catheter

Abstract

An example catheter includes a tubular body portion and a cuff. The tubular body portion has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion defines a distal surface of the tubular body portion. The cuff is attached to the distal end portion and defines a distal surface of the cuff. In certain embodiments, the tubular body portion terminates within the cuff such that the distal surface of the body portion is proximal to the distal surface of the cuff. In certain embodiments, a pocket is formed between the cuff and the body portion. In certain embodiments, the body portion is more rigid than the cuff.

Description

Cross-reference to related disclosures

[0001] This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 173,814, filed April 12, 2021, and U.S. Application No. 63 / 186,528, filed May 10, 2021, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties. [Technical field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to catheters and associated systems, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to fecal evacuation catheters and associated systems. [Background technology]

[0003] Indwelling fecal management catheters are often used to manage liquid or semi-liquid stools in non-ambulatory hospitalized patients, however, many of the existing fecal management catheters provide a pressure point when the patient is in a sitting position.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 7,727,188 discloses a balloon catheter in which a balloon is attached to the end of the catheter in a manner that forms a recess or pocket between the catheter wall and the balloon wall. The recess or pocket opens toward the proximal end of the catheter. The rigid end of an introducing element or finger is received in the recess for attachment to the catheter. The distal end of the catheter is inserted and positioned in the intestine by manipulating the introducing element or finger, with the end of the introducing element in the recess. After the catheter is properly positioned in the intestine, the introducing element or finger is withdrawn and detached from the catheter as the end of the introducing element slides out of the recess and out of the intestine. The balloon is inflated before or after withdrawal of the introducing element to secure the tip of the catheter in place in the intestine. The entire distal catheter is made of a soft, flexible material, so that no soft tissue damage occurs with the use of the device, even if the catheter is left in place in the body for an extended period of time.

[0005] Many existing approaches, including those described in the above-referenced publications, may suffer from one or more drawbacks or limitations, such as those related to ease of insertion and / or limiting soft tissue damage. For these reasons, among others, there remains a need for further improvements in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An example catheter includes a tubular body portion and a cuff. The tubular body portion has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion defines a distal surface of the tubular body portion. The cuff is attached to the distal end portion and defines a distal surface of the cuff. In certain embodiments, the tubular body portion terminates within the cuff such that the distal surface of the body portion is proximal to the distal surface of the cuff. In certain embodiments, a pocket is formed between the cuff and the body portion. In certain embodiments, the body portion is stiffer than the cuff. Further aspects, features, and embodiments of the present application will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and description provided herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a catheter according to a particular embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cuff in accordance with certain embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cuff shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the catheter shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a pocket according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a pocket configuration according to a specific embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail, It is to be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims.

[0009] References herein to "one embodiment," "one embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, references to "preferred" components or features may indicate the desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to an embodiment, but it should be further understood that the present disclosure is not so limited with respect to other embodiments in which such components or features may be omitted. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not expressly described.

[0010] Additionally, it is understood that items in a list of "at least one of A, B, C" can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (B and C), (A and C), or (A, B and C). Similarly, items listed in the form "at least one of A, B, C" can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (B and C), (A and C), or (A, B, C). Items listed in the form "A, B, and / or C" can also mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (B and C), (A and C), or (A, B, and C). Additionally, with respect to the claims, the use of phrases such as "a," "an," "at least a portion," and / or "at least a portion" should not be construed as limiting such element to only one, unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as "at least a portion" and / or "a portion" should be construed to encompass both embodiments including only a portion of such an element and embodiments including such an element in its entirety, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0011] In the figures, some structural or method features may be shown in a particular arrangement and / or order. However, it should be understood that such a particular arrangement and / or order is not necessarily required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and / or order than as shown in the exemplary figures, unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure does not imply that such feature is required in all embodiments, and in some embodiments, it may be omitted or combined with other features.

[0012] 1, there is shown an indwelling catheter 100 according to certain embodiments. The illustrated catheter 100 extends along a longitudinal axis 101 defining a proximal direction (downward in FIG. 1) and an opposite distal direction (upward in FIG. 1), and generally includes a tubular body portion 110 having a proximal end portion 112 and an opposite distal end portion 114, a cuff 120 disposed at the distal end portion 114 of the body portion 110, a finger pocket 130 disposed between the body portion 110 and the cuff 120, an inflation / deflation lumen 140 extending from the cuff 120 to the inflation / deflation port 102, a first fitting 104 attached to the inflation / deflation port 102, and a drainage passageway 150 defined in part by the body portion 110 and in part by the cuff 120. In the illustrated form, the indwelling catheter 100 is provided in the form of a toilet catheter, with the distal end portion 114 configured for insertion into the rectum of a patient, although it is envisioned that the catheter 100 may be provided in other forms, such as a urinary catheter or an airway catheter.

