Flexible urinary catheter tip

Abstract

A flexible catheter tip for a urinary catheter assembly includes a core having a core proximal end and a core distal end. The core includes a support extending between the core proximal end and the core distal end, a plurality of discs spaced apart along the support, and a rounded tip at the core proximal end. The catheter tip also includes a coating layer disposed over the core. The core is configured to be bonded to a catheter tube of a urinary catheter assembly.

Description

FLEXIBLE URINARY CATHETER TIPDESCRIPTIONTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a urinary catheter assembly, and more particularly, to a urinary catheter assembly having a flexible catheter tip extending from a proximal end of a catheter member.BACKGROUND

[0002] Intermittent catheterization is a suitable intervention for some users experiencing incomplete bladder emptying. A urinary catheter used for intermittent catheterization is typically provided as a single use, individually packaged item and may include a gel lubricant or hydrophilic coating to reduce friction during insertion into the urethra. With the advent of intermittent urinary catheters, users experiencing urinary system disfunction can conveniently self-catheterize to drain the bladder. Users experiencing urinary incontinence may self-catheterize several times per day.

[0003] Self-catheterization involves removing the catheter assembly from its package and inserting and advancing the catheter tube through the urethra. Some catheter assemblies include an introducer tip in which a leading (insertion) end of the catheter tube is initially housed to aid with insertion of the catheter tube into the urethra. The leading end of the catheter tube is fed through the introducer tip and advanced through the urethra until insertion into the bladder.

[0004] The catheter tube is sufficiently rigid or stiff to avoid undesirable deformations when advancing the catheter tube in the urethra. Such deformations may cause discomfort to the user and / or may impede further advancement of the catheter tube in the urethra. In addition, the catheter tube may not be able to deflect or flex when encountering a restriction in the urethra. Thus, further advancement of the catheter tube may be impeded, and / or the user may experience discomfort during attempts to overcome the restriction.

[0005] Thus, it would be desirable to provide a urinary catheter assembly for intermittent catheterization having a relatively soft, flexible catheter tip for iimproved comfort when advancing the catheter tube in the urethra during selfcatheterization.SUMMARY

[0006] There are several aspects of the present subject matter.

[0007] In one aspect, a flexible catheter tip for a urinary catheter assembly includes a core having a core proximal end and a core distal end. The core includes a support extending between the core proximal end and the core distal end, a plurality of discs spaced apart along the support, and a rounded tip at the core proximal end. The catheter tip also includes a coating layer disposed over the core. The core is configured to be bonded to a catheter tube of a urinary catheter assembly.

[0008] In another aspect, a urinary catheter assembly includes a grip having an inner passage, a catheter member having a catheter proximal end and a catheter distal end, the catheter member configured for movement in the inner passage relative to the grip, wherein the catheter member includes a tubular wall portion surrounding a hollow interior and one or more openings in the tubular wall portion adjacent to the catheter proximal end. The hollow interior is configured to receive a bodily fluid through the one or more openings. The urinary catheter assembly also includes a flexible catheter tip extending from the catheter proximal end, the flexible catheter tip including a core having a core proximal end and a core distal end and a coating layer disposed over the core. The core includes a support extending between the core proximal and the core distal end, a plurality of discs spaced apart along the support, and a rounded tip at the core proximal end.Brief Description of Drawings

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a flexible catheter tip and catheter member;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-section diagram showing an example of a flexible catheter tip;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing examples of another flexible catheter tip and catheter member;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a urinarycatheter assembly with a catheter tip in a flexed condition;

[0013] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-section diagram showing an example of the flexible catheter tip of FIG. 3; and

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-section diagram showing an example of another flexible catheter tip.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The embodiments disclosed herein are for the purpose of providing a description of the present subject matter, and it is understood that the subject matter may be embodied in various other forms and combinations not shown in detail. Therefore, specific embodiments and features disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting the subject matter as defined in the accompanying claims.

[0016] With reference to FIG. 1 , a urinary catheter assembly 10 according to present embodiments generally includes a catheter member 20 and a flexible catheter tip 22. The catheter member 20 may be implemented as a catheter tube having a catheter proximal end 24 and a catheter distal end 26 opposite to the catheter proximal end 24. The catheter proximal end 24 is the leading or insertion end of the catheter member 20 and is configured to be inserted into and advanced within the urethra and into the bladder. The catheter tip 22 may be formed separately from the catheter member 20 and later attached to the catheter proximal end 24. In this manner, the catheter tip 22 may be formed having selected characteristics adapted to the end user. For example, the flexible catheter tip 22 may be formed having flexibility characteristics adapted to the end user for ease of use and comfort during catheterization.

