Indwelling Catheters (Foley’s):

A Foley catheter is a thin, sterile tube inserted into your bladder to drain urine. The balloon is filled with sterile water to hold the catheter in place. The urine drains into a bag and can then be taken from an outlet device to be drained.

Problems with Foley Catheters:

• High risk of Urinary Tract Infection
• Risk of sepsis
• Increase hospital morbidity and mortality even when used for as little as one day.
• Risk  of injury to urinary tract and are identified as having the most costly complications among bladder control options
• As of October 2008, hospital acquired catheter-associated UTI will no longer be reimbursed by Medicare: CMS 1533

Adult Diapers, Pads and Absorbent Products:

People with urinary or fecal incontinence may wear diapers or similar products because they are unable to control their bladders or bowels. People who are bedridden or in a wheelchair may also wear diapers because they are unable to access the toilet independently.

Problems with Adult Diapers, Pads and Absorbent Products:

• Rapidly cause pressure sores by trapping urine against the skin.
• 38% UTI rate
• 4-6 daily changes increase labor and laundry costs exponentially (by more than 200%).
• Not reimbursable under Medicare and most private insurances
• Uncomfortable smell and social isolation contribute to the stigma of incontinence

Condom Catheters:

The condom catheter is a device that is placed over the penis covering the entire shaft. Most condom catheters are made from latex and use an acrylic adhesive to  attach to the skin.

Problems with Condom Catheters:

• High pop-off rates
• Skin Breakdown/Tearing/Sores
• Inflammation/Discomfort
• Difficult to fit retracted, small and uncircumcised anatomy
• 63% Catheter Associated UTI rate