[0013] The catheter body portion 110 extends from a proximal end portion 112 to a distal end portion 114 and partially defines an inflation / deflation lumen 140 and an exhaust passageway 150. The distal end portion 114 includes a tubular wall 117 that is received in a central opening 122 of the cuff 120 and has a distal surface 115 that defines a body portion inlet 116 having a body portion inlet diameter d 116. In the illustrated form, the distal surface 115 is disposed within the cuff 120 proximal to an inlet 154 of the exhaust passageway 150. As described herein, the body portion 110 is provided as a more rigid structure compared to the cuff 120 and, in certain configurations, is provided as a non-collapsible tube.

[0014] 2 and 3, the cuff 120 is located at a distal end of the body portion 110 and defines a chamber 121 and a funnel-shaped central opening 122. The chamber 121 is configured to hold a fluid (e.g., air or saline) when the cuff 120 is in an inflated state, which fluid can be expelled to compress or deflate the cuff 120. As shown in FIG. 3, the central opening 122 includes a proximal portion 123 extending from a proximal face 124 of the cuff 120 and a distal portion 125 extending to a distal face 126 of the cuff 120. The proximal portion 123 is sized and shaped to receive the distal end portion 114 of the body portion 110 and is defined by a substantially annular wall 127 having a first inner diameter d127. The distal portion 125 is disposed distally of the proximal portion 123 and is defined by a conical wall 128 expanding from a first diameter d127 to a second diameter d154 that is larger than the first diameter d127. In the illustrated example, the wall 128 defining the distal portion 125 is substantially conical and tapers at a constant gradient relative to the longitudinal axis 101 from the first diameter d154 to the second diameter d127. It is also envisioned that the cross section of the distal portion 125 is convex or concave.

[0015] The cuff 120 has a total longitudinal length L120 consisting of a length L123 of the proximal portion 123 and a length L125 of the distal portion 125. In the illustrated example, the length L123 of the proximal portion is just under half (e.g., about 45%) of the total length L120, and the length L125 of the distal portion is just over half (e.g., about 55%) of the total length L120. Other ratios are also contemplated. For example, the length L123 of the proximal portion may be greater than or equal to 40% and less than or equal to 60% of the total length L120. In the illustrated example shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the surface 115 of the distal body portion is offset from the distal cuff surface 126 by the length L125 of the distal portion, which may alternatively be referred to as the offset distance L125.

[0016] 4-6, the pocket 130 is disposed at the proximal portion 123 of the opening 122 of the cuff 120 and includes a generally open proximal end 132 and a closed distal end 134. The pocket 130 is disposed between the annular wall 127 and the tubular wall 117 of the distal end portion 114 and may be secured to the annular wall 127 and / or the tubular wall 117, for example. The pocket 130 provides an area for receiving a finger or insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the distal portion of the catheter 100 into an opening (e.g., the rectum) of the patient. In the illustrated example, the pocket 130 is provided as a separate component between the annular wall 127 and the distal end portion 114. More specifically, pocket 130 includes a first flap 136 secured on three sides along its periphery 137 to tubular wall 117 of body portion 110 by seal 109′ such that an interior of pocket 130 is defined by wall 117 and an exterior of pocket 130 is defined by flap 136 bonded to wall 127. It is also envisioned that pocket 130 is at least partially defined by distal end portion 114. By way of example, open proximal end 132 may be created by omitting a portion of seal 109 between flap 136 and tubular wall 117 of body portion 110. Additionally or alternatively, flap 136 may be secured to tubular wall 117 of distal end portion 114 in a manner similar to the illustrated flap 136 secured to annular wall 127.

[0017] Inflation / deflation lumen 140 has a distal end 142 that is open to chamber 121, a proximal end 144 that is connected to inflation / deflation port 102, and optionally a second elongated lumen 146 that extends between and connects distal end 142 and proximal end 144 such that chamber 121 is in fluid communication with inflation / deflation port 102. As a result, cuff 120 may be provided as a normally closed check valve and is operable to be inflated and deflated via first fitting 104 that can be actuated to an open passageway using a mating syringe.

