Foley catheters, which remove urine from a patient's bladder during urinary dysfunctions, are often manufactured from natural rubber latex or PVC. Material selection is highly important. Many individuals have adverse reactions to the chemicals used in the processing and converting natural rubber latex. Catheterization can thus cause skin sensitivities and hospital-acquired infections, leading to severe patient discomfort, extended hospital stays, or even death. Fortunately, silicone elastomers provide an alternative to PVC and latex. Silicone elastomers offer most of the mechanical-performance advantages of latex while also being biocompatible and non-allergic.

Silicones have properties that can be modified for the different catheter components. For example, tips need durometers between 70 to 85 Shore A and balloons require elongations of about 1,000% and a soft durometer of 20 to 30 Shore A. Shafts require a high tensile strength and durometers between 60 to 80 Shore A. Connectors require a durometer between 50 and 70 Shore A. Silicone elastomers can be molded and extruded for different manufacturing requirements.

Silicone elastomers also readily accept pigments, making them easy to color. And silicone room-temperature vulcanates (RTV) make good adhesives to bond the components together. In addition, various coatings are available to lower the coefficient of friction that makes inserting and removing catheters more comfortable for patients.

Along with reducing skin sensitivities, silicone elastomers allow for a 30% larger lumen, or even multiple lumens, compared to catheters made from traditional materials. This boosts drainage efficiency, reduces the build-up of encrustation in the lumen, and allows fluid delivery into the bladder. Silicone elastomers assist in producing catheters with a range of sizes (french gauge) suitable for pediatric to adult patients. Lastly, advancements in customized antimicrobial materials help further reduce the number of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.