Guidelines for Intermittent Catheterization: Choosing the Right Catheter
When performing intermittent catheterization, selecting the appropriate catheter can reduce the risk of complications. Currently, there are various types of catheters available on the market. For individuals with spinal cord injuries, choosing a catheter requires a comprehensive assessment of personal factors, such as hand function, degree of visual impairment, urethral sensitivity, age, and financial situation.
An ideal catheter should possess the following characteristics:
- Excellent biocompatibility;
- Soft and flexible;
- Individually sterile-packaged, pre-lubricated, and designed for easy, aseptic operation and quick use.
Therefore, it is recommended that individuals prioritize catheters that meet these core criteria. These standards aim to ensure safety, effectiveness, and convenience (practicality) during catheter use.
1. Comparison Between Hydrophilic-Coated and Non-Coated Catheters
| Comparison Criteria | Hydrophilic-Coated Catheter | Non-Coated Catheter |
|---|---|---|
| Lubrication | Remains lubricated after activation with sterile water | Requires external lubricant, which may be uneven and prone to drop off |
| Friction | Low friction coefficient, reducing insertion resistance | High friction coefficient, increasing risk of urethral injury |
| Risk of UTI | Hypoallergenic material reduces infection risk | Higher risk of urethral injury and infection |
| Ease of Use | Convenient and simple to operate | Requires manual lubrication, longer operation time |
| Patient Comfort | Low pain during insertion/removal, better tolerance | May cause pain and urethral injury |
2. Features of Daxan Intermittent Catheters
Daxan Hydrophilic-coated intermittent catheters are designed with patient comfort and ease of use in mind, providing a significantly more convenient and gentle insertion experience. The advanced hydrophilic coating effectively reduces friction between the catheter surface and the delicate urethral mucosa, minimizing discomfort during catheterization. Additionally, the catheter features a hot-polished side eyelet, which not only enhances smooth passage but also helps to prevent mucosal injury. This careful design reduces trauma to the urethra, thereby substantially lowering the risk of urinary tract infections and promoting better overall urinary health for users. Together, these features make Daxan catheters a safer, more comfortable option for intermittent catheterization.
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1. Self-developed hydrophilic lubrication coating:
Strong adhesion, uniform coverage, and low friction. It is the only enterprise to lead a national key R&D project in biomedical coatings during the "13th Five-Year Plan" period.
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2. Materials:
Made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), offering excellent biocompatibility and optimal softness to reduce urethral irritation and improve patient comfort.
- Disposable Ultra-Smooth PVC Catheter
- Disposable TPU Catheter
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3. Eyelets processed by thermal melting:
Smooth and rounded edges to minimize urethral mucosal damage, reducing bleeding and infection risks while enhancing operability.
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4. Instant lubrication upon contact with water:
Reduces the risk of contamination from exposed materials. The coating remains effective for an extended period after activation, accommodating users' operational needs.
3. Specifications and Models of Intermittent Catheters
| Size | Connector Color | Outer Diameter (mm) | Length (mm) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6F | Light Green | 2 | 200 | Pediatric |
| 8F | Blue | 2.7 | 300/200/400 | Pediatric/Female/Male |
| 10F | Black | 3.3 | 200/400 | Pediatric/Female/Male |
| 12F | White | 4 | 200/400 | Female/Male |
| 14F | Green | 4.7 | 200/400 | Female/Male |
| 16F | Orange | 5.3 | 200/400 | Female/Male |
| 18F | Red | 6 | 200/400 | Female/Male |