Types of Drainage Catheters

In medical settings, drainage catheters are frequently used in both internal medicine and surgery whenever there is a need to drain fluids. For instance, after surgical procedures, if blood or fluid needs to be drained from the body, a drainage catheter is promptly used to prevent fluid accumulation, which could cause bodily harm. In hospitals, different types of drainage catheters are used based on the specific condition and needs of the patient. Below is an explanation of the specific types of drainage catheters:

1. Standard Drainage Catheters

   Standard drainage catheters are primarily used to drain gases and liquids from the body, such as digestive fluids, peritoneal fluid, pus, or exudates from surgical incisions. Draining these fluids externally reduces local pressure, prevents adhesions, and promotes wound healing. When using a standard drainage catheter, the necessary equipment should be placed on a treatment cart and brought to the patient’s bedside, with proper explanation provided to the patient. During winter operations, doors and windows should be closed to keep the patient comfortable, and the patient should be positioned in a semi-reclining or flat position.

2. Specialized Lacrimal Drainage Catheters

   Specialized lacrimal drainage catheters may not be commonly seen in everyday life but are frequently used in surgical settings. To minimize harm to the patient during procedures, lacrimal drainage catheters are made of silicone, a soft and elastic material that causes minimal damage to lacrimal tissues. These catheters have excellent biocompatibility, causing no irritation or allergic reactions, making them suitable for long-term placement. The metal probe tip of the lacrimal drainage catheter is teardrop-shaped with a smooth transition, reducing damage to the lacrimal duct and facilitating easy retrieval from the nasal cavity. Due to the use of silicone rubber, these catheters are widely used in clinical practice.

In medical practice, the most commonly used drainage catheters are the two types mentioned above: the widely applicable standard drainage catheter and the specialized lacrimal drainage catheter. These two types are used in clearly distinct scenarios, so medical personnel should select the most appropriate catheter based on practical considerations.