The Basics of Coudé Catheters

There are many different types and brands of catheters available today, but there are typically only two basic insertion tip types (with the exception of some variations of the two): straight tip and coudé tip. Straight is the most common type of insertion tip, but coudé catheters are also frequently used. Read on to learn the basics about coudé catheters to see if it is right for your needs.

What is a Coudé Catheter?

A coudé tip is basically a slightly angled or curved tip on a catheter. This type of tip is best for those who have difficulty passing a regular straight tip intermittent catheter. This situation is most common in men, so the coudé tip is almost always an option on male length catheters. The reasons for needing coudé tips may include urethral strictures, blockages, enlarged prostates, or false passages.

Coudé Tip Catheter Types & Product Options

Your doctor or other prescribing health care professional can determine what will work best for you, based on your anatomy as well as the underlying issue causing the need for a coudé.

Coudé catheters come in a variety of options for your individual needs and preferences, such as closed system kits, hydrophilic catheters, and intermittent straight catheters. See our online product catalog for a look at some of the available options and their features.

There are several types of tips for coudé catheters, which include:

Tapered Tip Coudé Catheter
This type of coudé catheter tip (pictured above) features a short, strong curve that is smaller at the insertion point. This is especially good for navigating through strictures or bypassing enlarged prostates.

Example: GentleCath™ Male Length Coudé Tip Catheter

Olive Tip Coudé Catheter
This tip is slightly ball-shaped and rounded with a curve to aid in smooth passage around obstructions to the bladder. The olive tip coudé catheter may be a good option for getting past false passages that a standard tapered or Tiemann tip might catch on.

Example: Coloplast Self-Cath™ Olive Tip Coudé Catheter

Tiemann Tip Coudé Catheter
The Tiemann tip is elongated and tapered, and it’s also typically more pliable than other coudé tips. It’s helpful for navigating narrower passages and bypassing strictures, and the pliability of the tip can aid in better comfort during catheterization.

Example: Rusch Siliconized Tiemann Tip Coudé Catheter

How to Use a Coudé Tip Catheter

Everyone’s anatomy is different, so the way to insert the curved tip of your coudé catheter will depend on your doctor’s medical opinion and instructions. Your urologist or urology nurse will likely spend some time with you during your appointment to go over the process of learning how to insert a catheter, including which direction to face the angle of the insertion tip.

Many coudé tip catheters will offer a reference point on the funnel, such as a notch or a bump to indicate the angle. Others have a guiding line down the catheter tube as well.

Finding the Right Coudé Catheter For You