Ultrasound for Foley Catheter: Positioning & Obstruction Identification
October 13, 2023
A Foley catheter is a flexible, sterile tube inserted into the bladder to facilitate urine drainage. It features an inflatable balloon that ensures it stays anchored securely in the bladder. It is frequently used in patients who cannot empty their bladder naturally, those undergoing specific surgeries, or for continuous urine output monitoring in hospitalized individuals.
Ultrasound can be utilized to confirm the catheter’s correct position.
- An ideally positioned catheter should show either an empty or non-distended bladder with an intraluminal balloon.
- If the balloon appears to be surrounded with hypoechogenic fluid, the foley may be obstructed.
Endoluminal balloon in an obstructed foley.
Reverse Ultrasound Anatomy of the male pelvis.
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