Everything You Need to Know About Foley Catheters: Types, Uses, and Benefits

In modern healthcare, medical disposables play a critical role in ensuring hygiene, safety, and convenience. Among these, Foley catheters are indispensable devices used across hospitals and clinical settings worldwide. Whether for surgical patients, those with urinary retention, or long-term care needs, Foley catheters provide essential support for bladder drainage and patient comfort.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Foley catheters—from their design and types to their uses, benefits, and innovations by trusted manufacturers like Atlas Surgical.

1. What Is a Foley Catheter?

A Foley catheter, also known as an indwelling urinary catheter, is a thin, flexible tube inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine. It’s called “indwelling” because it remains inside the bladder for a certain period, unlike intermittent catheters that are removed immediately after drainage.

The Foley catheter was first developed by Dr. Frederic Foley in the 1930s, revolutionizing urological care by allowing continuous urine drainage without frequent insertion and removal.

A typical Foley catheter consists of:

• A tube (made of latex, silicone, or other polymers)

• One or two lumens (channels)—one for urine drainage, and another for inflating a balloon

• A balloon near the tip that holds the catheter in place inside the bladder

• A connector end that attaches to a urine collection bag

2. How Does a Foley Catheter Work?

When the catheter is inserted into the bladder, urine drains through the tube and collects in a drainage bag attached at the other end. The balloon, inflated with sterile water after insertion, ensures that the catheter stays securely in place.

The balloon is typically filled with 5–30 mL of water, depending on the catheter size and medical requirement. Once in place, the urine continuously flows out of the bladder, helping prevent discomfort, overfilling, or potential infections caused by urinary retention.

3. Materials Used in Foley Catheters

Foley catheters are made from different medical-grade materials, each designed for specific patient needs and clinical conditions.

a. Latex Foley Catheter

Made from natural rubber latex, these catheters are soft, flexible, and cost-effective. They often feature a silicone coating, like the Atlas Surgical Foley Catheter (Latex), to enhance biocompatibility and smooth insertion while minimizing irritation.

Advantages:

• Economical and widely available

• Flexible and easy to insert

• Smooth coating for patient comfort

Ideal for: Short- to medium-term use in general urology care.

b. Silicone Foley Catheter

Made from 100% medical-grade silicone, these catheters are biocompatible and hypoallergenic, making them suitable for patients with latex allergies.

Advantages:

• Ideal for long-term catheterization

• Resistant to encrustation and infection

• Transparent design allows visibility of urine flow

Ideal for: Long-term use, sensitive patients, and post-operative cases.

c. Hydrogel-Coated and Specialty Catheters

Some Foley catheters are coated with hydrogel, silver alloy, or antimicrobial agents to reduce friction and infection risks. These are often used in intensive care or for patients with a higher infection risk.

Advantages:

• Reduce bacterial adherence

• Provide smoother insertion and removal

• Minimize urethral trauma

4. Types of Foley Catheters

Foley catheters are classified based on design, lumen configuration, and special applications. Below are the most common types used in medical practice:

a. Two-Way Foley Catheter

This is the most commonly used type. It has two lumens—one for urine drainage and another for inflating the retention balloon.

Applications:

• Post-surgical urinary management

• Urinary retention

• Monitoring urine output in critical patients

b. Three-Way Foley Catheter

This catheter features three lumens: one for urine drainage, one for balloon inflation, and one for bladder irrigation (often with saline).

Applications:

• Post-transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

• Continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) to prevent clot retention

c. Coude (Tiemann) Tip Catheter

This catheter has a curved tip that makes insertion easier for male patients with an enlarged prostate or urethral obstruction.

Applications:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• Urethral strictures

d. Pediatric Foley Catheter

Specially designed for children, these catheters are smaller in diameter (6–10 Fr) and made from softer materials for gentle insertion.

e. Temperature-Sensing Catheter

Equipped with a sensor, these catheters monitor a patient’s core body temperature while draining urine.

Applications:

• Intensive care units (ICUs)

• Post-surgical monitoring

5. Common Uses of Foley Catheters

Foley catheters are used in a wide range of medical scenarios, from short-term postoperative care to chronic conditions. Some of the main applications include:

a. Urinary Retention

In cases where a patient cannot empty the bladder naturally—due to surgery, spinal injury, or blockage—a Foley catheter helps drain urine safely.

b. Surgery and Postoperative Care

During or after surgery, catheters are often placed to monitor urine output and prevent bladder overdistention.

c. Urinary Incontinence

For patients with severe incontinence or neurological disorders, long-term catheterization may be necessary.

d. Diagnostic and Monitoring Purposes

Used to measure urine output, collect sterile samples, or monitor renal function in critically ill patients.

e. Palliative Care

In terminally ill or bedridden patients, catheters help maintain hygiene and comfort by managing urinary flow effectively.

