Applicator for female external catheter

Abstract

Disclosed herein are applicators for female external catheters ("FEC") and methods thereof. For example, an FEC may include a sidewall surrounding a cavity extending along a length of the FEC, a dome of the sidewall extending over the cavity in a trap end of the FEC, a catheter back opposite the cavity, and an applicator located over the catheter back. The cavity may be configured to be open toward a patient for discharging urine into the cavity. The dome may be configured to be disposed over the vaginal entrance of the patient when the FEC is inserted between the patient's inner lips. The catheter back may extend from a trap end of the FEC to a drainage end of the FEC opposite the trap end of the FEC. The applicator may be configured to apply the FEC and to hold the FEC in place during urine discharge.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Female external catheters ("FECs") are indicated for non-invasive urine drainage management in incontinent female patients. Typically, FECs operate by extracting urine from the patient under vacuum and into a urine drainage system. Intermittent FECs are typically used more frequently, for shorter periods of time, and are self-placed by the patient using the intermittent FEC than some other FECs. For this reason, such intermittent FECs should be intuitive and easy to place when needed for urine drainage.

[0002] Disclosed herein are applicators for FEC and methods thereof that address at least the aforementioned problems. Summary of the invention

[0003] Disclosed herein is a FEC, which in some embodiments comprises: a side wall surrounding a cavity extending along the length of the FEC, a knoll of the side wall extending above the cavity in a collector end of the FEC, a conduit back opposite the cavity, and an applicator located above the conduit back. The cavity is configured to be open toward the patient for discharge of urine into the cavity. When the FEC is inserted between the patient's inner labia, the knoll is configured to be arranged above the patient's vaginal entrance. The conduit back extends from the collector end of the FEC to the drainage end of the FEC opposite the collector end of the FEC. The applicator is configured to apply the FEC and to hold the FEC in place during discharge of urine.

[0004] In some embodiments, the applicator is a finger cuff that sits on the back of the catheter.

[0005] In some embodiments, the finger cot includes a tubular body extending at least along a portion of the length of the FEC. The tubular body includes an open end that opens toward a drainage end of the FEC and a closed end opposite the open end. The finger cot is configured to receive a finger slidably disposed in the finger cot from the open end of the finger cot.

[0006] In some embodiments, the applicator is a finger clamp that sits on the back of the catheter.

[0007] In some embodiments, the finger clamp includes a pair of arcuate clamp arms extending at least along a portion of the length of the FEC. The pair of clamp arms open toward each other to form a bracket configured to receive a finger slidably disposed in the finger clamp from the drainage end of the FEC.

[0008] In some embodiments, each of the pair of clamp arms includes a finger through hole therethrough, providing a pair of finger through holes. The pair of finger through holes are configured to receive fingers and thumbs therein for pinching and holding the pair of arc-shaped clamp arms.

[0009] In some embodiments, the applicator resembles a "T" shaped handle that sits on the back of the catheter.

[0010] In some embodiments, the handle includes a post supporting a crossbar extending at least along a portion of the length of the FEC or extending orthogonally to the length of the FEC. The handle is configured to receive a pair of fingers slidably disposed below the crossbar for holding the handle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the applicator is a pinchable ridge located on the back of the catheter.

[0012] In some embodiments, the ridge extends at least along a portion of the length of the FEC or extends orthogonally to the length of the FEC.The ridge is configured to receive a finger and thumb over the ridge for pinching and holding the ridge.

[0013] In some embodiments, the applicator is a pinchable pad that sits on the back of the catheter.

[0014] In some embodiments, the pad extends along at least a portion of the length of the FEC.The pad resembles raised letters or shapes configured to receive fingers and thumbs over the pad in either of two orthogonal orientations for pinching and holding the pad.

[0015] In some embodiments, the raised letters or shapes of the pad are selected from the group consisting of a raised "X," "H," "I," a rectangle, a square, and a star.

[0016] In some embodiments, the applicator is an extendable button located on the back of the catheter.

[0017] In some embodiments, the button has a retracted state and an extended state. The button in the retracted state is recessed or abuts against the back of the catheter. The button in the extended state is configured to receive a pair of fingers slidably arranged under the button for holding the button.

