A catheter is inserted in one of two ways, depending on the type of catheter and the reason for its use.
Types of Catheter Insertion
The most common method is through the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This is called a urethral catheter. For example, a Foley catheter, a type of indwelling urethral catheter, is frequently used to drain urine when a person is unable to urinate normally. (Foley Catheter: Purpose, Insertion & Care). The insertion process for a urethral catheter typically involves: sterilization, lubrication, and careful insertion into the urethra until urine flows freely. The catheter is then secured in place. (Urinary catheters: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Urinary catheters - NHS, Urinary catheterisation | NHS inform, How to Use a Straight Catheter for Self-Catheterization (Male): Care ...)
Alternatively, a catheter can be inserted through a small incision made in the lower abdomen. This is known as a suprapubic catheter. ([Urinary catheters are usually inserted by a doctor or nurse. They can either be inserted through the tube that carries urine out of the bladder (urethral catheter) or through a small opening made in your lower tummy (suprapubic catheter).]) This procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting under sterile conditions.
Other types of catheters, such as those used in cardiac ablation, are inserted through blood vessels and into the heart. The insertion point varies depending on the specific procedure. (Cardiac ablation - Mayo Clinic, Cardiac Catheterization | Johns Hopkins Medicine) Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are inserted into a vein in the arm. (Percutaneous Central Catheter - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf)
Regardless of the insertion method, the procedure is generally performed by a healthcare professional. Proper hygiene and sterile techniques are crucial to prevent infection. (Nursing guidelines : Indwelling urinary catheter - insertion and ..., Urinary Tract Infection (Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection ...)
