Most people can easily use standard catheters, but some can have a more challenging time. Only some can use standard catheters, and having options makes self-cathing much easier.
Straight And Coudé Catheter Tips What’s The Difference?
The main difference between the straight and Coudé catheter tips is that the latter is slightly curved, while the standard one is straight and upright. The catheter is a small tube that patients can insert inside them through the urethral opening or a stoma.
It’s painless, but people who may feel pain with standard catheters can choose Coudé tips because they are easier to insert. A funnel end (represented by color coding) shows the diameter of the catheter tubes.
One tip gets inserted to empty the bladder and features one eyelet or a draining hole to help drain the urine out of the system.
Why Do I Need To Use Coudé Catheters?
The coude’ catheters are a popular choice for many patients with urine-related health conditions. These people cannot use straight-tip catheters and instead use the Coudé design for draining the bladder. However, Coudé catheters aren’t suitable for all anatomies, which is why they are slightly less popular than standard catheters.
Factors You Should Consider Before Getting Coudé Tip Catheter
Choosing a suitable coudé catheter can make self-cathing a lot easier, and you can choose from plenty of design variations. However, you can use some of the following factors to determine when to use coude’ tip catheters. You may want to consider the coude’ tip catheter if you are/have:
- Urethral strictures
- Urinary stricture disease or urethral trauma
- Radiation in the pelvic area to treat cancer
- Prior prostate surgery
- Female with an atrophic vagina
- False passages in the urethra
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Who Typically Needs To Use A Coudé Catheter?
Most people who use Coudé catheters are boys or men, so the tubes will often have a design specific to their length. You’ll find most Coudé catheters sized 10 inches or longer. However, doctors may prescribe these catheters to patients who have difficulty using straight catheters.
Are There Different Types Of Coudé Insertion Tips?
Coudé insertion tips come in different varieties. It’s crucial to understand these subtypes when choosing your catheter. Therefore, here’s a breakdown of the most common types you should remember.
Tapered Tip Coudé Catheter
The tapered tip Coudé catheters are very common. These are uniform tubes that taper at the end for easier insertion, which allows them to bypass enlarged prostates and reach the bladder.
Olive Tip Coudé Catheter (Ball Tip)
This kind of coude’ catheter has a ball tip followed by a short curve. It’s best for urethral insertions with longer pathways since they have longer tip designs.
Tiemann Tip Coudé Catheter
The Tieman tip coude’ catheters have tapered curves and are more flexible than most Coudé tube types you can find on the market. It’s more comfortable for users because of the flexibility.
Types of Coudé Catheters Available at Active Life Medical Products
Active Life Medical Products have some of the finest catheters in the industry. The most common material types they have to include:
- Red rubber latex
- Silicone
- Vinyl PVC
Uncoated Coudé Catheters
Users needing convenient catheters that they can lubricate can use uncoated Coudé catheters. They are quick to lubricate and are very easy to insert.
Hydrophilic Coudé Catheters
The hydrophilic Coudé catheters have a water packet that users can pop when they want to lubricate the device. It’s a hands-free and convenient option for users.
Closed System Coudé Catheter Kits
The closed system Coudé catheter kids are best for users who use wheelchairs or travel frequently. The catheter is easy to use, making it best for long-term use.
Can I Change My Supply Order From Straight To Coudé Catheters?
Yes, buyers can consult with their urologist and change their supply order from straight to Coudé catheters. We have all kinds of urinary products available, so we can provide the ones you want.
Does Insurance Cover The Costs Of Coudé Tip Catheters?
Insurance coverage will often differ depending on the policy you get. For instance, Medicaid/Medi-Cal and Medicare users get 6-7 self-catheters through their policy. All you need is a supporting document that explains your needs thoroughly. If you want to learn more, you should consult with your insurance provider.
How Do I Use A Coudé Catheter?
Here’s how you can use a coude’ catheter:
- Gather and sterilize all the products and lubricate them
- Hold your penis at a 65-degree angle and insert the tube into your urethra.
- Use color coding to find the best point to stop. Please take a deep breath when it reaches your bladder, and apply gentle pressure.
- Insert the catheter’s other end into a different collection area when the urine starts to flow.
- Remove the catheter once you are done, and dispose of it.
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.