[0018] In some embodiments, the liquid collector end of the FEC includes a liquid collector located in the cavity. The liquid collector is configured to collect urine during discharge of urine for withdrawal from the FEC.

[0019] In some embodiments, the back of the catheter includes a conduit that extends along the length of the FEC from the fluid collector through the drainage end of the FEC.

[0020] In some embodiments, the FEC also includes conduit tubing disposed in a portion up to all of the conduit.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sidewalls and conduit back optionally form a unitary body of the FEC together with the applicator.

[0022] A method of applying an FEC is also disclosed herein, in some embodiments, the method comprising a catheter connection step, a catheter application step, a pump switch step, and a urine discharge step. The catheter connection step comprises connecting the catheter tubing of the FEC to the urine drainage tubing of the remainder of the urine drainage system. The FEC comprises a dome surrounding the side wall of a cavity extending along the length of the FEC. The catheter application step comprises applying the FEC so that when the FEC is inserted between the inner labia, the dome is arranged above the vaginal entrance. Applying the FEC utilizes an applicator located on the back of the catheter of the FEC opposite to the cavity. The pump switch step comprises turning on the pump of the pump unit of the urine drainage system to draw a vacuum through the cavity. The urine discharge step comprises discharging urine into the FEC so that urine is drawn into the cavity through a collector located in the collector end of the FEC and leaves the drainage end of the FEC opposite to the collector end of the FEC through the catheter tubing.

[0023] In some embodiments, the catheter administering step includes inserting a finger into a finger gag that serves as an applicator.

[0024] In some embodiments, the finger cot includes a tubular body extending at least along a portion of the length of the FEC. The tubular body includes an open end that opens toward the drainage end of the FEC and a closed end opposite the open end. The finger cot is configured to receive a finger in the finger cot from the open end of the finger cot.

[0025] In some embodiments, the catheter administering step comprises pinching or inserting a finger into a finger clamp that serves as an applicator.

[0026] In some embodiments, the finger clamp includes a pair of arcuate clamp arms extending at least along a portion of the length of the FEC. The pair of clamp arms open toward each other to form a bracket configured to receive a finger in the finger clamp from the drainage end of the FEC.

[0027] In some embodiments, each of the pair of clamp arms includes a finger through hole therethrough, providing a pair of finger through holes. The pair of finger through holes are configured to receive a finger and a thumb therein for pinching the finger clamp.

[0028] In some embodiments, the catheter administering step includes holding a "T" shaped handle as an applicator.

[0029] In some embodiments, the handle includes a post supporting a crossbar extending at least along a portion of the length of the FEC or extending orthogonally to the length of the FEC. The handle is configured to receive a pair of fingers slidably disposed below the crossbar for holding the handle.

[0030] In some embodiments, the catheter applying step includes pinching pinchable ridges that serve as an applicator.

[0031] In some embodiments, the ridge extends at least along a portion of the length of the FEC or extends orthogonally to the length of the FEC.The ridge is configured to receive a finger and thumb over the ridge for pinching the ridge.

[0032] In some embodiments, the catheter applying step includes kneading a kneadable pad as an applicator.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pad extends along at least a portion of the length of the FEC.The pad resembles raised letters or shapes that are configured to receive a finger and thumb over the pad in either of two orthogonal orientations for pinching the pad.

[0034] In some embodiments, the raised letters or shapes of the pad are selected from the group consisting of a raised "X," "H," "I," a rectangle, a square, and a star.

[0035] In some embodiments, the catheter administering step includes retaining an extendable button as an applicator.

[0036] In some embodiments, the button has a retracted state and an extended state. The button in the retracted state is recessed or abuts against the back of the catheter. The button in the extended state is configured to receive a pair of fingers under the button for holding the button.

[0037] In some embodiments, the method further comprises another pump switching step, a catheter replacement step, and a repeating step. The another pump switching step comprises turning off the pump to stop drawing a vacuum. The catheter replacement step comprises replacing the FEC with a new FEC as needed. The repeating step comprises repeating the catheter connection step, the catheter application step, the pump switching step of turning on the pump, and the urine discharge step for the new FEC.

[0038] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and the following description, which more particularly describe specific embodiments of such concepts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 A urine drainage system including a FEC according to some embodiments is presented.

