Silicone urinary catheters are disposable sterile medical devices made of medical-grade silicone. After being inserted into the bladder through the urethra, they are secured by a balloon at the tip and connected to a urine bag for urine drainage. They are available in 11 sizes, ranging from F6 to F26, based on their outer diameter circumference. Adults commonly use F12-F18, while children use F8-F12. These catheters are biocompatible, heat-resistant, and anticoagulant, meeting WHO standards for indwelling catheters and can be left in place for up to 29 days. Structurally, they are available in single-lumen and double-lumen types. Double-lumen catheters include an inflation port and a balloon, while triple-lumen catheters include a water inlet, a medication inlet, and a drainage inlet, suitable for various clinical scenarios.
Compared to traditional latex, silicone urinary catheters have a wider inner diameter, are less prone to calcium buildup, reducing urethral irritation and allergic reactions. They also have a smooth surface, better biocompatibility, and are more suitable for long-term indwelling. Clinically, they are mainly used for postoperative drainage, treatment of urinary retention, and long-term catheterization, requiring adherence to aseptic procedures such as bladder irrigation and regular catheter repositioning. During use, urine characteristics should be observed, urination rate controlled, and the urine bag maintained according to standard procedures. The adult size should be replaced every month. Product quality should be carefully monitored; some companies have voluntarily recalled products due to failing quality inspections. Major manufacturers include Shandong Steve Medical and Haiyan Kangyuan Medical Devices. Regarding materials, research has shown that adding modified cellulose nanocrystals can prepare NCC/VMQ composite materials to improve deformation resistance and alleviate patient discomfort.
