Personal Training Answers

Catheters are considered one of the most effective and commonly employed methods of providing hygiene and drainage for people who have recently undergone surgery or suffered a trauma in which their body is no longer able to cleanse itself. While catheterization may be a common practice most people don’t know the basics of the catheter process or the supplies involved.

The term “Catheter” itself is derived from an ancient Syrian word used to describe reeds, which were used as plugs. Technically speaking, Catheters have been in use since as early as 1868 when Dr. N.B Sornborger first invented a makeshift catheter system for the draining of fluids. By the early 1900’s the modern catheter designs that are still used today had come into use.

While the catheter system has indeed evolved over the years it hasn’t changed too much fundamentally. The basic catheter system entails a lubricated needle with tubing and a filtration system. This fundamental system has seen very little improvement over the years and continues to perform admirably in all facets of the medical world.

Despite being largely the same in terms of components, catheters may be employed for a variety of reasons and come in different formats. In some cases a catheter may be a temporary system known as an indwelling catheter. In more serious situations, the catheter may be needed permanently. This kind of catheter system is known as a permcath.

The overall goal of the catheter system has remained relatively the same since its basic conception. The purpose of the entire system is the either remove or introduce a liquid into or out of the body. The means and method that it achieves this goal can vary but in all cases the final goal remains the same.

The method of catheterization may change depending on the situation at hand and the reason for the catheterization in the first place. In less serious situations catheters may be used to simply help facilitate the drainage of fluids from the body when a patient cannot do so for themselves but in more dire situations a patient may actually have the catheter intervene in their digestive system.

In some situations a catheter may also be used to introduce fluids into the body. This may be as simple as introducing water and hydration to the body and may be as vital as adding medication to the bloodstream of a patient.

The female urethral catheter will continue to be a powerful medical tool capable of serving a variety of functions. While they may seem like a rather basic system, the common Balloon Catheter are a versatile and dynamic Medical Supplies that can do everything from save lives to simply make each day a little bit easier.