[0018] The exhaust passageway 150 is configured to allow fluid (e.g., air, liquid, or semi-liquid) to flow from the inlet 154 to the outlet 152. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, waste water flows from the inlet 154 to the outlet 152 and is exhausted through the outlet 152. In certain embodiments, such as when the catheter 100 is utilized as an airway catheter, the passageway 150 can further facilitate the flow of fluid (e.g., air) from the outlet 152 to the inlet 154, for example, during inhalation by the patient.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the drain passage inlet 154 is defined by the distal surface 126 of the cuff 120 and has an inlet diameter d154, and the drain passage outlet 152 is defined by the proximal surface of the body portion 110 and has an outlet diameter d154 that is smaller than the inlet diameter d154. More specifically, the drain passage 150 narrows in a distal-to-proximal direction (downward in FIGS. 1 and 4 ) from the inlet diameter d154 to a third diameter d127 due to the tapered or curved nature of the wall 128, and a step is formed from the third diameter d127 to the outlet diameter d154 due to the thickness t110 of the body portion 110. It is also envisioned that the drain passage 150 may narrow in a distal-to-proximal direction in other ways. It has been found that providing a larger inlet 154 in the drain passage 150 helps to enhance the recovery of diverted fluids from the patient's body cavity.

[0020] As noted above, the illustrated catheter body 110 is of stiffer construction than the cuff 120 and is optionally provided so that it does not extend all the way to the inlet 154. This offset distance L125 between the distal body surface 115 and the distal cuff surface 126 may reduce potential pressure points when the patient is in a seated position.

[0021] Also, as mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, there is an open surrounding finger pocket 130 that can be formed between the cuff 120 and the catheter body 110 by omitting a portion of the seal 109 all around the connection between the two components. This finger pocket 130 having an open space recess between the cuff 120 and the catheter body 110 allows a finger or insertion tool to be placed there during insertion of the cuff 120 and may provide the added benefit of not extending the stiffer catheter body 110 to the inlet 154. This feature may also minimize potential pressure points when the patient is in a seated position. Devices without a finger pocket may require a stiff catheter body tip all the way to the distal end to facilitate insertion of the cuff into the body cavity.

[0022] 7 and 8, an alternative arrangement of pocket 130 is illustrated. Flap 136 has a width W 136, a height H 136, and is secured by a seal 109' on three sides between cuff 120 and distal end portion 114 of body portion 110. An open proximal end 132 is thus created on the fourth side, which is the only side that is not bonded.

[0023] A catheter 100 according to a particular embodiment of the present application comprises a tubular body portion 110 having a proximal end portion 112 and a distal end portion 114, the distal end portion 114 defining a distal body portion surface 115 of the tubular body portion 110, and a cuff 120 attached to the distal end portion 114 and defining a distal cuff surface 126 of the cuff 120, the tubular body portion 110 terminating within the cuff 120 such that the distal body portion surface 115 is disposed proximal of the distal cuff surface 126.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the distal body portion surface 115 defines a body portion inlet 116 having a first diameter d116, and the distal cuff surface 126 defines a cuff inlet 129 having a second diameter d154, the first diameter d116 being smaller than the second diameter d154.

[0025] In certain embodiments, tubular body portion 110 has a greater stiffness than cuff 120 .

[0026] In certain embodiments, the catheter further comprises a pocket 130 radially disposed between the distal end portion 114 and the cuff 120, the pocket 130 having an open proximal end 132 and a closed distal end 134.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the cuff 120 has a longitudinal length L120 and an offset distance L125 is defined between the distal body portion surface 115 and the distal cuff surface 126, the offset distance L125 being greater than or equal to 40% of the longitudinal length L120 and less than or equal to 60% of the longitudinal length L120.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the cuff 120 defines an opening 122 including a proximal portion 123 having a first diameter d127 and a distal portion 125 that expands in a proximal to distal direction from the first diameter d127 to a second diameter d154.

[0029] A particular embodiment of the present application relates to a catheter 100 defining a drainage passage 150, the catheter 100 having an annular body portion 110 with the drainage passage 150 attached to its distal end portion 114, and a cuff 120 attached to the distal end 114 of the tubular body portion 110, the cuff 120 defining a distal inlet 154 of the drainage passage 150, the proximal outlet 152 having a first diameter d152, and the distal inlet 154 having a second diameter greater than the first diameter d152.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the opening 122 defined by the cuff 120 narrows in a distal-to-proximal direction from the second diameter d154 to a third diameter d127 that corresponds to the first diameter d152.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the opening 122 has a distal portion 125 that narrows in a distal-to-proximal direction from a second diameter d154 to a third diameter d127, and a proximal portion 123 having the third diameter d127.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the proximal portion 123 has a third diameter d127 along its longitudinal length L123, the cuff 120 has a cuff longitudinal length L120, and the longitudinal length L123 of the proximal portion 123 is greater than or equal to 40% and less than or equal to 60% of the cuff longitudinal length L120.

[0033] In certain embodiments, tubular body portion 110 has a greater stiffness than cuff 120 .

[0034] In certain embodiments, the catheter further has a pocket opening 132 defined at the interface between the tubular body portion 110 and the cuff 120 .

[0035] In certain embodiments, the catheter further comprises a pocket 130 defined radially between the tubular body portion 110 and the cuff 120, the pocket 130 having an open proximal end 132.

