Medical plastic catheters can be divided into various types based on different dimensions such as purpose, structure, indwelling time, and material, and are widely used in multiple clinical scenarios such as infusion, catheterization, vascular intervention, and nutritional support. The following is a mainstream classification based on function and usage characteristics:
1. Classification by clinical application
Infusion catheter
Used for intravenous medication administration, fluid infusion, or nutritional support, such as peripheral intravenous catheter (PIV), central venous catheter (CVC), and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).
Characteristics: It needs to possess good biocompatibility and antithrombogenicity, and some are coated with antibacterial layers to reduce the risk of infection.
Foley catheter
Used for draining bladder urine, it is commonly seen in postoperative patients, patients with urinary retention, or critically ill patients.
Classification:
Single-cavity urinary catheter: for temporary urinary catheterization;
Double-cavity urinary catheter: featuring an air sac for fixation, suitable for short-term indwelling;
Three-cavity catheter: It is equipped with an additional irrigation channel for continuous irrigation after bladder bleeding.
Vascular catheter
Including angiography catheters, balloon dilatation catheters (such as PTCA catheters), microcatheters, etc., used for diagnosis and treatment of coronary arteries, cerebrovascular and other parts.
It requires high precision and strong trackability, and is often equipped with development markers for positioning under X-ray.
Digestive tract catheter
Such as gastric tube, intestinal tube, and biliary tube, used for nutrition supply, decompression, or drainage.
The materials are mostly TPU or PVC, and some of them feature multi-cavity structures to achieve composite functions.
Respiratory tube
Including endotracheal intubation, laryngeal mask airway, etc., used to maintain airway patency, commonly seen in anesthesia or intensive care.
It needs to be flexible and not prone to folding, with parts made of thermosensitive materials that soften at body temperature to reduce tissue damage.
Dialysis catheter
Used for hemodialysis, it typically features a dual-lumen or multi-lumen structure, with one lumen for blood intake and the other for blood return, ensuring efficient circulation.
It is mostly made of medical-grade polyurethane, featuring high elasticity and low blood flow resistance.
Nervous system catheter
Such as ventricular drainage tube and lumbar cistern drainage tube, which are used for intracranial pressure monitoring or cerebrospinal fluid drainage.
It belongs to high-risk Class I catheters, requiring strict aseptic procedures and regular evaluation.
2. Classification by retention time
table
Type Indwelling time Common materials Application examples
Short-term catheter <24 hours PVC, PE angiography catheter, temporary urinary catheter
Medium-term catheter: 1-30 days, PU, PE PICC, central venous catheter
Long-term catheter >30 days, silicone, polycarbonate-based PU implantable infusion port, long-term dialysis catheter
3. Classification by structural characteristics
Single-lumen catheter
With only one channel and a simple structure, it is suitable for temporary drainage or drug administration.
Multi-lumen catheter
It contains two or more independent lumens, such as a dual-lumen for infusion and monitoring, and a triple-lumen for infusion, irrigation, and drainage, commonly used in intensive care and postoperative management.
Special structure conduit
Balloon catheter: equipped with an inflatable balloon at the end, used for vascular dilation or catheter fixation;
Sheath: Serving as an introduction channel for other catheters or instruments, it is commonly used in interventional surgery;
Scaled catheter: The external segment is marked with length scales, facilitating precise control of insertion depth, such as the PICC catheter used in chemotherapy.
4. Classification by material
table
Material Characteristics Common Applications
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is low in cost and has high transparency, but it is relatively hard and prone to allergies. It is used for short-term infusion tubes and ordinary catheters
Polyurethane (PU) has good flexibility, excellent biocompatibility, and wear resistance. PICC, central venous catheter, and dialysis catheter
Silicone is soft, less irritating, and suitable for long-term placement, such as long-term urinary catheters and implantable catheters
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has an extremely low friction coefficient and is often used as the inner lining of vascular intervention catheters (PTFE Liner)
Polyethylene (PE) is flexible and easy to process, suitable for auxiliary components such as microcatheters and disposable gloves
Block polyetheramide (Pebax) combines elasticity and strength, making it one of the preferred materials for most interventional catheters
