Direct comparison
Coude vs Foley Catheter: Tip vs Balloon
Coude vs Foley: coude is a curved tip, Foley is balloon retention, and a catheter can be both. See how FDA codes and HCPCS wording separate them.
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Last updated
How do Coude (tip shape) and Foley (balloon retention) compare side by side?
The table below compares Coude (tip shape) and Foley (balloon retention) across 8 dimensions, from what the word describes to label wording to look for.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | Coude (tip shape) | Foley (balloon retention) |
|---|---|---|
| What the word describes | The tip: a curved (coude) tip rather than a straight one. | The retention method: an inflatable balloon that holds an indwelling catheter in place. |
| Opposite of | A straight-tip catheter. | A catheter without a retention balloon. |
| FDA product code (openFDA) | EZC, "Catheter, Coude", Class 2. | EZL, "Catheter, Retention Type, Balloon", Class 2. |
| FDA regulation | 21 CFR 876.5130, urological catheter and accessories. | 21 CFR 876.5130, urological catheter and accessories. |
| FDA names it as a type | Yes: "coudé catheters" appear in the regulation text. | Yes: "balloon retention type catheters" appear in the regulation text. |
| Can the other attribute apply too? | Yes. A coude-tip catheter can also have a retention balloon. | Yes. A balloon-retention catheter can also have a coude tip. |
| CMS HCPCS wording (intermittent catheters) | A4352 describes a coude (curved) tip intermittent catheter. | Not part of the A4351/A4352 descriptors, which differ in tip only. |
| Label wording to look for | Tip type: coude or straight. | Balloon capacity, number of lumens ("2-way", "3-way") and size. |
Sources
- eCFR/LII 21 CFR 876.5130
- openFDA classification (read 2026-11-02)
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Common questions
Common questions about Coude (tip shape) vs Foley (balloon retention)
Is a coude catheter a Foley catheter?
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Not by definition. Coude names the tip shape and Foley names balloon retention. A coude tip can be combined with a balloon, and FDA classification lists coude catheters (product code EZC) and balloon retention type catheters (EZL) as separate types under 21 CFR 876.5130.
Can an intermittent catheter be coude?
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Yes. CMS HCPCS lists A4351 for a straight-tip intermittent catheter and A4352 for a coude (curved) tip intermittent catheter; they differ in tip only. See the A4351 guide for the descriptors.
What does coude mean?
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Coude is a tip description: a curved tip as opposed to a straight one. FDA names "coudé catheters" in the regulation for urological catheters, 21 CFR 876.5130.
Does FDA treat coude and Foley as different types?
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FDA lists "coudé catheters", "balloon retention type catheters" and "straight catheters" as separate generic types in 21 CFR 876.5130, and openFDA has separate product codes EZC (coude), EZD (straight) and EZL (retention type, balloon), all Class 2.