[0017] The catheter member 20 may be formed as an elongated hollow member having a tubular wall portion 28 surrounding a hollow interior 30. One or more openings 32 (also referred to a “drainage eyes”) may be provided through the tubular wall portion 28 at or adjacent to the catheter proximal end 24. In this manner, with the catheter member 20 inserted in the bladder, bodily fluid from the bladder may be received in the hollow interior 30 through the one or more openings 32 to drain the bladder.

[0018] Still referring to FIG. 1 , and with additional reference to FIG. 2, the catheter tip 22 generally includes a core 34 and a coating layer 36 disposed over the core 34. The core 34 includes a core proximal end 38 and a core distal end 40 opposite to the core proximal end 38. The core 34 is made from a suitable flexible material, which may be selected from a plurality of suitable flexible materials at the time of manufacture, to provide desired flexibility characteristics. The core 34 includes a support 42 extending between the core proximal end 38 and the core distal end 40. In one example, the support 42 extends coaxially with a longitudinal axis of the core 34 and the catheter member 20. In some embodiments, the core 34 also includes a plurality of discs 44 spaced apart along the support 42 and a rounded tip 46 at the core proximal end 38. The illustrated discs have a generally round shape, but could have other shapes as well, such as polygonal or non- polygonal shapes.

[0019] In one example, the core 34 is manufactured as a single, unitary part, such that the support 42, discs 44 and rounded tip 46 are formed as one piece and from the same flexible material. For instance, the core 34 may be formed as a molded part. However, the present description is not limited to such an example. In other examples, the support 42 may be made from a flexible material selected at the time of manufacture to provide desired flexibility characteristics. The discs 44 and / or the rounded tip 46 may be formed on or bonded to the support 42 in a separate step. In such an example, the rounded tip 46 and / or discs 44 may be formed from the same flexible material as the support or a different, suitable material that may be bonded to the support 42. In still other examples, the support 42 may be formed with one of the rounded tip 46 and discs 44 as one piece, and the other of the rounded tip 46 and discs 44 may be separately formed on or bonded to the support 42. Additionally, discs 44 may vary in shape and size relative to adjacent discs.

[0020] The coating layer 36 may extend over rounded tip 46 at the core proximal end 38 and along the length of the core 34, such that the core 34 is substantially or entirely covered by the coating layer 36. The coating layer 36 may be made from a soft flexible material for user comfort as the catheter tip 22 is advanced through the urethra. The coating layer 36 may include a hydrophilicmaterial. The hydrophilic material may either be coated on a base material of the coating layer 36 or the coating layer 36 may be formed entirely by the hydrophilic material.

[0021] The coating layer 36 may be provided as an overmold on the core 34. In some examples, the coating layer 36 extends beyond the core distal end 40. A portion of the coating layer 36 may also overlap the tubular wall portion 28 of the catheter member 20 and may be bonded to the tubular wall portion 28.

[0022] The catheter tip 22 may be attached to the catheter member 20 to extend from the catheter proximal end 24 further in a proximal direction D1 , such that the catheter tip 22 is inserted and advances within the urethra ahead of the catheter member 20. In one example, the catheter tip 22 includes a connection surface 48 and is bonded to the catheter member 20 at the connection surface 48.

[0023] The connection surface 48 may be provided at the core distal end 40 and the catheter tip 22 may be bonded to the catheter proximal end 24 of the catheter member 20. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the core 34 may further include a plug 50 at the core distal end 40. The connection surface 48 may be provided on a radially outward facing surface of the plug 50, i.e., on the outer periphery of the plug 50. The plug 50, along with the connection surface 48, is configured to be disposed in the hollow interior 30 of the catheter member 20 at the catheter proximal end 24. A known, suitable bonding procedure may form a connection between the connection surface 48 on the plug 50 and an inner surface 52 of the tubular wall portion 28 to bond the catheter tip 22 to the catheter member 20. In this example, a portion of the catheter member 20 overlaps a portion of the catheter tip 22 (i.e., the plug 50) in the longitudinal direction of assembly 10.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows another example of a urinary catheter assembly 110 in which the flexible catheter tip 22 is attached to the catheter member 20. It will be appreciated that portions of the catheter tip 22 and catheter member 20 which are the same or substantially the same as those described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, may be referred to below using the same terminology and reference numbers. In addition, further description of the same or substantially same portions may be omitted below, except where the examples below differfrom the examples above.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, the core 34 of the catheter tip 22 may include an axially facing core distal end face 140 at the core distal end 40. In this example, the core distal end face 140 faces in a distal direction D2 along the longitudinal axis L. A connection surface 148 may be provided on the core distal end face 140.

