Does the method of “securing the catheter” make any difference?

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether commonly used methods of securing an indwelling catheter decrease the force transmission along the indwelling catheter to the bladder neck in response to an externally applied force. Materials and methods: A test apparatus was constructed to simulate key features of a catheter drainage system. A “bladder neck” was suspended from a force gauge, with an indwelling catheter inserted through it, tensioned with a urine drainage bag. The system was calibrated, and various methods of securement were tested, with the level of force transmitted to the bladder neck recorded. The methods of securement tested included: adhesive tape taped used a number of ways (including direct taping and a taped mesentery), and three commercially available devices. Results: Some securement devices were able to completely eliminate force transmission to the bladder neck (the Flexi-Trak and Grip-Lok devices). A taped mesentery performed well reducing the transmitted force by up to 85% compared with an unsecured control. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study we were able to demonstrate that some of the commonly used methods of securing indwelling catheters do work. We were also able to show that adhesive tape was still effective, although not as effective as commercially available devices.