A Foley catheter is a flexible tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder for continuous urine drainage. While standard catheters have two internal channels, the 3-way Foley catheter is a specialized adaptation for complex medical needs. This device performs standard urinary drainage while facilitating continuous bladder irrigation. The third channel allows medical professionals to actively manage the internal bladder environment, often necessary following surgery or when internal bleeding occurs.
Anatomy of the 3-Way Catheter
This specialized catheter incorporates a distinct triple-lumen design. The flexible shaft is inserted into the bladder, and at the tip, a small, inflatable retention balloon secures the device once positioned. The defining characteristic is the presence of three separate internal channels, or lumens, that run the length of the catheter. These channels have unique external connection ports to fulfill their specific functions.
The Role of Each Lumen
The largest channel is the Drainage Lumen, which is the primary route for urine and fluid to exit the bladder into the external collection bag. This large size accommodates potential debris or blood clots that need to be flushed out of the body. The smallest channel is the Inflation Lumen, used to inject sterile water or saline to inflate the retention balloon at the catheter’s tip. Inflating the balloon anchors the catheter against the bladder neck, preventing the device from accidentally slipping out. The third channel is the Irrigation Lumen, which acts as the dedicated entry point for sterile fluid into the bladder.
Continuous Bladder Irrigation Explained
The Irrigation Lumen facilitates Continuous Bladder Irrigation (CBI), the primary reason this device is used. CBI involves constantly infusing a sterile irrigating solution, typically 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline), into the bladder. The fluid enters through the third channel, circulating within the bladder cavity to mix with urine and accumulated material. This continuous flow prevents the formation of thick blood clots that could obstruct the catheter and block urine flow.
The fluid and the bladder contents then exit through the large Drainage Lumen in a constant, simultaneous cycle. Healthcare providers monitor the color and clarity of the output fluid to determine the irrigation flow rate. If the draining fluid remains dark red, the infusion rate of the sterile solution is often increased to provide a more vigorous flushing action. This process ensures the catheter remains clear and prevents the complication of clot retention.
Primary Uses for the Device
The 3-way catheter is used in specific post-surgical and acute care settings. It is most commonly employed following urological surgeries, such as a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). These procedures often cause bleeding within the bladder or prostate area, necessitating constant flushing to manage hematuria (blood in the urine). The device is also indicated when a patient experiences severe bleeding into the urinary tract from other causes, which carries a high risk of blockage.