Coude Tip Catheters

Coude catheters are like straight catheters, except that the tip is bent.  The bent tip catheter is used to drain the bladder when it is necessary to navigate the catheter around an obstruction such as an enlarged prostate or other condition in which it may be difficult to pass a straight catheter through the urethra.  This catheter is mostly used in men, but may be used in females for some conditions.  After the catheter has reached the bladder, the catheterization technique and process are just like that of a straight catheter.  Coude catheters are generally about 16 inches long and are available in several French sizes.  Individuals who use a coude catheter can benefit from the use of a hydrophilic coating on the catheter.  The hydrophilic coating makes the catheter far more slippery than a standard coude catheter with lubricant.  This may make passage around an obstruction much easier.  Usually, there is a line on the catheter or notch on the funnel to indicate the direction of the bent tip.  This is very beneficial for the user.  Like all intermittent catheters, coude catheters are designed to be used only one time each.