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What Is a Pigtail Catheter?
A pigtail catheter, which can also be referred to as a pigtail drain, is a special kind of catheter that is used for drainage. This kind of catheter earned its name due to the fact that one end curls around itself in a very similar way to a pig's curly tail.
This unique shape is the defining characteristic of the pigtail catheter, and it's a very important part of the design. The curly end actually allows the catheter to stay in place inside bodily tissue, when other simply straight tip catheters would easily fall out. This allows pigtail catheters to be inserted into areas of the body where other catheters cannot be used, like the pleural cavity or around the kidneys.
There are several small holes dotted along the sides of the curly end of a pigtail catheter, so they can be used to evenly inject and disperse fluids into the body, such as dyes that can help with X-ray scanning. So, in addition to drainage, pigtail catheters are quite versatile and can be used in various other ways.
Boston Scientific #H74908641412, CATHETER, MODEL-6F, PIG EXPO, 6FR, 145, 110CM, 5/BX
Boston Scientific #H74916599400, CATHETER, MODEL-6F, IMPULSE, PIG, 110CM, SGL, EACH
Boston Scientific #H74916599402, CATHETER, MODEL-6F, IMPULSE, PIG, 110CM, 5/BX
Boston Scientific #H74908641402, CATHETER, MODEL-6F, PIG EXPO, 6 FR, 110CM, 5/BX
Boston Scientific #H74916599412, CATHETER, MODEL-6F, IMPULSE, PIG, 145, 110CM, 5/BX
C.R. Bard #NNU12LPT, CATHETER, DRAINAGE LOCKING PIGTAIL W/NITINOL 12FR UNIV (5/CS)
Boston Scientific #H74916391412, CATHETER, MODEL-5F, IMPULSE, PIG, 145 110CM, 5/BX
How Does a Pigtail Catheter Work?
First, a point of entry for the pigtail catheter will need to be chosen. The area will usually be numbed with the aid of anesthetic to ease any pain or discomfort during the insertion procedure. A radiologist or other trained practitioner will then pierce the skin and insert the pigtail drain. Once it is in position, it can be used to drain fluids from the body. The drain will need to be flushed regularly - at least once a day - to prevent clots and keep fluid flowing smoothly.
Pigtail Catheter Sizes
Just like other kinds of catheters, pigtail catheters can vary in terms of their length and their diameter. The diameter of these catheters is usually measured according to the French scale system, with average sizes of around 5 Fr and 6 Fr. The length of each catheter can also vary slightly to suit different situations and patients.
Pigtail Catheter Types
There are three main types of pigtail catheters: pleural, peritoneal, and nephrostomy. Pleural pigtail catheters are used for draining fluid from the area around the logs, peritoneal catheters are used in the abdomen area, and nephrostomy catheters are used around the kidneys. Depending on the patient’s needs and the situation, different varieties of pigtail catheter can be used.
Pigtail Catheter Uses
Pigtail catheters are designed for drainage, so they can be used in various procedures that involve drainage of fluids of some kind from the body. They are most commonly used for draining excess fluids from the area around the lungs or the abdominal organs.
Pigtail Catheter Suppliers
Boston Scientific and C. R. Bard are two of the top brands supplying pigtail catheters.
CIA Medical also carries CareFusion Catheters, which is a line called Safe-T-Centesis catheter drainage system. This innovative drainage catheter system is designed to decrease risks related to normal percutaneous needle insertions and to improve patient comfort and procedural flexibility. The brand vouches to bring innovations for patient safety and procedural efficacy, combining the distinctive features providing patient protection from perforations and clinicians protection from needlestick injuries. Pigtail catheters offer for a more secure placement and anatomically assisted self-direction.
You can also find Cook Medical Catheters which includes the Multipurpose Pigtail Drainage Catheter Needle Set used for multipurpose drainage applications, Pigtail Ureteral Catheter Set indicated for drainage or irrigation in the urinary tract and the Biliary Drainage Catheter used for percutaneous drainage in a variety of drainage applications.
Buy Pigtail Catheters at CIA Medical
CIA Medical is a brand you can trust for all of your medical equipment needs. We’ve been in the business of medical wholesale supplies for many years, serving over 25,000 satisfied customers in total. We offer a wide range of quality products at competitive prices, including only the best pigtail catheters.
