Why Choose Bardex™ Lubricath™ Foley Catheter

The Lubricath™ hydrogel coating transforms upon contact with bodily fluids to create a smooth, lubricious surface that reduces friction during insertion, throughout the indwelling period, and during removal. This specialized coating also helps resist mineral encrustation that can form on catheter surfaces during extended wear, potentially reducing complications and improving patient comfort. Combined with a symmetrical balloon design and large drainage eyes, this catheter delivers reliable performance for routine to intermediate-term catheterization.

Key Features & Benefits

Lubricath™ Hydrogel Coating:

• Hydrates on contact with moisture to create a smooth, low-friction surface
• Reduces urethral trauma during insertion and removal
• Helps resist encrustation (mineral buildup) that can block drainage or irritate tissue
• Maintains lubricity throughout the catheterization period
• May improve comfort during catheter movement or patient repositioning

14 French Standard Sizing:

• One of the most common adult catheter sizes (4.7mm diameter)
• Balances adequate urine flow with patient comfort
• Suitable for routine adult catheterization in both male and female patients
• Green color-coded funnel for quick size identification

Symmetrical 5cc Balloon:

• Standard balloon size for routine adult catheterization
• Symmetrical inflation ensures centered positioning in the bladder
• Reduces risk of balloon migration or bladder neck irritation
• Inflates with 5cc sterile water only (never use saline)

Large Drainage Eyes:

• Smooth, polished eyelets promote consistent urine flow
• Multiple drainage openings reduce risk of blockage
• Strategically positioned to maintain patency even if one eyelet becomes occluded

Radiopaque Design:

• Visible under X-ray or fluoroscopy for placement verification
• Helpful for confirming proper positioning during difficult insertions
• Useful in critical care or surgical settings requiring imaging confirmation

Clinical Applications

Appropriate For:

• Routine indwelling urinary drainage in hospitalized patients
• Post-operative bladder decompression and monitoring
• Acute urinary retention requiring continuous drainage
• Patients requiring accurate urine output measurement
• Short- to intermediate-term catheterization (days to weeks)

Typical Duration: Short-term (days) to intermediate-term (2-4 weeks) based on clinical protocols and patient condition

Healthcare Professional Use Only: This is a prescription medical device for use by trained healthcare professionals.

Understanding Hydrogel Coating Technology

Hydrogel coatings work by absorbing moisture from bodily fluids and transforming into a slippery, gel-like surface. This technology provides several advantages:

Reduced Friction: The hydrated coating creates a lubricious barrier between the catheter and urethral tissue, reducing mechanical trauma during insertion and throughout the indwelling period.

Encrustation Resistance: Mineral deposits from urine (primarily calcium and magnesium salts) can form on catheter surfaces during extended wear, potentially causing blockages and irritation. Hydrogel coatings help resist this buildup, maintaining smoother surfaces and better drainage.

Comfort During Movement: The low-friction surface allows the catheter to move slightly with patient repositioning without causing urethral irritation.

2-Way Design

This is a 2-way Foley catheter with two internal lumens:

• Drainage lumen: Allows urine to flow from the bladder through the catheter into the collection bag
• Balloon inflation lumen: Used to inflate the retention balloon with sterile water

2-way catheters are standard for routine urinary drainage. (3-way catheters, which include an irrigation channel, are used for continuous bladder irrigation.)

14 Fr Sizing Context

French (Fr) sizing indicates catheter diameter: each French unit equals approximately 0.33mm.

• 14 Fr = 4.7mm diameter
• Most common size for adult patients requiring routine catheterization
• Smaller than 16-18 Fr (used for faster drainage or post-surgical needs)
• Larger than 12 Fr (sometimes used for pediatric patients or very small adults)

⚠ Important Latex Warning

This catheter contains natural rubber latex, which may cause allergic reactions in latex-sensitive individuals. Latex allergies can range from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylactic reactions.

Do NOT use if the patient has:

• Known latex allergy
• History of allergic reactions to latex products
• Conditions associated with increased latex sensitivity (spina bifida, multiple surgeries, healthcare workers with occupational exposure)

For latex-sensitive patients, consider latex-free alternatives such as:

• Bard Biocath™ (hydrogel-coated, latex-free)
• Silicone Foley catheters
• Other synthetic catheter materials

Usage & Application

Catheter Insertion (Summary):

1. Perform hand hygiene and prepare sterile field per facility protocol
2. Cleanse urethral meatus with approved antiseptic solution
3. Apply sterile lubricant/anesthetic gel to catheter tip (hydrogel coating enhances but does not replace lubricant)
4. Insert catheter gently until urine flows, then advance 1-2 inches further
5. Inflate balloon with exactly 5cc sterile water (use sterile water only, never saline)
6. Gently withdraw catheter until balloon seats against bladder neck
7. Connect to sterile, closed drainage system
8. Secure catheter to thigh or abdomen per facility protocol to prevent tension/traction

Maintenance:

• Maintain closed drainage system at all times
• Keep collection bag below bladder level to prevent backflow
• Empty collection bag when ⅓ to ½ full or per facility protocol
• Monitor for signs of infection, obstruction, or bladder spasms
• Document urine output, color, clarity, and any abnormalities

Catheter Removal:

1. Deflate balloon completely using syringe to withdraw all 5cc of water
2. Gently withdraw catheter while patient relaxes pelvic muscles
3. Monitor patient for ability to void spontaneously after removal

When to Replace:

• Per facility protocol or clinician order
• If drainage becomes obstructed despite irrigation attempts
• If signs of infection develop
• If catheter integrity is compromised (cracks, leaks, balloon malfunction)

Product Specifications

• Type: Indwelling urinary catheter (Foley), 2-way
• Size: 14 French (Fr)
• Length: ~40 cm (standard adult length)
• Balloon Capacity: 5 cc (inflate with sterile water only)
• Coating: Lubricath™ hydrogel coating
• Material: Natural rubber latex with hydrogel coating
• Drainage Eyes: Large, smooth, polished eyelets
• Funnel: Color-coded green (14 Fr standard)
• Radiopacity: Yes (visible under X-ray)
• Sterility: Ethylene oxide (EO) sterilized, single-use only
• Latex Status: ⚠ CONTAINS natural rubber latex
• Packaging: Each (individually sterile-wrapped)
• Manufacturer: Bard (BD)
• Product Line: Bardex™ Lubricath™