Letter C

Catheter

A thin, flexible tube.

For example, a catheter placed in a vein provides a pathway for giving drugs, nutrients, fluids, or blood products.

Samples of blood can also be withdrawn through the catheter.

The catheter was created by the Greeks.

'Katheter' originally referred to an instrument that was inserted such as a plug.

The word 'katheter' in turn came from 'kathiemai' meaning 'to sound' with a probe.

The ancient Greeks inserted a hollow metal tube through the urethra into the bladder to empty it and the tube came to be known as a 'katheter.' For specific information about a particular type of catheters or catheterization, please see: Central venous catheter Foley catheter Indwelling bladder catheter Swan-Ganz catheter and Venous catheterization.

Medical disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice in any way.

It does not replace the advice of a physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It does not represent a prescription of drugs, diagnostic exams or therapies.
In case of symptoms, doubts or concerns about your health, always consult a qualified physician.

In case of emergency call 911 (US) or 112 (EU).