<unk> s are flexible (usually latex) tubes that are passed through the urethra during urinary<unk> ization and into the bladder to drain urine.  They are retained by means of a balloon at the tip which is inflated with sterile water.  The balloons typically come in two different sizes: 5 cc and 30 cc.
The relative size of a<unk>  is described using French units (F).  The most common<unk> s typically range from 10 F - 28 F.  1 F is equivalent to 0.33 mm = .013" = 1/77" of diameter. Thus the size in French units is roughly equal to the circumference of the<unk>  in millimetres.<unk> s come in several sub-types. Coudé (French for elbowed)<unk> s have a 45° bend at the tip to allow easier passage through an enlarged prostate.  Council tip<unk> s have a small hole at the tip which allows them to be passed over a wire.  3-way<unk> s are used primarily after bladder, prostate cancer or prostate surgery. They have a third arm or bell that allows an irrigant to pass to the tip of the<unk>  through a small separate channel into the bladder. This serves to wash away blood and small clots through the primary arm that drains into a collection device.  This prevents larger clots, which might plug the<unk> , from forming.  The second, or inflation, arm has a small plastic valve that allows for the introduction or removal of sterile water through a very small channel to inflate or deflate the retaining balloon.<unk> s can also be used to "ripen" the cervix, to allow the induction of labour. The<unk>  is inserted behind the cervical wall and inflated. The remaining length of the<unk>  is gently pulled and taped to the inside of the woman's leg. The inflated balloon applies pressure to the cervix, like the baby's head would prior to labour, causing it to dilate. Over time the<unk>  is adjusted and re-taped to maintain pressure on the cervix. When the cervix has dilated sufficiently, the<unk>  simply drops out.
They were designed by Dr. Frederick<unk> , a surgeon working in Boston, Massachusetts in the 1930s, when he was a medical student.
His original design was adopted by C. R. Bard of Murray Hill, New Jersey, who manufactured the first prototypes and named them in honour of the surgeon.
Foley catheter
Suprapubic cystostomy
Coley Fluid
Nephrostomy
Bladder augmentation
Urodynamics
Cystoscopy
Abreugraphy