Frequently Asked Questions
Coudé is a French word meaning bend or elbow. A coudé tip catheter has a slight bend at the insertion tip, and is also known as Tiemann.
Coudé tip catheters are designed for the male anatomy. The coudé tip can navigate the male urethral passage, which is shaped like a hockey stick, without causing trauma. It is also prescribed for use for patients with urethral stricture.
Sometimes what happens when the urethra gets scarred or when the prostate is pressing on the urethra causing restriction on the passage, there may be tight spots along the urethral passage way and the catheter will need to wind its way through. A straight tip catheter may sometimes buckle where the coudé tip catheter will navigate the passage making it easier to enter into the bladder.
Coudé tip catheters have a marking or notch located at the other end of the catheter and when the marking/notch is facing up, the tip of the catheter is also facing up. It is important to remember that the catheter must remain in this position throughout the catheterization.
Ask your doctor or nurse before using coudé tip catheters to ensure you are using them correctly.
Multiple Sclerosis
MS lesions in the brain or spinal cord can disrupt the normal bladder process by interfering with the transmission of signals between the brain and urinary system.
Reference: https://mssociety.ca/about-ms/symptoms
Spina Bifida
In children born with Spina Bifida, the nerves in the spinal cord that control the bladder may not form properly. The bladder may have difficulty storing urine, emptying itself or both. Clean intermittent catheriztaion (CIC) will be needed to protect the kidneys and prevent urinary tract infections.
Spinal Cord Injury
Depending on your level of spinal cord injury, changes may occur in the way your bladder functions. Before your injury, your brain would send a message to your bladder and let you know when you had to go. The communication line is now not working and so you need to step in and manage the situation. While this can be frustrating at the start, it is important to note that with appropriate knowledge and training, you can remain independent and in control of your daily routine.
Reference: http://www.sciontario.org/page/bowel-bladder-care
Urinary incontinence is the accidental release of urine or leaking urine. It can happen when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or jog. Or you may have a sudden need to go to the bathroom but cannot get there in time. Bladder control problems are very common, especially among women. They usually do not cause major health problems, but they can be embarrassing.
Incontinence can be a short-term problem caused by a urinary tract infection, a medication, or constipation. In these situations, it gets better when you treat the problem that is causing it.
Some people’s bladder muscles do not work as well as others. If you are unable to fully empty your bladder, you are at greater risk of developing urinary tract infections which can cause kidney damage. When this happens, your doctor or nurse may recommend clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). CIC means inserting a catheter through the urethra (bladder opening) into the bladder on a regular basis. Urine flows out of the catheter emptying the bladder. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how frequently you will need to catheterize.
CIC is used to help manage abnormal bladder function. It prevents the bladder from over filling which can lead to kidney damage. It drains any residual urine that may remain in the bladder if it does not fully empty on its own. This helps to prevent bacteria growth which may cause bladder infections.
Always notify your doctor or nurse if you experience pain during catheterization.
CathetersPlus provides a wide array of catheters in various sizes (06 – 18 French). Catheters are available in straight or coude tipped, hydrophilic, uncoated; intermittent, Foley (indwelling) and male external (condom) options.
Catheter-associated supplies and incontinence products are also available and include drainage bags, leg bags, extension tubing, securement devices, briefs, liners, etc.
Please CONTACT US to discuss your specific needs and preferences with our catheter specialists.
