What type of catheter is designed to facilitate navigation during procedures?

The coudé catheter is specifically designed with a curved tip, allowing for better navigation and access through the urethra, particularly when anatomical anomalies or obstructions are present. This unique design enables the healthcare professional to maneuver around blockages and efficiently reach the bladder, making it particularly useful in patients who may have an enlarged prostate or strictures.

In contrast, the Foley catheter is generally used for continuous drainage of urine and features a straight design that does not facilitate navigation but serves a different purpose. The triple-lumen catheter is meant for specific procedures such as irrigation or medication administration while providing continuous drainage but does not inherently possess navigational features. The intermittent catheter is utilized for periodic drainage but is straight and also lacks the specialized navigation abilities of the coudé catheter. Thus, the coudé catheter is the choice that appropriately addresses the need for navigation during various medical procedures.