Why is the use of hydrophilic-coated intermittent catheters recommended？
1. Introduction
The invention and application of catheters have undergone a long developmental process. Over the past 20 years, significant improvements have been made in catheter materials, with the most notable advancement being in lubrication coating technologies. For patients with spinal cord injuries, who often require long-term or even lifelong intermittent catheterization to empty the bladder, adequate lubrication of the catheter is essential. It minimizes friction during insertion and removal, helps protect the fragile urethral mucosa, and reduces the risk of catheter-related trauma and bleeding. Modern hydrophilic coatings activate with sterile water, providing immediate slipperiness, consistent performance, enhanced comfort, and lower risk of urinary tract infections, making self-catheterization safer and more convenient.
2. Hydrophilic-Coated Catheters vs. Uncoated Catheters
| Comparison Dimension | Hydrophilic Coated Catheter | Uncoated Catheter |
|---|---|---|
| Lubricity | Activated by sterile water, maintains smooth surface; consistent lubrication without extra lubricant | Requires manual lubrication; uneven and easily displaced |
| Friction | Low friction reduces insertion resistance and urethral trauma | High friction increases insertion difficulty and urethral injury risk |
| Risk of UTI | Coating reduces mucosal irritation and mechanical trauma; lowers infection risk | Can damage urethra, increasing urinary tract infection risk |
| Easy of use | Convenient and fast; simple for self-catheterization | Extra steps for lubrication; longer procedure time |
| Patient Comfort | Minimal pain and discomfort during insertion/removal; well-tolerated | Higher pain and discomfort; risk of urethral trauma or bleeding |
| Safety | Reduced urethral trauma and hematuria; suitable for sensitive urethras | Greater risk of injury, hematuria, and long-term complications |
| Cost-effectiveness | Higher unit cost but fewer complications and easier self-use can lower overall healthcare costs | Lower unit cost but potential for higher costs due to complications and UTIs |
3. Features of Daxan’s Hydrophilic Coated Intermittent Catheters
3.1. Hydrophilic lubricating coating with strong adhesion, uniform distribution, and excellent low-friction performance. Daxan is the only company in the biomedical coating field during China’s 13th Five-Year Plan to receive national key R&D program support as the leading unit.
3.2. The catheter body is perforated using a thermal fusion method, producing smooth and rounded holes that minimize damage to the urethral mucosa, reduce the risk of bleeding and infection, and facilitate ease of use for the operator.
3.3. Instantly slippery upon contact with water, reducing the risk of contamination from exposed materials; after activation, the coating remains effective for an extended period, allowing sufficient time for the user to complete the procedure.
3.4. 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.
3.5. 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*
4. 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 |