Coudé catheters are thin tubes inserted to allow patients to urinate freely without placing excess stress on the body, usually during an already tricky or potentially stressful situation.
They are commonly used during surgery, childbirth, and other medical procedures. Knowing how to insert and fit these catheters properly (see also ‘How To Remove A Central Line‘) is a crucial part of providing good nursing care to patients, and we have put together the facts you need to know.
What Are The Types Of Catheters?
There are many types of catheters available, each designed to meet specific requirements. Here we look at the most commonly used ones.
Indwelling Catheter Or Foley Catheter
An indwelling catheter is a long tube that remains permanently in place within the body. This type of catheter allows urine to drain from the bladder through a channel created by the catheter.
Indwelling catheters are usually made of silicone and are attached to the skin using adhesive strips.
External Catheters
External catheters are similar to indwelling catheters, except they remain outside the body. External catheters are usually connected to drainage bags, which collect urine and allow it to drip away.
These devices come in different sizes and shapes, depending on what part of the body needs draining. For example, urethral catheters are small tubes placed directly into the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the penis). Others go into the bladder itself.
Short-Term Catheters
A short-term catheter is a temporary device that stays in place for only a few days. Short-term catheters (see also our article on PICC line dressings) are often used when a person has undergone surgery, or if their condition requires frequent monitoring. These catheters are usually removed after a set period of time.
Coudé Catheter
A coudé catheter is a specialized form of catheter that is used to drain the bladder. It consists of two parts – a flexible plastic tube called the “coupler”, and a balloon located at the end of the tube.
When the catheter is correctly positioned, the balloon will expand and seal the opening between the bladder and the urethra. The coupler connects the catheter to a bag, allowing urine to drain away.
What Is A Coudé Catheter?
A coudé catheter is a type of catheter that allows for urine drainage from the bladder into a collection bag. These types of catheters are defined by their curved tip – this makes them easier to use than straight-tipped catheters for certain patients.
The shape helps prevent damage to the urethra (the tube through which urine passes out of the bladder) when inserting the catheter.
The word “coudé” comes from the French language and means “curved”. This refers to the way in which the catheter is shaped.
Coudé catheters are most commonly used for short-term urinary drainage after surgery or childbirth, but they can also be used for long-term drainage if necessary.
Coudé catheters come in different sizes depending on the length of time they will be needed for. Most hospitals will stock a range of different-sized catheters so that nurses can choose one that fits best with the patient’s needs.
There are a number of benefits to a coudé catheter, and these include:
- Easier to use with a curved urethra
- Can remove friction and discomfort
- Offer a more comfortable solution for the patient
In most cases, a coudé catheter will be used with men and children, as they will typically bear the anatomical anomalies that can make this type of catheter a more beneficial option.
How To Insert A Coudé Catheter
Inserting a coudé catheter is a relatively simple task, but one that does involve some practice and training to ensure that your patient is comfortable. In most cases, the Stamey procedure will be used to place the catheter, and the following steps should be followed for successful insertion:
- Clean the area around the spot where you plan to place the catheter. You may need to cleanse the area using an antiseptic solution such as povidone-iodine.
- Gently locate the bladder by pressing down on the abdomen
- Use a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter is to be inserted
- Use a Stamey device to insert the catheter – this uses a small piece of metal, known as an obturator, to gently push the catheter through the urethra.
- Once the catheter is in position, remove the obturator and secure the catheter in place with tape.
- Inflate the balloon at the end of the catheter with water to keep it in place
- Clean the insertion area thoroughly
- Check that the patient is comfortable and happy
Choosing A Coude Catheter Material
As with other catheters, coude catheters come in a wide range of materials, and the most common include:
Latex Rubber
Latex rubber is often used for surgical and obstetric catheters because it has excellent elasticity and flexibility. It is soft enough to avoid causing pain to the patient, yet strong enough to withstand repeated insertion and removal.
The material is also thermosensitive, meaning that it adapts to the temperature of the surrounding environment, and so becomes softer at higher temperatures.
The main disadvantage of latex is that it can trigger allergies in patients allergic to the substance, so patient notes must be checked thoroughly before opting for a latex catheter.
Silicone
Silicone is a very flexible material that is easy to mold into any desired shape. It is also smooth and pliable, allowing for easier insertion, and is hypoallergenic, removing the risk of allergic reactions in a patient.
They can, however, feel too stiff, and be trickier to insert than some other materials – this can cause some patients to prefer another material.
PVC
Another option for catheter material is PVC – this is more rigid than latex, and is, therefore, better suited to longer-term use. However, it does not stretch as well as latex and can become brittle over time.
It can also be less comfortable to insert than some of the other options.
Final Thoughts
Coude catheters are useful tools for patients who require intermittent or long-term urinary drainage. They are usually placed via the Stamey technique, and with a little training and practice, should become a simple task in the array of nursing duties.