Perhaps one of the most important and widely used inventions in medical history is the simple catheter. This seemingly insignificant system may not appear to be the flashiest or life saving medical tool but in the long run the impact it has had on medicine and patient care has been vast. Yet even with such a claim, many people don’t understand even the basics of the catheter.

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 catheter systems may vary from type and components to functionality and use, the basic elements of a catheter will remain the same in almost all situations. These elements consist of, catheter itself, a pre-lubricated needle, a filter and a case. The needle involved in the catheter system may sometimes feature a luer depending on the situation.

The catheter system may be employed for a variety of reasons and is highly adaptable. With the ability to function temporarily or permanently depending on patient and need, the catheter system is a dynamic source of medical application that has been a celebrated part of patient treatment for years.

Regardless of the situation or duration of the catheter use the general goal of a catheter remains largely the same; the removal or introduction of fluids and substance to the body. In most cases a catheter will be used to help extract and remove waste from the body when it’s no longer able to do so for itself.

The method of drainage may change depending on the particular situation at hand. Catheters may be employed to drain urine away from the urinary tract where the body is no longer able to do this naturally; in these cases the catheterization is rather simple and straightforward. However in some cases the catheter may be used to drain fluid directly from the kidney. These more invasive procedures are often to save a patient’s life or in serious circumstances.

While a catheter is most commonly used to extract waste and fluids from the body, it can occasionally be used to introduce medication into the body. In certain situations the catheter may even be used to introduce nutrients into the body of a patient no longer able to do this for him or herself.

With so much versatility and so many uses it’s easy to see why the catheter for women is one of the most employed medical systems and tools currently in circulation. The dynamic nature of Catheter Medical device as well as its many uses and employments make it a critical aspect of modern Medical Medicaid Supplies>.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Blogplay

Filed under: California Mental Health

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!

Possibly related posts