Catheter

A small, thin tube. May refer to a tube used during a cardiac catheterization procedure to inject dye, obtain blood samples, and measure pressures inside the heart. 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 Samples of blood can also be withdrawn through the catheter. May also refer to a tube used to help drain the bladder (often referred to as a Foley catheter).