[0040] Figure 2 A FEC with a first applicator is shown according to some embodiments.

[0041] Figure 3 A FEC with a second applicator is shown according to some embodiments.

[0042] Figure 4 A FEC with a third applicator is shown according to some embodiments.

[0043] Figure 5 A FEC with a fourth applicator is shown according to some embodiments.

[0044] Figure 6 A FEC with a fifth applicator is shown according to some embodiments.

[0045] Figure 7 A FEC with a sixth applicator is shown according to some embodiments.

[0046] Figure 8 A FEC with a seventh applicator is shown according to some embodiments.

[0047] Fig. 9A A FEC is shown with an eighth applicator in a retracted state, according to some embodiments.

[0048] Fig. 9B A FEC is shown with an eighth applicator in an extended state, according to some embodiments.

[0049] Fig.10 The patient-facing side of a FEC is shown according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Before disclosing some specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein may have features that can be easily separated from the specific embodiments and optionally combined with or substituted for the features of any one of the several other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0051] About the terms used herein, it should also be understood that these terms are for the purpose of describing some specific embodiments, and these terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps in a set of features or steps, and do not provide order or numerical restrictions. For example, "first", "second" and "third" features or steps do not necessarily need to appear in this order, and the specific embodiments including such features or steps do not necessarily need to be limited to these three features or steps. In addition, unless otherwise specified, any of the aforementioned features or steps can then include one or more features or steps. Labels such as "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "front", "back" are used for convenience, and are not intended to imply any specific fixed position, orientation or direction, for example. On the contrary, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative position, orientation or direction. "one", "a kind of" and "the" in the singular form include plural references, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0052] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0053] Likewise, FECs are indicated for non-invasive management of urine drainage in incontinent female patients. Typically, FECs operate by drawing urine from the patient under vacuum and into a urine drainage system. Intermittent FECs are typically used more frequently, for shorter periods of time, and are most often self-placed by the patient using an intermittent FEC than some other FECs. For this reason, such intermittent FECs should be intuitive and easy to place when needed to drain urine.

[0054] Disclosed herein are applicators and methods for FECs that address at least the aforementioned problems. However, it should be understood that the FECs disclosed herein are not limited to intermittent FECs. In fact, longer-term FECs, such as those configured to be worn up to 8 hours or more, can benefit from the applicators and other FEC features disclosed herein.

[0055] Urine drainage system

[0056] Figure 1 A urine drainage system 100 including a FEC 200 self-placed by a patient P is shown according to some embodiments.

[0057] As shown, the urine drainage system 100 may include a pump unit 102 and a FEC 200 with any of the applicators 204a to 204h described herein. It is noteworthy that the pump unit 102 and its associated equipment (e.g., collection tank 112, urine drainage tubing 116) are multi-use devices, while the FEC 200 is a single-use device; however, some of the multi-use devices associated with the pump unit 102 may have a more limited use than the pump unit 102 itself because such multi-use devices may need to be replaced periodically. For example, while the urine drainage tubing 116 is a multi-use device, the urine drainage tubing 116 may need to be replaced periodically.

[0058] The pump unit 102 may include an internal pump 104. When a toggle switch 110 is on, the pump 104 may be configured to draw a vacuum through an air inlet 106 in a housing 108 of the pump unit 102. When the toggle switch 110 is off, the pump 104 may also be configured to stop drawing a vacuum through the air inlet 106. Although not shown, the pump unit 102 may be powered by a universal alternating current ("AC") power supply or one or more batteries.

[0059] The multi-use device associated with the pump unit 102 may include a urine collection tank 112, a pump tubing 114, and a urine drainage tubing 116. The pump tubing 114 may be configured to fluidly connect the pump 104 to the urine collection tank 112. The urine drainage tubing 116 may be configured to fluidly connect the urine collection tank 112 to the FEC 200 via an intermediate catheter connector 118 and catheter tubing 120. (It is worth noting that the catheter connector 118 and catheter tubing 120 are considered part of the FEC 200. Therefore, the catheter connector 118 and catheter tubing 120 together with the FEC 200 are single-use devices.) When such a multi-use device is fluidly connected to the FEC 200, urine can be drawn from the FEC 200, through the urine drainage tubing 116, and into the urine collection tank 112 when the toggle switch 110 is turned on.

