Why Choose Amsure 100% Silicone Foley Catheter

100% Silicone for Superior Biocompatibility and Latex-Free Safety
Unlike silicone-coated latex catheters that only have a thin surface layer of silicone over a latex core, Amsure catheters are constructed entirely from medical-grade silicone throughout. This complete silicone construction eliminates all latex protein exposure, making them essential for patients with latex allergies or sensitivities. Additionally, 100% silicone offers superior biocompatibility—meaning the body tolerates it better with less tissue reaction, inflammation, or encrustation compared to latex—making silicone catheters the preferred choice for longer-term indwelling use and patients prone to catheter-related complications.

Transparent Shaft for Enhanced Clinical Monitoring
The clear, transparent silicone construction allows healthcare providers and patients to visually monitor urine characteristics without disconnecting the drainage system. You can immediately observe urine color changes, detect blood or sediment, identify mucus or tissue, and assess clarity—all critical indicators for detecting urinary tract infections, bleeding, or other complications early. This visual access supports faster clinical decision-making and reduces unnecessary catheter manipulations that could introduce infection.

Reinforced Tip for Easier Insertion and Kink Resistance
The reinforced catheter tip provides enhanced structural support during insertion, allowing for confident advancement through the urethra without buckling or folding back. This reinforcement also resists kinking during placement and throughout the catheter's dwell time—ensuring consistent urine flow and reducing the risk of obstruction. The firmer tip combined with flexible shaft creates an optimal balance of insertion control and patient comfort.

Key Features & Benefits

100% Medical-Grade Silicone Construction

• Completely latex-free throughout (not just coated)
• Superior biocompatibility reduces tissue reaction
• Less encrustation buildup compared to latex
• Appropriate for longer-term indwelling use
• Essential for latex-allergic or latex-sensitive patients
• Softer, more flexible material conforms to anatomy

Transparent Shaft

• Clear visual monitoring of urine without disconnection
• Early detection of hematuria (blood in urine)
• Identify sediment, mucus, or debris
• Assess urine clarity and color changes
• Important for infection surveillance
• Facilitates patient education and self-monitoring

Reinforced Tip Design

• Enhanced structural support during insertion
• Resists buckling or folding during advancement
• Kink-resistant throughout dwell time
• Maintains consistent drainage patency
• Confident placement in challenging anatomies
• Firmer tip with flexible shaft balance

Dual Polished Eyelets

• Two smooth drainage eyes for optimal flow
• Polished edges minimize tissue irritation
• Redundant drainage path if one eye becomes blocked
• Reduces risk of catheter obstruction
• Consistent, reliable urine drainage

Symmetrical 5cc Balloon

• Standard 5cc capacity for routine retention
• Symmetrical inflation ensures centered bladder positioning
• Inflate with exactly 5cc sterile water only (never saline)
• Secure retention without excessive pressure
• Appropriate for short- to long-term use

14 French Standard Sizing

• 4.7mm outer diameter—most common adult size
• Suitable for both male and female patients
• Balances adequate flow with patient comfort
• Universal sizing for most clinical applications

2-Way Design

• Separate drainage lumen for urine flow
• Dedicated balloon inflation channel
• Compatible with all standard closed drainage systems
• Simplified design for routine catheterization

Radiopaque Construction

• Visible on X-ray imaging
• Allows verification of catheter position
• Confirms proper bladder placement
• Useful in post-procedure assessment

Color-Coded Funnel

• Quick visual size identification (14 Fr)
• Reduces setup errors
• Facilitates inventory management
• Standard color-coding system

Clinical Applications

Latex-Sensitive or Latex-Allergic Patients

• Primary indication for 100% silicone catheters
• Patients with documented latex allergy
• Healthcare workers with occupational latex sensitivity
• Patients with history of latex reactions
• Spina bifida patients (higher latex allergy prevalence)

Longer-Term Indwelling Catheterization

• When catheter dwell time exceeds 2-4 weeks
• Chronic urinary retention requiring extended drainage
• Neurogenic bladder management (spinal cord injury, MS)
• Silicone's superior biocompatibility supports longer wear

Patients Prone to Encrustation

• History of catheter blockage from mineral deposits
• Alkaline urine that promotes encrustation
• Silicone resists buildup better than latex
• Important for patients on long-term catheterization

Clinical Monitoring Requirements

• Post-operative monitoring needing visual urine assessment
• Hematuria surveillance (kidney stones, procedures, trauma)
• Infection detection through urine clarity observation
• Situations requiring frequent urine characteristic checks

