According to research, over 12,000 suffer a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) annually in the United States. Most individuals with SCI must learn to adjust to a new life.
However, transitioning to a wheelchair can be pretty challenging, and so can managing your day-to-day activities. Closed system catheters are an excellent way of improving your bladder management routine. These catheters allow you to urinate safely and effectively.
But that’s not all! In this blog, we’ll discuss how closed system catheters facilitate self-catheterizing in a wheelchair and its different components:
Closed System Catheters May Help Those Adjusting To Life In A Wheelchair
Closed System Catheters are a safe and effective way of urinating since they contain a tube that connects to a urine collection bag. This setup minimizes the risk of bacterial infection due to its insertion tip.
Here are several extra steps to take to prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
Talk To Your Doctor
Consult your doctor before you use a closed system or any other catheter. They can help you identify the ideal treatment plan based on your infections and illnesses history and unique health needs.
Never Reuse Your Catheters
Catheters should only be used once before being discarded, as the FDA has concluded that they are single-use medical devices. Doing this can prevent the development of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Make Sure You’re Using Your Catheter Properly
Knowing how to catheterize correctly can not only help reduce your chance of UTIs, but it will also help you prevent needless discomfort.
Parts Of A Closed System Catheter And Their Benefits
Closed System Catheters offer discrete and practical cathing anywhere you may be, including in your car. With this complete system, you may enjoy hassle-free insertion thanks to a pre-lubricated insertion tip.
Although there will be some differences between the brands, most closed-system catheter kits contain the following fundamental parts:
- Catheter Cap: It covers and safeguards the introducer tip until you are ready to utilize the catheter.
- Introducer Tip: Closed system catheters include an additional safety element known as an introducer tip or insertion tip, which sets them apart from regular catheters. It lowers the risk of infection by enabling the pre-lubricated catheter to avoid microorganisms present in the first few millimeters of the urethra.
- Measured Urine Bag: For storing and monitoring urine output.
- Pre-Lubricated Catheter: This device enables a painless and easy insertion into the bladder for urination.
Additional Features
To facilitate the catheterization procedure, many catheter brands offer insertion supplies.
Some brands may include gloves to lower the risk of contamination and infection, an opaque disposal bag to conceal or store the old catheter, and antiseptic wipes (usually povidone-iodine or BZK). Some makers of catheters also provide a sterile underpad and an additional packet of lubricating jelly.
Some closed-system catheters also provide gripping aids or packaging that is simple to open for those with poor hand dexterity, like those who have severe arthritis or spinal cord injuries.
Closed System Catheter Benefits
For new catheter users, a closed-system catheter can be a fantastic way to lessen their risk of developing UTIs. It offers everything in a convenient packaging that is easy to transport and has particular characteristics that can assist you in avoiding UTIs and staying in your wheelchair while catheterizing.
- Ease of use: A Closed System Catheter allows patients to stay in their wheelchair rather than attempting to transfer from chair to toilet every time because it is self-contained in a measured bag. Additionally, you can self-catheter in any space that gives you privacy.
- Insertion Materials Closed system catheters frequently come with additional materials to aid in the insertion process, like sterile gloves (particularly helpful when cathing in public facilities), antiseptic wipes to clean the area where you will put the catheter, an underpad, and more.
- The self-contained collection bag eliminates the need to look for a different container for this function, such as a separate bag, toilet, or urinal. You can do a self-cath from your wheelchair or any other private location.
- Users with intermittent urinary catheters can avoid the first few millimeters of the urethra, which contain the highest concentrations of bacteria, by using this pre-lubricated tip.
Summary
This article highlights the components and benefits of using catheters, even for people using a wheelchair. However, before using it yourself, consider contacting a professional, as it will save you from multiple infections that may cost you or your loved one’s life. Furthermore, if you are using it for the first time, check the details regarding its usage and pros and cons. Moreover, purchase it from reliable suppliers, for instance, Active Life Medical Products, as they ensure quality and safety.
How Active Life Medical Products Can Help With Catheter Supplies
You need a trusted catheter supplier when you require catheter supplies. Active Life Medical Products makes ordering the entire catheter supply process easy. Our Product Specialists can help you get your prescribed catheter covered through most insurances. Everything will be delivered directly to your front door.
Call Active Life Medical Products at (800) 319-2336 to place your order.
