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Overview: What Is A Catheter Used For?
In the broadest sense, a catheter is a tube which is inserted into a vessel, duct, or other body cavity. This tube can be used to administer fluids or medications, drain fluids, or guide other devices through the body.
There are countless uses for catheters, but some notable examples include the following:
- Intravenous catheters are used for IV infusions. Whether these catheters are used to administer medications or simply fluid, the devices allow for direct distribution to the vein.
- Infusion catheters connect to infusion pumps to deliver medications to patients. This can include chemotherapy for cancer patients or insulin to diabetic patients.
- Central venous catheters are larger tubes which are used to administer fluids or medications directly into the large veins of the neck or atrium of the heart opposed to the veins of the arms.
- Urinary catheters, also called Foley’s catheters, are used to drain urine from the bladder in critically ill patients, post-surgery patients, or patients who otherwise cannot empty their bladders themselves.
- Draining catheters can be used to drain fluid or pus from abscesses or fluid pockets in the body.
- Surgical catheters can be used to guide other devices through the blood vessels of the body to the intended location. For example, an angioplasty procedure involves using a catheter to unblock a blocked artery.
Catheter uses approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will vary depending on exactly what the device is approved for.
For example, the Penumbra JET 7 Reperfusion Catheter is approved for neurovascular revascularization surgery. This catheter is used to manually remove a clot which has blocked a blood vessel in the brain, causing an acute ischemic stroke.
Catheter Side Effects
The side effects of a catheter will vary depending on the type of catheter. Additionally, long term use of any catheter is associated with higher chances of side effects and unique risks.
Side effects associated with urinary catheters include infections (the most common complication), leaks, bladder spasms, and pain. Bladder stones, kidney damage, urethra injuries, and other side effects can also occur.
An intravenous catheter may also have mild side effects such as vein injury, bleeding, and pain. Slightly more serious complications such as blood clots and infections can also occur, though these can be treated.
Unfortunately, some catheters may be associated with more severe symptoms. With a central venous catheter, the tube may inadvertently cut the lung – causing it to collapse. These catheters could also cause the heart to stray from its normal rhythm, but this may resolve by itself.
Catheter Recalls & FDA Safety Reports
In October 2019, Python Embolectomy Catheters, Bard Embolectomy Catheters, and the OTW Latis Cleaning Catheters were recalled by Applied Medical due to concerns that the tips of these catheters could detach during use. This could lead to debris stuck in the patient’s body, damage to the blood vessel, and even the potential for death, according to the FDA Class I recall announcement.
In November 2020, the FDA announced the recall of Medtronic’s Rashkind balloon septostomy catheters due to “quality issues.” According to the regulator, these devices could break, separate, or otherwise fail during use. According to the Star Tribune, this catheter was also linked to a patient’s death.
There have also been safety reports made with the FDA’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) Database in connection to several catheters. More recently, these reports have caused concern regarding the Penumbra JET 7 Reperfusion Catheter. As of Oct. 31, 2020, there have been 18 reports of death connected with this medical device. This December, due to increasing injury reports, Penumbra has issued a voluntary recall.
Legal Action Over Catheters
Although catheters are generally well tolerated and safe, complications associated with catheters can lead to legal action against doctors and manufacturers.
According to a 2016 study, there were 29 urethral catheter medical malpractice suits found in the LexisNexis database between January 1965 and October 2015. These cases alleged damages such as traumatic insertion, pain, UTIs, and other issues.
Attorneys are also investigating the Penumbra JET 7 Reperfusion Catheter due to the influx of safety reports connected with the medical device. Patients injured by this catheter and bereaved loved ones may have legal claims against the device manufacturer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
