Why Choose Bard Lubricath™ Tiemann 18 Fr with 30cc Balloon
30cc Balloon for Post-Prostate Surgery Hemostasis and Security
The large 30cc balloon serves critical purposes beyond simple retention—when inflated, it applies gentle tamponade pressure against the prostatic fossa after TURP (transurethral resection of prostate) or prostatectomy procedures to control bleeding and promote hemostasis. This larger balloon also provides superior catheter stability, preventing migration or accidental displacement during recovery when patients are moving, coughing, or experiencing bladder spasms. The 30cc capacity is specifically engineered for post-surgical urological procedures where both bleeding control and secure positioning are essential.
18 French Sizing for Enhanced Drainage and Clot Passage
At 6mm diameter, the 18 Fr catheter provides significantly larger lumen capacity than standard 14-16 Fr catheters—critical for managing post-operative hematuria (bloody urine), passing small blood clots, and ensuring adequate drainage when irrigation is needed. This larger bore reduces the risk of catheter obstruction from blood clots or tissue debris common after prostate procedures, maintaining consistent drainage when it matters most. The increased size also supports continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) protocols frequently required after prostate surgery.
Tiemann Coude Tip with Lubricath™ for Post-Surgical Anatomies
The combination of Tiemann's pronounced coude curve and hydrogel coating is specifically valuable for catheterizing patients immediately after prostate surgery when anatomy may be altered, swollen, or more sensitive. The directed tip navigates around surgical sites and prostatic tissue more easily than straight catheters, while the Lubricath™ hydrogel coating minimizes trauma to healing tissues during insertion. This dual-technology approach improves catheterization success rates in challenging post-operative scenarios where both control and gentleness are required.
Key Features & Benefits
30cc Balloon Capacity
- Large balloon for post-surgical hemostasis
- Applies tamponade pressure to prostatic fossa after TURP/prostatectomy
- Superior catheter stability and migration prevention
- Reduces accidental displacement during recovery
- Essential for post-prostate surgery protocols
- Inflate with exactly 30cc sterile water only (never saline)
18 French Large-Bore Sizing
- 6mm outer diameter—larger than standard 14-16 Fr
- Enhanced drainage capacity for hematuria management
- Allows passage of small blood clots
- Reduces obstruction risk from post-surgical debris
- Supports continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) when needed
- Faster drainage of bloody or thick urine
Tiemann Medium-Olive Coude Tip
- More pronounced curve than standard coude tips
- Enhanced directional control during insertion
- Essential for navigating enlarged prostate or post-surgical anatomy
- Reduces insertion attempts in difficult cases
- Medium-olive shape optimizes navigation around obstacles
Lubricath™ Hydrogel Coating
- Activates with moisture for lubricious surface
- Reduces insertion force significantly
- Minimizes trauma to healing post-surgical tissues
- Maintains low-friction properties throughout dwell time
- Eases catheter removal
Single Drainage Eye
- Large, smooth drainage opening
- Minimizes bladder mucosal contact and irritation
- Adequate drainage even with single eye due to large 18 Fr bore
- Reduces tissue trauma compared to multi-eye designs
2-Way Design
- Separate drainage lumen for urine flow
- Dedicated balloon inflation channel
- Compatible with continuous bladder irrigation systems
- Standard configuration for post-operative management
Radiopaque Construction
- Visible on X-ray imaging
- Confirms catheter and balloon position post-operatively
- Important for verifying proper placement after surgery
Color-Coded Funnel
- 18 Fr = Red color coding
- Quick visual size identification in surgical/recovery settings
- Reduces setup errors
- Facilitates inventory management
⚠ Contains Natural Rubber Latex: Not suitable for patients with latex allergies or sensitivities
Clinical Applications
Post-Prostate Surgery (Primary Indication)
- After TURP (transurethral resection of prostate)
- Post-prostatectomy (radical or simple)
- Post-laser prostate procedures
- 30cc balloon provides hemostasis at surgical site
- 18 Fr allows drainage of bloody urine and small clots
- Typical post-op catheter for 5-14 days or per surgeon protocol
Continuous Bladder Irrigation (CBI)
- 18 Fr bore accommodates irrigation inflow and outflow
- Manages post-surgical hematuria
- Prevents clot formation and obstruction
- 30cc balloon maintains catheter position during irrigation
- Essential for post-TURP bleeding management
Hematuria Management
- Blood in urine requiring large-bore drainage
- Post-operative bleeding
- Trauma-related urinary bleeding
- Prevents catheter obstruction from clots
Severe BPH with Difficult Catheterization
- Tiemann coude tip navigates significantly enlarged prostate
- 18 Fr provides adequate drainage with severe obstruction
- When standard smaller catheters inadequate
Post-Surgical Recovery Requiring Secure Retention
- 30cc balloon prevents migration during patient movement
- Reduces accidental displacement in confused or agitated patients
