How Does a 3 Way Catheter Work

The three-way irrigation catheter (Fig 2) is a large indwelling urinary catheter which has three lumens – for inflating the balloon which retains the catheter in the bladder, urine drainage and irrigation. The catheter simultaneously allows fluid to run into and drain out of the bladder.

How do you use a 3 way Foley catheter?

Method of use The catheter is inserted into the bladder via the urethra and the ballon inflated (using a syringe of sterile water into the non-return valve) to keep the catheter in place. The second connector is attached to the irrigation fluid bag.

Why is a three-way catheter used following a TURP?

Three-way Foley catheters are used when irrigation of the bladder is anticipated to prevent or manage blood clots in the bladder. Effective bladder irrigation influences patient safety and clinical outcomes. 1,2 Continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) is commonly used after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).