[0060] Female external catheter

[0061] Figures 2 to 10 FEC 200 is shown with different applicators according to some embodiments. Fig.10 The patient-facing side of FEC 200 is shown according to some embodiments.

[0062] As shown, FEC 200 may include a body 202 and an applicator 204 .

[0063] The body 202 may include a cavity 206 extending along a majority of the length of the FEC 200, the length of the FEC 200 from the collector end 208 to the drain end 210 of the FEC 200. The body 202 may include sidewalls 212 and a conduit back 214. The body 202 may be unitary, such that the sidewalls 212 and the conduit back 214 are formed in a single piece, optionally with the applicator 204, in a molding process (e.g., compression molding, injection molding, etc.) using, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU"). Such FECs 200 may have sufficient hardness and bulk modulus to conform to the patient P under pressure via the applicator 204 while keeping the patient P comfortable.

[0064] The cavity 206 can be configured to be open toward the patient P for discharge of urine into the cavity 206. In practice, the cavity 206 can include a trap 215 located in the trap end 208 of the FEC 200, which is configured to collect urine during discharge for withdrawal of urine from the FEC 200.

[0065] The sidewall 212 can surround the cavity 206. Notably, the sidewall 212 can include a dome 216 located in the liquid collection end 208 of the FEC 200, which extends over the cavity 206 and its liquid collection 215. When the FEC 200 is inserted between the inner labia of the patient P, the dome 216 can be configured to be disposed over the vaginal entrance of the patient P.

[0066] The conduit back 214 can be opposite the cavity 206, and like the cavity 206, the conduit back 214 can extend along a majority of the length of the FEC 200. The conduit back 214 can include a conduit 218 that extends from the liquid collector 215 through the drainage end 210 of the FEC 200 along the length of the FEC 200. Likewise, the body 202 can be integral, so that the sidewall 212 and the conduit back 214 can be formed together in a single piece in a molding process. Notably, the conduit 218 can also be formed in such a molding process. The conduit tubing 120 can be disposed in a portion of the conduit 218 up to the entirety of the conduit 218 for withdrawing urine from the FEC 200.

[0067] The applicator 204 can be located above the catheter back 214. The applicator 204 can be configured to self-apply the FEC 200 and self-hold the FEC 200 in place during the discharge of urine into the cavity 206. Likewise, the applicator 204 can be formed in a molding process with the body 202. However, the applicator 204 (such as the applicator 204h) can be formed separately and arranged in the catheter back 214 as needed or desired. It is worth noting that "applicator 204" refers to the genus of applicators provided herein, while "applicator 204a", "applicator 204b", "applicator 204c", etc. refer to different types of applicators provided herein.

[0068] Figure 2 A FEC 200 is shown with a first applicator 204a according to some embodiments.

[0069] As shown, the applicator 204a is a finger clamp located above the catheter back 214. The finger clamp applicator 204a can include a pair of arcuate clamp arms 220 extending along at least a portion of the length of the FEC 200. The pair of clamp arms 220 can be open toward each other to form a cradle configured to receive a finger slidably disposed in the finger clamp applicator 204a from the drainage end 210 of the FEC 200. Each of the pair of clamp arms 220 can include a finger through hole 222 therethrough, providing a pair of finger through holes 222. When present, the pair of finger through holes 222 can be configured to receive a finger and thumb therein for pinching and holding the pair of clamp arms 220.

[0070] Figure 3 A FEC 200 is shown with a second applicator 204b according to some embodiments.

[0071] As shown, the applicator 204b is a finger cot that is positioned above the catheter back 214. The finger cot applicator 204b may include a tubular body 224 that extends at least along a portion of the length of the FEC 200. The tubular body 224 may include an open end 226 that opens toward the drainage end 210 of the FEC 200 and a closed end 228 that is opposite the open end 226. The finger cot applicator 204b may be configured to receive a finger that is slidably disposed in the finger cot applicator 204b from the open end 226 of the finger cot applicator 204b. Notably, like the finger clip applicator 204a, the finger cot applicator 204b may also include a pair of finger through holes 222, although they pass through the sides of the finger cot applicator 204b. When present, the pair of finger through holes 222 may be configured to receive a finger and thumb therein for pinching and holding the sides of the finger cot applicator 204b.

