FAQs
We have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions. Many of these answers were developed or updated by a team of experts, however, this information does not replace seeking medical advice from your healthcare professional.
Catheter tips
Just like sizes and lengths, catheter tips come in different styles to suit different people. Your healthcare professional will help you find the best one for you.
Catheter tips can either be
- straight (or nelaton) tipped
- Coudé tipped
Coudé means ‘elbow’ in French, and this sort of tip is bent, so it points towards the ceiling when you insert it. Coudé tips come in three different types - tapered tip (the most common and has a firmer tip)
- olive tipped (named because it has a circular bead at the tip to help it move past obstacles, for example, an enlarged prostate)
- tiemann tipped (the tip is longer after the bend making it a bit more flexible)
A straight tip catheter is, as the name suggests, straight. A Coudé catheter has a tip that bends and is often chosen as an easier insertion option for those with an enlarged prostate.
The Coudé tip should always be positioned so the bend points up towards the ceiling. The tip should have a mark like an arrow or a notch to show you the direction of the bend. Your healthcare professional will be able to show you how to use this type of catheter.
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