[0026] The tubular wall portion 28 of the catheter member 20 may further include an axially facing wall proximal end face 124 at the catheter proximal end 24. In this example, the wall proximal end face 124 faces in the proximal direction D1 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0027] A known, suitable bonding procedure may form a connection between the connection surface 148 on the core distal end face 140 and the wall proximal end face 124 to bond the catheter tip 22 to the catheter member 20. In this example, a catheter member 20 and the catheter tube 22 are arranged in series along the longitudinal axis L of the assembly 110.

[0028] In the present examples, the flexible catheter tip 22 may be bonded to the catheter member 20 at a location spaced from the one or more openings 32 in proximal direction D1. That is, the one or more openings 32 are disposed distally relative to connection surface 48, 148 of the flexible catheter tip 22. In this manner, the flexible catheter tip 22 may avoid interference with the one or more openings 132, and thus, avoid interference with drainage of bodily fluid from the bladder through the one or more openings 32.

[0029] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, and with further reference to FIG. 5, in the present examples, the support 42 has a support length 60 between the core proximal end 38 and the core distal end 40 and a support diameter or width 62. In addition, the discs 44 of the plurality of discs 44 each have a disc diameter or width 64 and a disc thickness 66 and are spaced apart along the length of the support 42 by a disc interval 68, i.e., a distance between adjacent discs 44. Further, the rounded tip 46 has a tip curvature radius 70 forming a profile of the catheter tip 22 at the core proximal end 38 and a tip diameter or width 72. The tip diameter 72 may be the diameter of the rounded tip 46 at a location of the greatest diameter or width of the rounded tip 46.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 4, the urinary catheter assembly 10 of thepresent examples may further include a grip 80 having an inner passage 82. In some examples, the grip 80 may include an introducer tip 84 at a proximal or insertion end 86. Prior to catheterization, the catheter member 20 and catheter tip 22 may be arranged in the inner passage 82 and the introducer tip 84 may be closed. The catheter member 20 is configured for movement in the inner passage 82 relative to the grip 80 generally along the longitudinal axis L.

[0031] For catheterization, the introducer tip 84 may be inserted in the urethra. The catheter member 20 (and catheter tip 22) may be advanced through the introducer tip 84 in the proximal or insertion direction D1. The introducer tip 84 may be opened and the catheter member 20 and catheter tip 22 may extend from the introducer tip 84 in the proximal or insertion direction D1 with further advancement into the urethra toward the bladder. The catheter member 20 is advanced into the bladder a sufficient distance to position the one or more openings 32 in fluid communication with the bladder such that bodily fluid may be drained from the bladder through the hollow interior 30 of the catheter member 20 via the one or more openings 32.

[0032] The initial or resting configuration of flexible catheter tip 22 may be straight or it may have a slight curve or bend. Flexible catheter tip 22 is configured to flex or bend, as shown in FIG. 4 for example, to navigate around restrictions in the urethra and / or to follow a contour of the urethra. For example, a reaction force from the restriction may cause the flexible catheter tip 22 to bend, thereby directing the catheter tip 22 to a less restricted path in the urethra. Thus, the catheter tip 22 and catheter member 20 may navigate around the restriction and limit a force applied to the restriction due to advancement of the catheter member 20. Limiting forces applied to a restriction in the urethra may reduce or limit discomfort experienced by the user.

[0033] Similarly, the flexible catheter tip 22 may flex or bend when encountering a contour of the urethra due a reaction force from a wall of the urethra against the catheter tip 22. Such flexing or bending of the flexible catheter tip 22 also limits a force applied to the wall of the urethra during advancement of the catheter member 20, and thus, may reduce or limit user discomfort.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the flexible catheter tip 22 may beprovided as a modular component to a urinary catheter assembly. Thus, flexible catheter tips 22 of the present examples may be produced having different characteristics. A caretaker, clinician, or user, for example, may select a flexible catheter tip 22 according to individual preferences and requirements. For example, a user having a known restriction in the urethra may select a flexible catheter tip 22 having a relatively high degree of flexibility to navigate around the restriction. Conversely, other users may prefer a catheter tip 22 having relatively low flexibility which may allow for faster insertion and removal of the catheter member 20.

