A non-vascular catheter is a medical device used to access and/or drain various body cavities or structures that do not involve blood vessels. Unlike vascular catheters, which are designed to access the bloodstream, non-vascular catheters are used for a variety of other purposes within the body.
Common types of non-vascular catheters include:
- Foley Catheter: This catheter is used to drain urine from the bladder. It is inserted through the urethra into the bladder and has a balloon at the tip that is inflated to keep it in place.
- Nasogastric (NG) Tube: NG tubes are inserted through the nose and into the stomach or small intestine. They are used for feeding, decompression, or administering medications.
- Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube): This type of catheter is surgically inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach. It is used for long-term feeding in patients who cannot eat normally.
- Tracheostomy Tube: A tracheostomy tube is placed through a surgically created hole in the neck (tracheostomy) and into the windpipe (trachea) to assist with breathing in individuals with certain respiratory conditions.
- Cystostomy Tube: Similar to a Foley catheter, but it is surgically inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the bladder. It is used for long-term urine drainage.
- Nephrostomy Tube: This catheter is inserted through the skin and into the kidney to drain urine from the kidney when the normal urinary tract is obstructed.
- Suprapubic Catheter: It is placed through a surgical opening in the abdominal wall directly into the bladder for urine drainage.
- Orogastric Tube: Inserted through the mouth and into the stomach, typically used for short-term feeding or gastric decompression.
Non-vascular catheters are used for a wide range of medical purposes, including urinary drainage, nutritional support, respiratory support, and drainage of bodily fluids. The choice of catheter type and placement depends on the specific medical condition and the intended purpose of the catheter. Proper insertion and care of these catheters are crucial to prevent complications and maintain patient health.
