At the 1/10/09 XYZ committee meeting, a decision about the new latex
“safe” catheters was tabled. There were concerns because it was felt
having both passive and active balloon deflation instructions would
be confusing for staff. We agreed to pursue the option of having a
removal instruction label on the latex free version. Meanwhile, it
was discovered that Bard, the manufacturer, recommends the SAME
passive balloon deflation for both types of catheters. Even though
the latex “safe” is probably fine either way, they recommend passive
deflation for both.
History: The plan has been to replace the latex "free" catheters
with the latex "safe" catheters house-wide. The latex “free”
catheters have documented issues with ridging upon removal causing
pain, bleeding and difficult removal. The latex “safe” product has
been put through a leaching process which leaches off the latex
proteins. They are boiled in 180 degree giant vats of water for 18
hours. Then the catheters are dipped 18 times in a hydro gel coating
to further protect from any latex that might remain on the product
and that would otherwise come in contact with the patient.
Therefore, we would like to go ahead and vote since the latex “safe”
product has been successfully trialed without issue.
The latex "free" catheter will still be available in the service
centers to be ordered for patients with true latex allergies.
After completing your vote you will be taken to the report page to
see the most current results of how others have voted.