[0036] A catheter 100 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention includes a tubular body portion 110 having a proximal end portion 112 and a distal end portion 114, a cuff 120 defining an opening 122 having a proximal portion 123 and a distal portion 125, wherein the distal end portion 114 of the tubular body portion 110 is received in the proximal portion 123, and a pocket 130 disposed between the tubular body portion 110 and the cuff 120, wherein the tubular body portion 110 has a higher rigidity than the cuff 120.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the pocket 130 has an open proximal end 132 and a closed distal end 134 .

[0038] In certain embodiments, the closed distal end 134 of the pocket 130 is disposed proximal to the proximal surface 126 of the cuff 120 .

[0039] In certain embodiments, distal body portion surface 115 defined by distal end portion 114 is disposed proximal to distal cuff surface 126 of cuff 120 .

[0040] In certain embodiments, the exhaust passage entrance 154 defined by the opening 122 has a first diameter d154, and the diameter of the proximal portion 125 of the opening 122 decreases from the first diameter d154 to a second diameter d127 in the distal to proximal direction.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the distal end portion 114 has a second diameter d127 as its outer diameter.

[0042] In certain embodiments, tubular body portion 110 is less prone to collapsing than cuff 120 .

[0043] A particular embodiment of the present application relates to a cuff 120 for a catheter 100, the cuff 120 having a proximal surface 124, a distal surface 126 opposite the proximal surface 124 and defining an inlet 154 having a first diameter d154, and an opening 122 extending along the longitudinal axis 101 and penetrating the proximal surface 124 and the distal surface 126, at least a portion of the opening 122 having a second diameter d127 smaller than the first diameter d154, the opening 122 having a first portion 125 opening to the inlet 154, the first portion 125 expanding from the second diameter d127 to the first diameter d154 in a proximal to distal direction.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the opening further has a second portion 123 disposed proximal to the first portion 125, the second portion 123 having a second diameter d127 along the length L123 of the second portion.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the cuff 120 has a cuff longitudinal length L120 and the second portion longitudinal length L123 is greater than or equal to 40% and less than or equal to 60% of the cuff longitudinal length L120.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the cuff further comprises a pocket 130 disposed within the opening 122 , the pocket 130 having an open proximal end 132 .

[0047] In certain embodiments, the pocket 130 has a flap 136, a first portion of a perimeter 137 of the flap 136 secured to the wall 127 that at least partially defines the opening 122, and a second portion of the perimeter 137 of the flap 136 is not secured to the wall 127, thereby defining an open proximal end.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, the first portion 125 is frustoconical.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the cuff 120 further includes a chamber 121 surrounding the opening 122 and operable to receive a fluid for inflating the cuff 120 .

[0050] A particular embodiment of the present application relates to a catheter 100 having a cuff 120, the catheter 100 further having a tubular body portion 110 connected to the cuff 120, the surface 115 of the distal body portion being disposed proximal to the distal surface 126 of the cuff 120.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the distal end portion 114 of the tubular body portion 110 extends to the opening 122 .

[0052] In certain embodiments, the tubular body portion is stiffer than the cuff 120 .

[0053] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, and that all changes and modifications which come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

[0054] It should be understood that the use of words such as preferred, preferably, preferred, or more preferred as utilized in the above description indicates that the feature so described may be more preferred, but that it may not be necessary, and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, when words such as "a," "an," "at least one," or "at least a portion" are used, it is intended that no attempt is made to limit the scope of the claim to only one item, unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the words "at least a portion" and / or "a portion" are used, the item may include some and / or all items, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

1. a tubular body portion having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion defining a distal body surface of the tubular body portion; and a cuff attached to the distal end portion and defining a distal cuff surface of the cuff; the tubular body portion terminates within the cuff such that a surface of the distal body portion is proximal to a surface of the distal cuff; The cuff has a longitudinal length, an offset distance is defined between a surface of the distal body portion and a surface of the distal cuff; The offset distance is greater than or equal to 40% and less than or equal to 60% of the length in the longitudinal direction. catheter.

2. a face of the distal body portion defining a body portion entrance having a first diameter; the distal cuff surface defines a cuff inlet having a second diameter; the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter; The catheter of claim 1.

3. the tubular body portion having a greater stiffness than the cuff; The catheter of claim 1.

4. a pocket disposed radially between the distal end portion and the cuff; The pocket has an open proximal end and a closed distal end. The catheter of claim 1.

5. The catheter is a fecal catheter. The catheter of claim 1.

6. The cuff defining an opening comprises: a proximal portion having a first diameter; and a distal portion expanding in a proximal-to-distal direction from the first diameter to a second diameter; The catheter of claim 1.

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