[0035] The flexibility of the catheter tip 22 may be varied by varying the flexibility of the core 34. The flexibility of the core may be based on flexibility factors, and the flexibility may be varied by varying one or more of the flexibility factors. In a non-limiting example, the flexibility factors may include one or more of: the connection surface 48, 148; the flexible material of the support 42; the support length 60; the support diameter or width 62; the disc diameter or width 64; the disc thickness 66; the disc interval 68 along the support 42; the tip curvature radius 70 of the rounded tip 46; and the tip diameter or width 72 of the rounded tip 46.lt will be appreciated that different flexibilities may be obtained by varying a single flexibility factor or various combinations and / or numbers of flexibility factors.

[0036] It will further be appreciated that references to a “flexibility” of a particular part in the present examples, e.g., the flexibility of the core 34, may refer to a resistance to bending and / or to the degree of bending. Resistance to bending refers to the amount of force needed to initiate bending. Thus, in the present examples, a core 34 having a relatively high flexibility may have a relatively low resistance to bending. Conversely, a core 34 having a relatively low flexibility may have a relatively high resistance to bending. The degree of bending refers to an amount of bending permitted before reaching a limit where bending is no longer permitted. Thus, in the present examples, a core 34 having a relatively high flexibility may have a relatively high degree of bending, and a core 34 having a relatively low flexibility may have a relatively low degree of bending.

[0037] The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not exhaustive. In the following examples, only one flexibility factor is variedunless described otherwise, while the other flexibility factors remain fixed. As noted above, however, it will be appreciated that more than one flexibility factor may be varied, including combinations of different flexibility factors.

[0038] In one example, the core 34 may be formed having a higher relative flexibility by providing the connection surface 148 the core distal end face 140 and bonding the catheter tip 22 to the wall proximal end face 124 as shown in the example of FIG. 3. Conversely, the core 34 may be formed having a lower relative flexibility by providing the connection surface 48 on the plug 50 and bonding the catheter tip 22 to the inner surface 52 of the tubular wall portion 28 as shown in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0039] In one example, the core 34 may be formed having a higher relative flexibility by forming the support 42 with a relatively flexible material having a low resistance to bending. Conversely, the core 34 may be formed having a lower relative flexibility by forming the support 42 with a relatively stiff material having a high resistance to bending.

[0040] In one example, the core 34 may be formed having a higher relative flexibility by forming the support 42 with a relatively long support length 60.Conversely, the core 34 may be formed having a lower relative flexibility by forming the support 42 with a relatively short support length 60.

[0041] In one example, the core 34 may be formed having a higher relative flexibility by forming the support 42 with a relatively small support diameter or width 62. Conversely, the core 34 may be formed having a lower relative flexibility by forming the support 42 with a relatively large support diameter or width 62. It will be appreciated that the support diameter or width 62 may vary along the support length 60.

[0042] In one example, the core 34 may be formed having a higher relative flexibility by forming each disc 44 with a relatively small disc diameter or width 64. Conversely, the core 34 may be formed having a lower relative flexibility by forming each disc 44 with a relatively large disc diameter or width 64. It will be appreciated that the disc diameter 64 of the discs 44 may vary along the support length 60 as discussed further below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0043] In one example, the core 34 may be formed having a higher relativeflexibility by forming each disc 44 with a relatively small thickness 66. Conversely, the core 34 may be formed having a lower relative flexibility by forming each disc 44 with a relatively large thickness 66. It will be appreciated that the disc thickness 66 may vary among the discs 44 along the support length 60.

[0044] In one example, the core 34 may be formed having a higher relative flexibility by forming the discs 44 along the support 42 with a relatively large disc interval 68. Conversely, the core 34 may be formed having a lower relative flexibility by forming the discs 44 along the support 42 with a relatively small disc interval 68. It will be appreciated that the disc interval 68 may vary along the support length 60.

