Urethral catheter with closable drainage opening

Abstract

A urinary catheter (10) including a discharge opening (22) and a closure element (24) that closes the discharge opening during advancement and withdrawal of the urinary catheter from the urethra and opens the discharge opening at the bladder.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 490,628, filed March 16, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to intermittent urinary catheters having a drainage opening or eyelet that moves between an open and a closed configuration, and more particularly to a drainage opening that has a closed configuration during advancement through the urethra and an open configuration at the bladder. [Background technology]

[0003] An intermittent urinary catheter includes a catheter shaft or tube having a proximal insertion end portion that is introduced through the urethra into the bladder. Once in the bladder, urine enters the catheter through one or more drainage openings or eyelets. The urine enters these drainage openings, passes through an internal drainage lumen of the catheter tube, and exits through a distal drainage opening at the distal end portion of the catheter tube. After the urine has drained from the bladder, the catheter is withdrawn from the urethra. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to reduce the risk of user discomfort during advancement and withdrawal of the catheter tube through the urethra. Thus, a need remains for an intermittent urinary catheter having features that reduce the risk of discomfort during use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect, a urinary catheter product includes a catheter tube configured to be inserted into the urethra. The catheter tube has a proximal insertion end, a distal end, and an internal drain lumen. The product includes one or more drain openings associated with the proximal insertion end. The one or more drain openings are in fluid communication with the internal drain lumen and are configured to drain urine from the bladder. The product includes one or more closure elements associated with the one or more drain openings. The one or more closure elements have an open configuration in which the one or more drain openings are exposed and a closed configuration in which the one or more closure elements close the one or more drain openings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of an intermittent urinary catheter according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 2 shown positioned in a portion of the urethra. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter tube proximal insertion end shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 2 after the catheter tube tip has entered the bladder and showing a segment of the proximal insertion end portion of the catheter tube positioned in the urethra adjacent the bladder. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 2, showing the catheter tube proximal insertion end positioned in the bladder. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 2 after a segment of the catheter tube proximal insertion end has been retracted into the urethra. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 2 shown retracted into a portion of the urethra adjacent the bladder. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of an alternative proximal insertion end of the catheter tube shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 9 shown positioned in a portion of the urethra. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 9 after the catheter tube tip has entered the bladder and showing a segment of the proximal insertion end portion of the catheter tube positioned in the urethra adjacent the bladder. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 9, showing the catheter tube proximal insertion end positioned in the bladder. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 9 after a segment of the catheter tube proximal insertion end has been retracted into the urethra. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 9 shown retracted into a portion of the urethra adjacent the bladder. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of an alternative proximal insertion end of a catheter tube according to the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 15 shown inserted into the urethral opening. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 15, shown with the catheter proximal end portion positioned within the urethra. [Figure 18] FIG. 16 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 15 after the catheter tube tip has entered the bladder and showing a segment of the proximal insertion end portion of the catheter tube positioned in the urethra adjacent the bladder. [Figure 19] FIG. 16 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 15, showing the catheter tube proximal insertion end positioned in the bladder. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of an alternative proximal insertion end of a catheter tube according to the present disclosure. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 20 shown inserted into the urethral opening. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 20, shown with the catheter proximal end portion positioned within the urethra. [Figure 23] FIG. 21 is an enlarged side view of the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube of FIG. 20, showing the catheter tube proximal insertion end positioned in the bladder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] While the subject matter of this disclosure is susceptible to embodiment in various forms, presently preferred embodiments are described with the understanding that this disclosure is to be considered exemplary and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments shown. The words "a" or "an" are to be construed as including both the singular and the plural. Conversely, reference to plural items includes the singular, where appropriate.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a urinary catheter 10, which may be an intermittent urinary catheter. The urinary catheter 10 includes a urinary catheter tube or shaft 12 having a catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 and a catheter tube distal end 16. A drainage member 20 is associated with the catheter tube distal end 16. The drainage member 20 is in fluid communication with the internal drainage lumen (not shown) of the urinary catheter tube 12. In some embodiments, the drainage member 20 may be a connector for attachment to a urine collection bag, or it may be a receptacle, such as a funnel, for directing urine to a toilet. The catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 terminates in a catheter tip 18, which may be optionally open or closed. The catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 includes one or more drainage openings or eyelets 22. The drainage openings 22 are in fluid communication with the internal drainage lumen of the urinary catheter tube 12. In some embodiments, the urinary catheter tube 12 may have a lubricious hydrophilic coating on its exterior surface that becomes lubricious when moistened with a hydration medium. Such a coating facilitates insertion of the catheter tube 12 into the urethra. In other embodiments, the urinary catheter tube 12 may be lubricated with a gel-like lubricant applied to the catheter.

