When it comes to choosing the right catheter for your needs, we know there’s a lot to consider. For example, what is a closed system catheter? Are closed-system catheters covered by my insurance? What are the benefits of using closed system catheter kits?
Get the answers in this comprehensive article! Plus, you can find out how closed system catheters could make your self-cathing routine more hygienic and convenient.
What is a Closed System Catheter?
A closed system catheter is a self-contained, pre-lubricated catheter housed within its own collection bag. The sterile collection bag eliminates the need to void the urine into a receptacle or toilet.
As with all intermittent catheters, a closed system catheter’s main function is to drain the bladder in a comfortable, smooth process.
However, it has some advanced special features that truly set this catheter type apart. For example, these catheters are sometimes called touchless or no-touch catheters because your fingers never have to come into direct contact with the catheter tube. Because it’s an all-in-one system, it minimizes the risk of contamination and bacterial infection of your urinary tract and bladder.
Some closed system catheters also offer gripping aids or easy-to-open packaging for those who have limited hand dexterity, such as people with spinal cord injuries or severe arthritis.
What are the Features of Closed System Catheters?
While each manufacturer’s catheters may vary, you’ll find that the majority of closed system catheter kits have similar features.
180 Medical offers a wide variety of options from all major brands, so you can try and choose what works best for your needs.
Some Additional Closed System Catheter Kit Features
Many catheter brands include insertion supplies in the package to help with the catheterization routine.
Some brands may include an opaque disposal bag to conceal or store the used catheter, antiseptic wipes (typically povidone-iodine or BZK) to disinfect hands and the insertion site, and gloves to reduce the risk of contamination and infection.
Some closed system catheters also offer gripping aids or easy-to-open packaging for those with limited hand dexterity, such as people with spinal cord injuries or severe arthritis.
Are There Benefits to Using Closed System Catheters?
Yes. Closed system catheters are designed to facilitate sterile, hygienic catheterization, which may help reduce the risk of UTIs.
Having a self-contained collection bag can also be very convenient, so you can self-cath right from your chair, bed, wheelchair, or any other place where you have privacy.
Closed system catheters also typically have a pre-lubricated introducer tip that allows the catheter to smoothly bypass the first few millimeters of the urethra, where most bacteria accumulate.
Cure Catheter® Closed Systems and the Cure Dextra® catheter both feature a unique introducer tip called the Cure ProteX™. The Cure ProteX™ introducer tip features small X-shaped slits that create a tighter barrier as the catheter is inserted, which may further reduce the risk of bacterial transfer.
How Do I Use a Closed System Catheter?
180 Medical offers detailed online instructions and catheterization videos for how to catheterize using a closed system for men, women, and children. We even offer catheter instructions in Spanish (en Español).
180 Medical also has one-of-a-kind catheterization instruction materials we can send to you with your order, including a DVD and detailed, colorful brochures.
Are Closed System Catheters Available in My French Size?
It’s very likely! Many brands of closed system catheters offer straight and coudé tip options, depending on your medical needs. They are available in the most common lengths as well, including several female length closed system catheters. Choose from a range of the most common French sizes.
- 6 French Closed System Catheters
- 8 French Closed System Catheters
- 10 French Closed System Catheters
- 12 French Closed System Catheters
- 14 French Closed System Catheters
- 16 French Closed System Catheters
- 18 French Closed System Catheters
- 20 French Closed System Catheters
Which Closed System Catheters Does 180 Medical Carry?
180 Medical proudly carries catheters from all of the leading manufacturers and brands available today.
How Can I Find a Catheter That’s Right for Me?
You need a reliable supplier that offers a wide selection of high-quality catheters with unbeatable customer service. Our trained Catheter Specialists are ready to help you!