[0072] Figure 4 The FEC 200 is shown with a third applicator 204c according to some embodiments. Figure 5 The FEC 200 is shown with a fourth applicator 204d according to some embodiments.

[0073] As shown, each of the applicators 204c and 204d resembles a "T" shaped handle located above the catheter back 214. The handle applicator 204c or 204d may include a post 230 that supports a crossbar 232 that extends along a portion of the length of the FEC 200 or orthogonally to the length of the FEC 200. That is, the handle applicator 204d may extend at least along the width of the FEC 200. The handle applicator 204c or 204d may be configured to receive a pair of fingers slidably disposed below the crossbar 232 for holding the handle applicator 204c or 204d.

[0074] Figure 6 The FEC 200 is shown with a fifth applicator 204e according to some embodiments. Figure 7 The FEC 200 is shown with a sixth applicator 204f according to some embodiments.

[0075] As shown, the applicator 204e or 204f is a pinchable ridge 234 located above the catheter back 214. The ridge applicator 204e can extend at least along a portion of the length of the FEC 200, while the ridge applicator 204f can extend orthogonally to the length of the FEC 200. That is, the ridge applicator 204f can extend at least along the width of the FEC 200. The ridge applicator 204e or 204f can be configured to receive a finger and thumb over the ridge applicator 204e or 204f for pinching and holding the ridge 234. Notably, like the finger grip applicator 204a, at least the ridge applicator 204e can also include the pair of finger through holes 222, although they pass through the sides of the ridge applicator 204e. When present, the pair of finger through holes 222 can be configured to receive a finger and thumb therein for pinching and holding the sides of the ridge applicator 204e.

[0076] Figure 8 The FEC 200 is shown with a seventh applicator 204g according to some embodiments.

[0077] As shown, the applicator 204g is a pinchable pad 236 positioned above the catheter back 214. The pad applicator 204g can extend at least along a portion of the length of the FEC 200. The pad applicator 204g can resemble raised letters or shapes that are configured to receive fingers and thumbs over the pad applicator 204g in either of two orthogonal orientations for pinching and holding the pad applicator 204g. The raised letters of the pad 236 can be selected from a raised "X", "H", "I" or similar letters. The raised shapes of the pad 236 can alternatively be selected from a raised rectangle, square, and star. Notably, Figure 8 The pad applicator 204g shown in FIG. 2 resembles a raised star.

[0078] Fig. 9A The FEC 200 is shown with the eighth applicator 204h in a retracted state, according to some embodiments. Fig. 9B The FEC 200 is shown with the eighth applicator 204h in an extended state, according to some embodiments.

[0079] As shown, the applicator 204h is an extendable button 238 located above the catheter back 214. The button applicator 204h can have a retracted state and an extended state. The button applicator 204h in the retracted state can be recessed or abutted against the catheter back 214. The button applicator 204h in the extended state can be configured to receive a pair of fingers slidably arranged below the button applicator 204h for holding the button 238.

[0080] It is worth noting that any of the embodiments of the applicator 204 described above can be ergonomically modified to accommodate left-handed or right-handed patients. For example, the finger clip applicator 204a, the finger sleeve applicator 204b, the handle applicator 204c or 204d, or the ridge applicator 204e can be used in addition to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown extending linearly along the length of FEC 200, finger clip applicator 204a, finger sleeve applicator 204b, handle applicator 204c or 204d, or ridge applicator 204e, respectively, along the length of FEC 200, can also extend diagonally along the length of FEC 200 to accommodate left-handed or right-handed patients. Although assigning left-handedness or right-handedness to FEC 200 may require manufacturing at least two mirror-image FECs according to the foregoing, such handheld FECs can advantageously reduce repetitive strain injuries in patients who use them for a long time.

[0081] method

[0082] The method of FEC 200 includes a method of using FEC 200. For example, the method of using FEC 200 may include at least one or more steps selected from a catheter connection step, a catheter application step, a pump switching step, and a urine discharge step.

[0083] The catheter connection step may include connecting the catheter tubing 120 of the FEC 200 to the urine drainage tubing 116 of the remainder of the urine drainage system 100 .

