medical conditions or medications can cause urinary retention, making catheterization necessary.

– Incontinence: In cases of severe urinary incontinence, catheters can help manage and control urine output.

2. Vascular Catheters: These are inserted into blood vessels to facilitate various medical procedures, including:

– Intravenous (IV) Catheters: Used to administer medications, fluids, or blood products directly into the bloodstream.

– Central Venous Catheters (CVCs): Placed in larger veins, typically in the neck, chest, or groin, for long-term intravenous access, monitoring, or administration of specialized medications.

– Arterial Catheters:  Inserted into arteries to monitor blood pressure continuously and draw blood samples for diagnostic purposes.

3. Cardiac Catheters:Specialized catheters are used in cardiac catheterization procedures to diagnose and treat heart conditions. These catheters are guided into the heart’s blood vessels to assess blood flow, measure pressures, and perform interventions like angioplasty or stent placement.

4. Gastrointestinal Catheters:Nasogastric and nasoenteric tubes are types of catheters used to deliver nutrition or medications directly into the stomach or intestines when a patient cannot eat or digest food normally.

5. Pulmonary Catheters: These are used to measure various parameters in the lungs and heart, particularly in critical care settings.

6. Foley Catheters:These are a common type of urinary catheter equipped with a balloon that can be inflated inside the bladder to keep it in place. They are often used for short-term urinary drainage.

The use of catheters is essential in many medical situations to provide necessary treatment, monitor vital signs, and ensure patient comfort. However, catheters also carry certain risks, including the potential for infection or injury, so their use is carefully managed by healthcare professionals to minimize complications.