A Comprehensive Guide to Medical Catheter Specifications and Materials
2025-03-31
Medical catheters, an indispensable part of modern medicine, are widely used in clinical procedures such as infusion, urinary catheterization, and drainage. The choice of specifications and materials directly affects the ability of medical personnel to provide appropriate treatment for patients, as well as the patients' treatment experience and outcomes. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the specifications and commonly used materials of medical catheters is particularly important.
Specifications of Medical Catheters
These are usually determined by their outer diameter, inner diameter, and length. These specifications vary depending on the needs of different clinical procedures; therefore, understanding the catheter specifications required for various procedures is crucial. Several common medical catheter specifications are listed below:
Infusion catheters: Their outer diameter ranges from 14G to 24G, and their length is usually from 18cm to 45cm, with lengths of 20cm and 24cm being more common.
Urinary catheters: Their outer diameter is measured in French (Fr), ranging from 6Fr to 24Fr, with each 1Fr approximately equal to 33mm. In terms of length, urinary catheters for women are usually shorter, around 20cm, while those for men are slightly longer.
Chest drainage tubes: Their outer diameter is between 16Fr and 36Fr, and their length ranges from 30cm to 50cm.
Endotracheal tubes: Their outer diameter is measured in millimeters, ranging from 5mm to 5mm, and their length varies from 10cm to 30cm.
Nasogastric tubes: Their outer diameter ranges from 8Fr to 18Fr, and their length ranges from 50cm to 120cm.
In addition, understanding the commonly used materials of medical catheters is also crucial.
The choice of material for medical catheters directly affects its performance, such as softness, durability, and biocompatibility. The following are several common catheter materials and their respective characteristics and application fields:
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): This material is economical and has high transparency, making it easy to observe the flow of liquid inside the catheter. PVC catheters are widely used in various medical scenarios, including infusions, urinary catheters, and nasogastric tubes.
Polyurethane (PU): PU material is soft and highly elastic, capable of withstanding high pressure, making it ideal for long-term indwelling. Therefore, it is often used to make critical medical devices such as central venous catheters and endotracheal tubes.
Silicone: Silicone catheters have excellent biocompatibility, a soft texture, and are unlikely to cause allergic reactions, making them suitable for long-term indwelling. This material performs well in numerous applications, including urinary catheters, nasogastric tubes, and drainage.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): PTFE catheters are resistant to high temperatures and chemical corrosion; their smooth surface helps reduce friction. It is often used to manufacture special types of catheters, such as interventional catheters and drainage catheters.
Stainless steel: Although stainless steel catheters are hard-wearing, durable, and corrosion-resistant, their flexibility is slightly less than that of plastic catheters. Stainless steel is mainly used to manufacture guide wires, puncture needles, and other medical tools.
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