How to use a catheter valve (FLIP-FLO®) for adult patients with a spinal cord injury
Read our guide below to find out how to use a catheter valve if you have a spinal cord injury.
You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.
What is a catheter valve?
Also known in the spinal unit as a FLIP-FLO® valve.
It’s a tap like device which fits onto the end of your catheter (urethral or suprapubic). It can then be attached to a urinary drainage bag if needed, depending on what it’s for.
The valve can be switched on or off to either drain urine from your bladder or to stop the drainage. There are various types of taps. We’ll help you chose the best type depending on how well you or a carer can operate it.
Who uses a catheter valve?
Most new patients who have a long-term catheter now use catheter valves. You shouldn’t always keep the bladder empty as it can reduce bladder capacity and tone.
Some older injured patients may have had their catheters on free drainage for years and bladder capacity may have become smaller. Talk to a healthcare professional before using a catheter valve for the first time.
Many people prefer to use a catheter valve. It may reduce the risk of infection and blockage by intermittently flushing the catheter with urine.
A catheter valve is unsuitable for you if you have sudden bouts of high blood pressure (dysreflexia) and live alone.
How does the catheter valve work?
The aim is to have the catheter closed off all day and drain your bladder 4 to 5 times a day by opening the valve for a couple of minutes (or until drainage stops).
The valve gets your bladder used to holding an increased volume of urine again, even if it’s only clamped once a day for an hour. The valve also gets your bladder to hold between 300 to 500ml of urine.
It’s also used to:
- train the bladder to assess sensation and need to empty
- help change an inserted catheter. It lets your bladder fill naturally with urine an hour before the catheter is due a routine change, which gives you more time
- promote a faster flow of urine to help drainage of bladder debris. Blocking your flow intermittently can shake up your bladder contents and on opening the valve this helps drainage and flushing of debris
- be more discreet and comfortable than having a drainage bag. You can empty your urine directly into a toilet or receptacle.
Things to consider
There are risks of urine leakage, bypassing and reflex reaction (autonomic dysreflexia). Talk to your consultant before starting to use a catheter valve.
The aim is to get the bladder to hold between 300 to 500ml of urine. If you drink at least 3 litres per day and follow the routine, you should achieve this aim. If you drink less than 3 litres per day, you’ll need to increase the time the valve is switched off.
You may only reach a certain stage in your catheter valve routine, for example 1 to 2 hours of keeping the valve shut. This is fine as everybody’s bladder capacity is different. You should leave catheter on free drainage overnight while you sleep.
If you get leakage of urine at any stage, revert to your previous routine, then increase your timing again if you can.
Open the catheter valve before bowel care, as this will minimise leakage around your catheter.
Changing the catheter valve
You should change the catheter valve every 5 to 7 days, preferably at the same time as you replace your leg bag.
Wash your hands first then empty your bladder by opening the tap. When drainage has finished, remove the valve and replace it with a new one.
Living with a catheter valve
You can bathe or shower as usual.
You should continue to drink 2 to 3 litres a day if you have a permanent or internal (indwelling, suprapubic or urethral) catheter.
You can choose to use a catheter valve without a urinary drainage bag, by regularly draining the bladder into a toilet / jug or similar receptacle. A leg strap can be provided to support your catheter tubing and valve.
Catheter valves, leg straps and urinary drainage bags are available on prescription.
Dispose of catheter valves in your rubbish. Do not burn.
You will be given a catheter valve plan similar to the example below. The clinical team will explain how to follow this plan and what to do if you have any problems.
For an example catheter plan, see the pdf version of this leaflet on the right.
Contact us
If you’re an inpatient speak to the staff on your ward.
If you’re an outpatient, call the Spinal Outpatient Team (SPOP) on 01296 315829 or the Bladder and Bowel Specialist Nursing Team on 01296 315809.