A balloon catheter is a piece of medical equipment that is used to help enlarge some type of small, narrow opening in the human body while inserting a catheter. The device has a soft balloon at the end of the catheter. The catheter is inserted into the body deflated and flat. Once the catheter has been positioned properly, the balloon at the tip is inflated and then the procedure that needs to be performed in this area of the body can be completed. This type of procedure or equipment is sometimes known as an angioplasty.

The balloon catheter was first invented in 1963 by a man named Thomas Fogarty. When Fogarty invented this type of catheter, it helped to revolutionize how certain types of surgical procedures were performed. One of the most popular types of balloon catheters is the Foley catheter. This type of catheter has a rubber tube that is inserted through the urethra of the individual until it reaches the bladder. When the tube gets into the bladder, the nurse or physician will use water or air to inflate the balloon at the end of the tube. This balloon serves to help keep the tube in place and prevents it from coming out.

One of the most important aspects of having a balloon catheter is making sure that it is changed out regularly. When a patient has incontinence problems or is bedridden and needs to use a catheter, they become at higher risk for all kinds of infections and health issues due to the overgrowth of bacteria. The catheter needs to be removed often and sterilized to help reduce the growth of bacteria and the subsequent infection that could result from that bacterial build up. It is also critical to make sure that the individual who changes the catheter keeps their hands sterilized as well.

Many nursing professionals who take care of sick and elderly patients will use a balloon catheter on their patients. If you are an independent provider who runs your own business, you might be curious where you can get this type of equipment at a fair price. The best place to look is online. Many medical supply stores are now opening up web stores on their websites where you can buy this equipment. Buying from an online provider means that you will be able to get name brand products at affordable prices delivered to your home or the home of your patients so that you can always have them on hand.