Shiley Catheter

In medical terms, the shiley catheter is a well known type of catheter which are sterile tubes inserted in the body cavities, vessels and ducts of human beings. There are some conditions that require the use of a soft catheter, in this case slender and elastic. Other conditions require the use of hard catheters which are larger and more solid. The medical procedure of inserting a catheter in the body is known as catheterization. A catheter can be left in the body on a temporary or permanent basis. In both cases, it is called an indwelling catheter. When it is permanently inserted in the body, it is known as permcath.
There are many applications of the shiley catheter such as treating disorders, problems and procedures. Polymers are mostly used to create shiley catheters, and any other catheter for that matter. Examples of such polymers include rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, silicone and latex. The most widely used polymer is silicone. The reason is that silicone is inert and does not react when it comes into contact with body fluids or medical fluids. The disadvantage of this type of polymer is that it is considered weak mechanically and results in serious fracture cases in catheters.
The importance of this type of catheter cannot be underestimated in the diverse fields of medicine. These tubes are important in the medical management of different types of patients. Patients with kidney failures benefit a lot from this treatment. Kidney failure results in its inability to clean blood and remove excess body fluid. In this case, a tunneled catheter is stationed under the skin. Generally, a shiley catheter has two holes inside. One opening allows the removal of blood from the body while the other opening allows the injection of clean blood in the body.
It is important to take good care of your shiley catheter for it to last longer as well as avoid complications such as clotting and infections. The inserted area should always be clean. S mentioned, clotting can occur after catheter insertion. These clots form either inside or outside of the tubes thus blocking the openings. This reduces the rate at which blood should flow making it slower. Early detection and treatment is vital to prevent total blockage of the tubes.
A catheter may also catch infections and requires proper treatment as fast as possible. Some of the signs and symptoms of shiley catheter infections include fever, chills and body weakness. Catheter treatment includes applying ointment on the infected area, prescription of antibiotic medication or an intravenous IV antibiotic injected in the vein.
There are numerous signs that will tell you that the inserted tube is not working properly. One of the signs is lower blood flow speed. The tube should be properly examined. Another sign is the alarm due to arterial pressure. This may indicate the possibility of a clot on the catheter. In case there is blockage on the catheter, a TPA is administered prior the next dialysis treatment. In extreme cases where the catheter is fully clotted, it may require possible removal for a new tube.
Medication is administered by injecting it directly into the shiley catheter opening. Early detection of clotting and treatment of clot will restore the normal blood flow speed. This increases the chances to live on dialysis.