[0045] In one example, the core 34 may be formed having a higher relative flexibility by forming the rounded tip 46 with a relatively small tip curvature radius 70. Conversely, the core 34 may be formed having a lower relative flexibility by forming the rounded tip 46 with a relatively large tip curvature radius 70. It will be appreciated that the tip curvature or radius 70 may vary along the rounded tip 46.

[0046] In one example, the core 34 may be formed having a higher relative flexibility by forming the rounded tip 46 with a relatively small tip diameter or width 72. Conversely, the core 34 may be formed having a lower relative flexibility by forming the rounded tip 46 with a relatively large tip diameter width 72.

[0047] It will be appreciated that varying one or more of the flexibility factors may result in additional variations of the flexible catheter tip 22. For example, increasing the disc interval 68 while maintaining disc thickness 66 and support length 60 may result in a catheter tip 22 having fewer discs 44. Conversely, decreasing the disc interval 68 while maintaining disc thickness 66 and support length 60 may result in a catheter tip 22 having more discs 44.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the disc diameter 64 may be varied along the support length 60. It will be appreciated that the disc diameters 64 may be varied in any desired manner to achieve a suitable flexibility. In the illustrated example, the discs 44 are provided as a first disc section 244 having discs 44 of decreasing disc diameter 64 along the support length 60 in the proximal direction D1 and a second disc section 344 having discs 44 of an increasing disc diameter 64 along the support length 60 in the proximal direction D1. The second discsection 344 is arranged proximally of the first disc section 244 in this example. In some examples, the discs 44 of the first disc section 244 are successively arranged having decreasing disc diameters 64 and the discs 44 of the second disc section 344 are successively arranged having increasing disc diameters 64.

[0049] The discs 44 of varying diameter be provided in other arrangements as well. For example, one of the first disc section 244 or section disc section 344 may include discs 44 having a constant disc diameter 64 and / or one or more additional disc sections (e.g., third disc section, etc.) may be provided having discs of increasing, decreasing or constant diameter. In other examples, the discs 44 may be arranged as a single disc section having discs of increasing or decreasing diameter.

[0050] In the illustrated example, the discs 44 of the first disc section 244 and the second disc section 344 are arranged to provide a disc profile 200 having a curvature and depth based on the disc diameters. Different disc profiles may be associated with different bending or flexibility characteristics of the core 34.

[0051] In other examples, one or more discs of varying diameter may be arranged intermittently along the support length 60. For instance, discs of a relatively larger disc diameter 64 may be alternately arranged with discs of a relatively smaller disc diameter 64. Other suitable arrangements are envisioned as well.

[0052] In some examples, the degree of bending of the core 34 may be limited based, in part, on the disc diameter or width 64. For example, depending on other flexibility factors, the core 34 may bend until one disc 44 contacts an adjacent disc 44, such that interference between the discs limits or prevents further movement of one of the discs 44, and in turn, limits or prevents further bending movement of the core 34. In such a condition, the core 34 may be considered fully flexed or to have reached a bending limit.

[0053] In further examples, the rounded tip 46 may be formed having a diameter or width 72 being greater than, the same as, or less than a diameter ‘x’ of the catheter member 20 depending on the desired flexibility characteristics. A maximum disc diameter 64 of the discs 44 may be provided based on the diameter or width of the rounded tip 46 as well. For example, the maximum discdiameter may be provided to not exceed the diameter or width 72 of the rounded tip 46.

[0054] A flexible catheter tip 22 and a urinary catheter assembly having the flexible catheter tip 22 of the examples described herein may aid with ease of insertion of the catheter member 20 as a clinician may select the catheter tip 22 best suited to navigate through the user’s urethra. In addition, different levels of flexibility for the catheter tip 22 of the present examples may aid the user to overcome restrictions in the urethra.

[0055] It will be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present subject matter. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter, including those combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein. For these reasons, the scope hereof is not limited to the above description but is as set forth in the following claims, and it is understood that claims may be directed to the features hereof, including as combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A flexible catheter tip for a urinary catheter assembly, the flexible catheter tip comprising: a core having a core proximal end and a core distal end, the core comprising: a support extending between the core proximal end and the core distal end; a plurality of discs spaced apart along the support; and a rounded tip at the core proximal end; and a coating layer disposed over the core, wherein the core is configured to be bonded to a catheter tube of a urinary catheter assembly.