[0084] The catheter applying step may include applying the FEC 200 such that the dome 216 is disposed over the vaginal entrance of the patient P when the FEC 200 is inserted between the inner labia of the patient P. Applying the FEC 200 utilizes the applicator 204 positioned over the catheter back 214 of the FEC 200 opposite the cavity 206. In practice, the catheter applying step may include inserting a finger into a finger cot of a finger cot applicator 204a, pinching or inserting the same or a different finger into a finger clip of a finger clip applicator 204b, holding a handle of a handle applicator 204c or 204d, pinching a ridge 234 of a ridge applicator 204e or 204f, pinching a pad 236 of a pad applicator 204g, or holding an extendable button 238 of a button applicator 204h.

[0085] The pump switching step may include turning on the pump 104 of the pump unit 102 of the urine drainage system 100 to draw a vacuum through the cavity 206 .

[0086] The urine draining step may include draining urine into the FEC 200 such that the urine is drawn into the cavity 206 through the trap 215 located in the trap end 208 of the FEC 200 and exits the drainage end 210 of the FEC 200 opposite the trap end 208 of the FEC 200 through the catheter tubing 120 .

[0087] It is noteworthy that the method may also include another pump switching step, a catheter replacement step, and a repeating step. The another pump switching step may include turning off the pump 104 to stop drawing the vacuum. The catheter replacement step may include replacing the FEC 200 with a new FEC as needed. The repeating step may include repeating the catheter connection step, the catheter application step, the pump switching step of turning on the pump 104, and the urine discharge step for the new FEC. The another pump switching step and the catheter replacement step may also be repeated as needed.

[0088] Although some specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific embodiments have been disclosed in some detail, the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Additional adjustments or modifications may be envisioned by those of ordinary skill in the art, and in broader aspects, these adjustments or modifications are also encompassed. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein, one may deviate from the specific embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A female external catheter ("FEC") comprising: a sidewall surrounding a cavity extending along a length of the FEC, the cavity being configured to be open toward a patient for discharge of urine thereinto; a dome of the sidewall, the dome extending over the cavity in the fluid collector end of the FEC, the dome being configured to be disposed over the entrance to the patient's vagina when the FEC is inserted between the patient's inner labia; a conduit back opposite the cavity, the conduit back extending from the manifold end of the FEC to a drainage end of the FEC opposite the manifold end of the FEC; as well as An applicator is positioned over the back of the catheter, the applicator being configured to apply the FEC and to hold the FEC in place during discharge of the urine.

2. The FEC of claim 1, wherein the applicator is a finger grommet positioned over the back of the catheter.

3. The FEC of claim 2, wherein the finger cot comprises a tubular body extending at least along a portion of the length of the FEC, the tubular body having an open end opening toward the drainage end of the FEC and a closed end opposite the open end, the finger cot being configured to receive a finger slidably disposed therein from the open end of the finger cot.

4. The FEC of claim 1, wherein the applicator is a finger clamp located on the back of the catheter.

5. The FEC of claim 4, wherein the finger clamp comprises a pair of arcuate clamp arms extending along at least a portion of the length of the FEC, the pair of clamp arms opening toward each other to form a bracket configured to receive a finger slidably disposed therein from the drainage end of the FEC.

6. The FEC of claim 5, wherein each of the pair of clamp arms includes a finger through hole therethrough, providing a pair of finger through holes configured to receive fingers and thumbs therein for pinching and holding the pair of arcuate clamp arms.

7. The FEC of claim 1, wherein the applicator resembles a "T" shaped handle located on the back of the catheter.

8. The FEC of claim 7, wherein the handle includes a post supporting a crossbar extending at least along a portion of the length of the FEC or orthogonal thereto, the handle being configured to receive a pair of fingers slidably disposed beneath the crossbar for holding the handle.

9. The FEC of claim 1, wherein the applicator is a pinchable ridge located on the back of the catheter.

10. The FEC of claim 9, wherein the ridge extends at least along or orthogonal to the length of the FEC, the ridge being configured to receive a finger and thumb thereon for pinching and holding the ridge.

11. The FEC of claim 1 , wherein the applicator is a pinchable pad that sits on the back of the catheter.

12. The FEC of claim 11, wherein the pad extends at least along a portion of the length of the FEC, the pad resembling a raised letter or shape configured to receive a finger and thumb thereon in either of two orthogonal orientations for pinching and holding the pad.