- Critical when catheter must remain in place for healing
Understanding 30cc vs. Standard Balloons
30cc Balloon (This Catheter)
- Post-surgical hemostasis: Applies pressure to control bleeding
- Maximum stability: Prevents migration and displacement
- Secure retention: Critical when catheter removal would be problematic
- Surgical recovery: Standard after prostate procedures
- Larger inflation volume: Requires 30cc sterile water
Standard 5cc Balloon
- Routine catheterization without surgical considerations
- General urinary drainage needs
- Adequate retention for most non-surgical patients
- Smaller, less pressure on bladder neck
When 30cc is Required
- Post-TURP or prostatectomy (surgeon will specify)
- Continuous bladder irrigation protocols
- High-risk displacement situations
- Per surgical protocol for hemostasis
Understanding 18 Fr vs. Standard Sizing
18 French (6mm diameter)
- Larger bore: Better flow for bloody or thick urine
- Clot passage: Small clots can pass through
- Post-surgical: Standard for prostate procedures
- Irrigation compatible: Accommodates CBI systems
- Higher flow rate: Faster bladder emptying
Standard 14-16 Fr (4.7-5.3mm)
- Routine catheterization
- Clear urine drainage
- General medical-surgical use
- Smaller, more comfortable when not post-surgical
When 18 Fr is Appropriate
- Post-prostate surgery
- Hematuria requiring clot drainage
- Continuous bladder irrigation needs
- Surgeon specification for enhanced drainage
How Lubricath™ Coating Benefits Post-Surgical Patients
Reduced Trauma to Healing Tissues
Post-operative urethral and prostatic tissues are:
- Swollen and inflamed from surgery
- More sensitive and prone to bleeding
- Healing and vulnerable to additional trauma
- Requiring gentler catheter insertion
Lubricath™ hydrogel coating:
- Minimizes friction during insertion through healing tissues
- Reduces additional trauma at surgical site
- Eases insertion when anatomy altered by surgery
- Improves patient comfort during post-op catheterization
Usage & Application
Healthcare Professional Use Only - Post-Surgical Setting
Pre-Insertion Preparation
- Verify surgeon's catheter specifications (size and balloon)
- Prepare sterile field with all necessary supplies
- Have 30cc sterile water ready for balloon inflation
- Optional: Pre-wet catheter to activate hydrogel coating
- Apply additional sterile lubricant per protocol
Insertion Technique
- Position patient: Standard supine position
- Cleanse: Antiseptic preparation per protocol
- Orient Tiemann tip: Curve facing UP (anterior/toward belly)
- Insert gently: Advance with controlled pressure, allowing coude tip to navigate
- Confirm drainage: Continue until urine (often bloody post-op) flows
- Advance further: Insert 1-2 inches after flow begins
- Inflate balloon: Inject exactly 30cc sterile water into balloon port
- Verify retention: Gentle traction confirms proper inflation
- Apply tension (if ordered): Some post-TURP protocols require gentle downward tension for hemostasis
- Connect drainage: Attach to closed drainage system (or CBI system if ordered)
Post-Operative Monitoring
- Monitor urine output and color (expect bloody initially post-op)
- Assess for clots or obstruction
- Maintain closed drainage or CBI system per protocol
- Keep drainage bag below bladder level
- Document drainage characteristics and volume
Continuous Bladder Irrigation (if ordered)
- Connect irrigation solution to irrigation port
- Maintain appropriate irrigation flow rate per order
- Monitor for proper drainage (outflow should exceed or equal inflow)
- Assess for clots or obstruction requiring manual irrigation
Removal (Per Surgeon Order)
- Typically 5-14 days post-operatively or per protocol
- Deflate balloon completely before removal (withdraw all 30cc)
- Remove catheter gently and steadily
- Expect some hematuria immediately after removal (normal)
- Monitor patient's ability to void after removal
Post-TURP/Prostatectomy Catheter Care
Why This Catheter Configuration Matters After prostate surgery:
- Prostatic fossa (surgical site) may bleed
- 30cc balloon applies gentle pressure for hemostasis
- Blood and clots need larger bore (18 Fr) for drainage
- Catheter must stay securely positioned during healing
- May require continuous irrigation to prevent clot obstruction
Typical Post-Op Course
- Days 1-3: Heavy hematuria, possible CBI
- Days 3-7: Decreasing bleeding, lighter pink urine
- Days 7-14: Clearing urine, catheter removal considered
- Timeline varies per procedure and surgeon protocol
Latex Allergy Considerations
⚠ IMPORTANT: This catheter contains natural rubber latex and should NOT be used on patients with:
- Known latex allergy
- History of latex sensitivity or reactions
- Spina bifida (higher latex sensitivity risk)
- Multiple surgical procedures (increased latex exposure)
- Healthcare workers with occupational latex sensitivity
For latex-sensitive patients: Choose 100% silicone Foley catheters with coude tips (consult with surgeon for availability in 18 Fr/30cc configuration).
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
- Single-use only: Never reuse; discard after removal
- Balloon inflation: Use exactly 30cc sterile water (never saline)
- Pre-wetting: May pre-wet with sterile water to activate hydrogel
- Disposal: Follow facility protocols for biohazard waste