2. The flexible catheter tip of claim 1 , wherein: the core includes a connection surface at the core distal end, wherein the core is configured to be bonded to the catheter tube at the connection surface, the support is formed from a flexible material and has a support length formed between the core proximal end and the core distal end and a support diameter or width, the discs of the plurality of discs are each formed having a disc diameter or width, a disc thickness, and are spaced apart along the length of the support by a disc interval, and the rounded tip has a tip curvature radius and a tip diameter or width.

3. The flexible catheter tip of claim 2, wherein the core further comprises a plug at the core distal end and the connection surface is formed on a radially outward facing surface of the plug.

4. The flexible catheter tip of claim 2, wherein the core comprises a core distal end face facing in a longitudinal direction and the connection surface is formed on the core distal end face.

5. The flexible catheter tip of any of claims 2-4, wherein the core is formed having a flexibility based on flexibility factors, the flexibility factors including one or more of: the connection surface, the flexible material of the support, the support length, the support diameter or width, the disc diameter or width, the disc thickness, the disc interval, the tip curvature radius and the tip diameter or width.

6. The flexible catheter tip of claim 5, wherein the flexibility of the core is varied by varying one or more of the flexibility factors.

7. The flexible catheter tip of any of claims 1 -6, wherein one disc of the plurality of discs contacts and interferes with movement of another disc of the plurality of discs when the core is fully flexed.

8. The flexible catheter tip of any of claims 1 -7, wherein the coating layer includes a hydrophilic material.

9. A urinary catheter assembly comprising: a grip having an inner passage; a catheter member having a catheter proximal end and a catheter distal end, the catheter member configured for movement in the inner passage relative to the grip, wherein the catheter member includes a tubular wall portion surrounding a hollow interior and one or more openings in the tubular wall portion adjacent to the catheter proximal end, wherein the hollow interior is configured to receive a bodily fluid through the one or more openings; and a flexible catheter tip extending from the catheter proximal end, the flexible catheter tip comprising a core having a core proximal end and a core distal end and a coating layer disposed over the core, wherein the core comprises: a support extending between the core proximal and the core distal end, a plurality of discs spaced apart along the support, and a rounded tip at the core proximal end.

10. The urinary catheter assembly of claim 9, wherein: the core includes a connection surface, wherein the flexible catheter tip is configured to be bonded to the catheter member at the connection surface, the support is formed from a flexible material and has a support length formed between the core proximal end and the core distal end and a support diameter or width, the discs of the plurality of discs are each formed having a disc diameter or width, a disc thickness, and are spaced apart along the length of the support by a disc interval, and the rounded tip has a tip curvature radius and a tip diameter or width.

11. The urinary catheter assembly of claim 10, wherein the connection surface is provided at the core distal end and the flexible catheter tip is bonded to the catheter proximal end of the catheter member.

12. The urinary catheter assembly of claim 11 , wherein the core further comprises a plug at the core distal end and the connection surface is provided on a radially outward facing surface of the plug, wherein the plug is configured to be disposed in the hollow interior of the catheter member at the catheter proximal end.

13. The urinary catheter assembly of claim 12, wherein the plug is configured to be disposed in the hollow interior of the catheter member and the flexible catheter tip is bonded to the catheter member by a connection between the plug and an inner surface of the tubular wall portion.

14. The urinary catheter assembly of claim 11 , wherein the core further comprises a core distal end face at the core distal end and the connection surface is provided on the core distal end face.

15. The urinary catheter assembly of claim 14, wherein the tubular wall portionfurther comprises a wall proximal end face and the flexible catheter tip is bonded to the catheter member by a connection between the core distal end face and the wall proximal end face.

16. The urinary catheter assembly of any of claims 10-15, wherein the core is formed having a flexibility based on flexibility factors, the flexibility factors including one or more of: the connection surface, the flexible material of the support, the support length, the support diameter or width, the disc diameter or width, the disc thickness, the disc interval, the tip radius of curvature and the tip diameter or width.

17. The urinary catheter assembly of claim 16, wherein the flexibility of the core is varied by varying one or more of the flexibility factors.

18. The urinary catheter assembly of any of claims 9-17, wherein the coating layer is overmolded on the core.

19. The urinary catheter assembly of any of claims 9-18, wherein the coating layer is bonded to the tubular wall portion.

20. The urinary catheter assembly of any of claims 9-19, wherein the coating layer includes a hydrophilic material.

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