13. The FEC of claim 12, wherein the raised letters or shapes of the pad are selected from the group consisting of a raised "X", "H", "I", rectangle, square, and star.

14. The FEC of claim 1, wherein the applicator is an extendable button located on the back of the catheter.

15. The FEC of claim 14, wherein the button has a retracted state and an extended state, wherein the button in the retracted state is recessed or abuts against the back of the catheter, and the button in the extended state is configured to receive a pair of fingers slidably disposed beneath the button for holding the button.

16. The FEC of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the collector end of the FEC comprises a collector located in the cavity, the collector configured to collect the urine during discharge of the urine for withdrawal from the FEC.

17. The FEC of claim 16, wherein the conduit back includes a conduit extending from the manifold through the drainage end of the FEC along the length of the FEC.

18. The FEC of claim 17, further comprising conduit tubing disposed in a portion up to all of the conduit.

19. The FEC of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the sidewall and the conduit back, optionally together with the applicator, form a unitary body of the FEC.

20. A method of using a female external catheter ("FEC"), comprising: connecting the catheter tubing of the FEC to the urine drainage tubing of the remainder of the urine drainage system, the FEC comprising a dome surrounding the side walls of a cavity extending along the length of the FEC; applying the FEC so that the dome is disposed over the entrance to the vagina when the FEC is inserted between the inner labia, applying the FEC utilizing an applicator positioned over a back of the conduit of the FEC opposite the cavity; turning on a pump of a pump unit of the urine drainage system to draw a vacuum through the cavity; as well as Urine is discharged into the FEC such that the urine is drawn into the cavity through a trap located in the trap end of the FEC and exits the drainage end of the FEC opposite the trap end of the FEC through the catheter tubing.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein applying the FEC using the applicator comprises inserting a finger into a finger cot that serves as the applicator.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the finger cuff comprises a tubular body extending at least along a portion of the length of the FEC, the tubular body having an open end opening toward the drainage end of the FEC and a closed end opposite the open end, the finger cuff being configured to receive the finger therein from the open end of the finger cuff.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein applying the FEC using the applicator comprises pinching or inserting fingers as finger grips of the applicator.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the finger clamp comprises a pair of arcuate clamp arms extending along at least a portion of the length of the FEC, the pair of clamp arms opening toward each other to form a bracket configured to receive the finger therein from the drainage end of the FEC.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein each of the pair of clamp arms includes a finger through hole therethrough, providing a pair of finger through holes configured to receive a finger and a thumb therein for pinching the finger clamp.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein applying the FEC using the applicator comprises holding a "T" shaped handle as the applicator.

27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the handle includes a post that supports a crossbar that extends at least along a portion of the length of the FEC or extends orthogonally thereto, and the handle is configured to receive a pair of fingers slidably arranged below the crossbar for holding the handle.

28. The method of claim 20, wherein applying the FEC with the applicator comprises kneading pinchable ridges as the applicator.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the ridge extends at least along or orthogonal to the length of the FEC, the ridge being configured to receive a finger and thumb thereon for pinching the ridge.

30. The method of claim 20, wherein applying the FEC with the applicator comprises kneading a kneadable pad as the applicator.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the pad extends at least along a portion of the length of the FEC, the pad resembling a raised letter or shape configured to receive a finger and thumb thereon in either of two orthogonal orientations for pinching the pad.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein the raised letters or shapes of the pad are selected from the group consisting of a raised "X", "H", "I", rectangle, square and star.

33. The method of claim 20, wherein applying the FEC with the applicator comprises retaining an extendable button as the applicator.

34. A method according to claim 33, wherein the button has a retracted state and an extended state, wherein the button in the retracted state is recessed or abuts against the back of the catheter, and the button in the extended state is configured to receive a pair of fingers thereunder for holding the button.

35. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 34, further comprising: Turning off the pump to stop drawing the vacuum; Replace the FEC with a new FEC as needed; as well as For the new FEC, the following was repeated: connecting the catheter tubing to the urine drainage tubing, applying the FEC using the applicator, turning on the pump, and urinating into the FEC.

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