6. Sizes and Color Coding

Foley catheters are available in various sizes, measured in French units (Fr)—each unit equals 1/3 mm in diameter.

Size (Fr)	Color Code	Common Use
6–10 Fr	Light green/blue	Pediatric use
12–14 Fr	White/green	Adult female use
16–18 Fr	Orange/red	Adult male use
20–24 Fr	Yellow/purple	Postoperative or irrigation use

Choosing the right size ensures optimal drainage and comfort while reducing trauma and leakage risk.

7. How to Insert and Remove a Foley Catheter (For Clinical Use)

Note: Only trained healthcare professionals should perform this procedure.

Insertion Steps:

1. Wash hands and wear sterile gloves.

2. Clean the genital area with antiseptic solution.

3. Lubricate the catheter tip generously.

4. Gently insert the catheter into the urethra until urine begins to flow.

5. Inflate the balloon with sterile water to secure the catheter.

6. Connect the catheter to a sterile urine bag and secure it properly.

Removal Steps:

1. Deflate the balloon completely using a syringe.

2. Gently withdraw the catheter.

3. Dispose of it according to hospital infection control protocols.

4. Monitor urine output post-removal for normal function.

8. Benefits of Using Foley Catheters

Foley catheters offer multiple clinical and patient care benefits:

a. Continuous Drainage

Ensures uninterrupted urine flow, reducing discomfort and risk of bladder damage.

b. Hygiene and Comfort

Keeps the patient clean, especially in bedridden or postoperative cases.

c. Accurate Output Monitoring

Essential for ICU patients and postoperative monitoring to assess renal and fluid balance.

d. Prevention of Urinary Retention

Avoids complications such as infection, bladder distension, or kidney damage.

e. Infection Control

When manufactured with quality materials and sterilization standards (like Atlas Surgical’s sterile, individually packed Foley Catheters), the risk of infection is minimized.

9. Possible Complications and How to Prevent Them

While Foley catheters are generally safe, improper use or prolonged placement can lead to complications.

Common Issues:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

• Blockage or encrustation

• Urethral irritation or trauma

• Leakage or balloon malfunction

Prevention Tips:

• Use sterile, single-use catheters only.

• Ensure proper lubrication during insertion.

• Maintain closed drainage system integrity.

• Replace catheters as per recommended duration.

• Educate caregivers and staff on proper handling.

Manufacturers like Atlas Surgical incorporate silicone coatings and smooth eyes in their catheters to reduce friction, enhance drainage, and lower infection risks.

10. The Atlas Surgical Advantage

With over 60 years of manufacturing excellence, Atlas Surgical has earned global trust as one of India’s leading manufacturers and exporters of medical equipment and disposables.

Their Foley Catheter (Latex) stands out for its smooth insertion, high flow rate, and patient safety—combining innovative design with international quality standards.

Key Features of Atlas Surgical Foley Catheter (Latex):

• Silicone-coated latex for smooth insertion

• Strong polymer layer to minimize blockage

• Smooth eyes and coned distal end for gentle handling

• Thin balloon and non-return valve for secure placement

• Sterile, disposable, and individually packed

Atlas Surgical is ISO 13485 & 9001 certified and government-approved, ensuring products meet global medical standards.

“Atlas Surgical – We make ideas come alive.”

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How long can a Foley catheter stay in place?

Typically, latex catheters can remain for up to 2 weeks, while silicone ones may stay for up to 12 weeks, depending on the patient’s condition and physician’s advice.

Q2. Can patients walk with a Foley catheter?

Yes, patients can move around carefully, provided the urine bag is properly secured and positioned below bladder level.

Q3. Is the insertion painful?

Slight discomfort may occur, but proper lubrication and gentle insertion minimize pain.

Q4. How often should the drainage bag be emptied?

Every 6–8 hours or when it’s two-thirds full to prevent backflow and infection.

Q5. How should a Foley catheter be disposed of?

Always dispose of used catheters as bio-medical waste, following healthcare facility protocols.

12. Conclusion

The Foley Catheter (Latex) is more than just a medical device—it’s a crucial element of patient care that ensures comfort, hygiene, and clinical efficiency. From short-term hospital procedures to long-term management of chronic conditions, Foley catheters simplify urinary drainage and improve quality of life.

Manufacturers like Atlas Surgical continue to uphold global standards in design, safety, and performance, offering trusted medical solutions to healthcare professionals worldwide.

If you’re seeking high-quality, sterile, and reliable Foley catheters, Atlas Surgical offers the perfect blend of experience, innovation, and trust—built on more than six decades of medical excellence.

📩 Enquiry Now: atlas@sahaj.com

📞 Call: +91 99993 28527

📍 Address: 17, Shivaji Marg, Najafgarh Road, New Delhi - 110015, India

✨ Atlas Surgical – We make ideas come alive.