Before the introduction of LoFric, ordinary plastic and rubber catheters were the only catheters available for intermittent catheterization. Separate lubricant must be used on the surface of ordinary catheters to protect the urethra during catheterization. Lubricant, however, does not reduce friction enough because the gel tends to disappear from the surface of the catheter during catheterization. And it's messy. Problems associated with intermittent catheterization using ordinary catheters include trauma to the urethra, as well as pain and discomfort for some people.
Advances in catheter technology led to the introduction of LoFric, the first hydrophilic catheter, in 1983. The LoFric catheter has a unique outer layer designed to reduce friction between the urethra and the catheter during intermittent catheterization. The remarkable design of LoFric minimizes the risk of discomfort, trauma and complications, improving your quality of life.
Unique
The surface of the LoFric catheter consists of PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone) and salt. When soaked in water, the PVP attracts water to the surface of the catheter, creating an outer layer mainly consisting of water. This layer greatly reduces friction. PVP is a completely harmless and non-allergenic substance with the ability to attract water, and has been used in the medical products and in the cosmetics industry since the 1930’s. Today PVP is one of the medical-product industry's most widely studied and well-documented substances.
Once the PVP has attracted water, the biocompatible salt coating binds the water to the catheter surface and prevents it from disappearing during catheterization. In this way, the outer layer makes the LoFric catheter slide easily – both in and out - without the use of a gel lubricant.
Superior
The LoFric catheter's unique coating was invented to reduce friction, and is proven to provide the lowest friction compared to other hydrophilic catheters. This is possible thanks to balanced osmolality.
In simple terms, the catheter coating must have a chemical environment that is compatible as that of the urethra. If it doesn't, the water layer can come off inside the urethra and the catheter can become difficult to remove. This causes friction, which leads to complications. The LoFric catheter is the only proven hydrophilic catheter with a chemical environment compatible to the urethra. This means you can rely on easy, comfortable insertion and removal.