Routine Adult Catheterization

• General medical-surgical patients
• Post-operative bladder drainage
• Acute urinary retention
• Any standard indwelling catheterization when latex-free preferred

Understanding 100% Silicone vs. Silicone-Coated Latex

Material Differences

100% Silicone (This Catheter)

• Entire catheter made from silicone throughout
• Zero latex protein exposure
• Superior long-term biocompatibility
• Less encrustation over time
• More flexible and softer feel
• Appropriate for latex-sensitive patients
• Higher initial cost, longer wear time

Silicone-Coated Latex

• Thin silicone coating over latex core
• Latex proteins present beneath coating
• Not suitable for latex allergies
• More rigid feel than 100% silicone
• Good short-term performance
• Lower cost per catheter

When to Choose 100% Silicone

• Any latex sensitivity or allergy
• Indwelling use longer than 2-4 weeks
• History of catheter encrustation or blockage
• Patient preference for softer material
• Situations requiring visual monitoring

How Transparent Construction Aids Clinical Care

Visual Assessment Capabilities

Urine Color Monitoring

• Normal: Pale yellow to amber
• Dark/concentrated: Dehydration or concentrated urine
• Red/pink: Hematuria (blood) requiring investigation
• Cloudy: Possible infection or sediment
• Tea-colored: Possible liver issues or dehydration

Sediment and Debris Detection

• Mucus strands from bladder irritation
• Crystalline sediment from encrustation
• Tissue fragments (post-surgical)
• Clots indicating bleeding

Early Problem Identification

• Catheter blockage visible before complete obstruction
• Infection signs (cloudy, malodorous urine)
• Bleeding detection for early intervention
• Medication effects on urine appearance

Patient Education Benefits

• Patients can self-monitor at home
• Better understanding of normal vs. abnormal
• Earlier communication with providers about changes
• Increased confidence in home catheter management

Usage & Application

Healthcare Professional or Trained Patient/Caregiver Use

Insertion Protocol

1. Prepare: Establish sterile field; gather all supplies (catheter, drainage bag, sterile water for balloon, lubricant)
2. Cleanse: Perform appropriate antiseptic cleansing per protocol
3. Lubricate: Apply sterile water-soluble lubricant to catheter tip
4. Insert: Gently advance catheter until urine flows freely
5. Advance further: Continue inserting 1-2 inches after urine flow begins
6. Inflate balloon: Inject exactly 5cc sterile water into balloon port
7. Verify retention: Gentle traction confirms balloon inflation and catheter retention
8. Connect drainage: Attach to closed urinary drainage system below bladder level
9. Secure: Position and secure catheter per facility protocol to prevent traction

Maintenance

• Maintain closed drainage system integrity at all times
• Keep drainage bag below bladder level to prevent backflow
• Monitor urine output, color, and clarity regularly using transparent catheter
• Empty drainage bag when 1/3 to 1/2 full
• Follow facility protocols for catheter care and documentation

Monitoring Through Transparent Catheter

• Check urine appearance at least daily (or per protocol)
• Report significant color changes, cloudiness, or sediment
• Watch for reduced flow indicating possible obstruction
• Note any debris or tissue visible in catheter

Removal

• Deflate balloon completely before removal
• Remove catheter gently and steadily
• Monitor patient's ability to void after removal
• Document removal and post-removal assessment

Replacement Schedule

• 100% silicone catheters: Typically 4-12 weeks depending on patient factors
• Replace sooner if blockage, leakage, or infection occurs
• Follow manufacturer recommendations and clinician orders
• Longer wear time than latex catheters due to better biocompatibility

Silicone Catheter Care Considerations

Benefits for Long-Term Users

• Softer material improves comfort during extended wear
• Less urethral irritation over time
• Reduced encrustation extends functional lifespan
• Better tolerated by body with less inflammation

Important Reminders

• Still requires proper daily catheter care
• Maintain adequate hydration to prevent encrustation
• Clean around catheter insertion site per protocol
• Monitor for any signs of infection or complications

When to Replace

• Per scheduled replacement (typically 4-12 weeks)
• If catheter becomes blocked or damaged
• If balloon deflation problems occur
• If signs of infection develop
• If leakage around catheter occurs

Storage & Handling

• Storage: Room temperature in original sterile packaging
• Shelf life: Check expiration date on package
• Sterility: EO (ethylene oxide) sterilized; do not use if package damaged or opened
• Single-use only: Never reuse; discard after removal
• Disposal: Follow facility protocols for biohazard waste
• Material: 100% medical-grade silicone, completely latex-free