Urinary Catheter Systems: Components, Types, and Patient Care

Posted on Jun 14, 2025 in Biology

Understanding Urine Drainage Systems

A urine drainage system is meticulously designed to prevent germs from the environment from entering the urinary tract, thereby significantly reducing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This essential system typically comprises three main components:

  • Catheterization
  • Drainage Tube
  • Urine Collection System

Components of a Urine Drainage System

Catheterization: Probes and Their Types

Catheterization involves the insertion of a tube, known as a catheter or probe, into the bladder to drain urine to the outside. The probes used for catheterization come in distinctive types, varying in material and design. They can be rigid or semi-rigid, or soft and flexible. Many catheters feature multiple lumens (pathways), commonly 2 or 3, for different functions.

Types of Urinary Catheters

The most widely used urinary catheters include:

  • Semi-Rigid Catheters: These typically have a single lumen.
    • Nelaton Catheter: Primarily used for temporary catheterization, often in men.
    • Tiemann Catheter: Used in males, characterized by a bent and finer tip.
    • Robinson Catheter: Employed for temporary catheterization in women.
    • Pezzer Catheter: A suprapubic catheter, surgically inserted directly into the bladder.
    • Malecot Catheter: Also a suprapubic catheter, featuring fins on its tip, and is surgically inserted.
  • Soft and Flexible Catheters: Characterized by their pliable consistency, these commonly have 2 or 3 lumens. Their rounded tip can be straight or curved, and they are frequently used for permanent catheterization.
    • 2-Way Foley Catheter: Features a balloon at the tip. One lumen drains urine, while the other is used to inflate the balloon, securing the catheter in place.
    • 3-Way Foley Catheter: Similar to the 2-way Foley, but includes a third lumen for introducing fluid into the bladder, often for irrigation or medication administration.

Drainage Tube

The drainage tube serves as an extension, connecting the catheter to the urine collection system. This design ensures the catheter is not directly attached to the collector, allowing the collection system to be hung conveniently, typically on the side of the bed. This positioning facilitates urine drainage by gravity. The connection part of the tube to the catheter usually has a cap that is removed during connection. Normally, the drainage tube and the collector system are supplied together as a single, integrated unit.

Urine Collection System

For effective urine drainage, the collection system must always be positioned below the level of the patient’s urinary bladder, allowing gravity to facilitate flow. The urine collection bag, often referred to as a diuresis pouch, is typically a clear plastic bag. Modern models often feature a graduated scale for volume measurement and a drainage tube. When the system needs changing, the entire unit—bag and drainage tube—is replaced as a single block.

More comprehensive and reliable systems may include additional parts:

  • Drainage tube
  • Drip chamber
  • Drain port on the bag
  • Vent
  • Bacteria filter
  • Device to hang the bag
  • Graduated scale
Urimeter for Accurate Measurement

When precise measurement of a patient’s urine volume is required, a specialized volume measurement system called a Urimeter is utilized. These are rigid and/or transparent plastic containers with a highly detailed graduated scale, designed to be positioned between the urine bag and the catheter.

Caring for a Catheterized Patient

Proper care is crucial for patients with indwelling catheters to prevent complications. Follow these guidelines:

  • Always wash hands thoroughly before and after manipulating the catheter, drainage tube, or bag. Use disposable gloves for all procedures.
  • Avoid kinking or tightening the catheter during system manipulation.
  • Regularly check that urine is draining properly and that there are no obstructions.
  • Perform daily meatal hygiene (cleaning around the catheter insertion site).
  • Prevent kinks or loops in the drainage system.
  • Ensure the collection bag is always positioned below the level of the bladder but not touching the ground.
  • If patient mobilization requires lifting the bag above bladder level, clamp the drainage tube beforehand.
  • Change the urine collection system as often as necessary, always using aseptic technique.
  • Do not touch the extreme ends of the connection points to maintain sterility.

Bladder Irrigation and Washing

Bladder irrigation, also known as bladder washing, is a procedure that involves inserting a liquid into the bladder through a urinary catheter. This is performed for various therapeutic purposes, including:

  • Unclogging the catheter tube
  • Cleaning the bladder
  • Administering medication directly into the bladder