[0009] In use, the urinary catheter tube 12 is inserted and advanced through the user's urethra so that the catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 enters the bladder. Once the catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 enters the bladder, urine flows from the bladder, through one or more drainage openings 22, and through the internal drainage lumen of the catheter tube 12. Urine flows from the internal drainage lumen and out the drainage member 20.

[0010] 1-8 , the catheter tube 10 may include one or more closure elements 24 that open and close the one or more discharge openings 22. In some alternatives, the one or more closure elements 24 may be a cover, shield, barrier, flap, baffle, cuff, stoma, or other suitable closure element. The one or more closure elements 24 close the discharge openings 22 during insertion and withdrawal of the catheter tube 12 through the urethra. In some embodiments, the closure elements may include a lubricious, hydrophilic coating thereon.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, one or more closure elements 24 are associated with each discharge opening 22 and may include a pair of covers 26 a, 26 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure element 24 includes a proximal cover 26 a and a distal cover 26 b. At the illustrated catheter tube proximal insertion end 14, the proximal cover 26 a is located proximal to each discharge opening 22 a. The proximal cover 26 a includes a first end 28 a associated with the catheter tube 12. The first end 28 a may be attached to or integral with the catheter tube 12. The cover 26 a includes a second free end 30 a opposite the first end 28 a. The distal cover 26 b is located distal to each discharge opening 22. The distal cover 26 b includes a first end 28 b associated with the catheter tube 12. The first end 28 b may be attached to or integral with the catheter tube 12. The cover 26b includes a second free end 30b opposite the first end 28b.

[0012] The closure elements 24 (e.g., covers 26a, 26b) have an open configuration in which one or more discharge openings 22 are exposed or open, and a closed configuration in which one or more closure elements 24 close or cover one or more discharge openings 22. For example, referring to FIG. 2 , the covers 26a, 26b are in an open configuration in which the discharge openings 22 are exposed / open. In this configuration, the covers 26a, 26b do not cover the discharge openings 22. The covers 26a, 26b extend from the outer surface of the catheter tube 12 at an angle such that the discharge openings 22 are at least partially exposed / open. In the illustrated embodiment, the covers 26a, 26b extend from the outer surface of the catheter tube 12 at a 90-degree angle. However, the covers 26a, 26b may extend at a smaller or larger angle in the open configuration, so long as the discharge openings 22 are open. In some embodiments, the closure elements 24 (e.g., covers 26a, 26b) are biased toward the open configuration. The closure element 24 may be made from a resilient material, such as a resilient polymer, that biases the closure element into the open configuration.

[0013] 3 , when a segment of the catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 having an associated closure element 24 is inserted into the urethra, the closure element 24 moves to a closed configuration, covering or closing the discharge opening 22. The closure element 24 is movable between an open and a closed configuration. In some alternative embodiments, the covers 26a, 26b may have a flexible joint between their respective first ends 28a, 28b and the catheter tube 12. For example, the first ends 28a, 28b may be hingedly connected to the catheter tube 12. The joint between the covers 26a, 26b and the catheter tube 12 may be flexible to allow the covers 26a, 26b to move between the open and closed configurations. The covers 26a, 26b have a length between their respective first ends 28a, 28b and second free ends 30a, 30b. This length is sufficient to allow one of the covers 26a, 26b to cover the discharge opening 22 in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the closed configuration may have different states. For example, the first state closed configuration may include a cover 26a covering or closing each discharge opening 22 (FIG. 3). In the second state, a cover 26b may cover or close each discharge opening 22 (FIG. 8).

[0014] Referring to FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the covers 26a, 26b may have a curved cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape may be between a semicircle and a quarter circle or less. In some embodiments, the curvature of the cross-sectional shape may be equal to the outer curvature of the catheter tube 12. Additionally, optionally, the outer surface of the catheter tube 12 may include indentations or recesses 15 that receive the covers 26a, 26b in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the recesses 15 of the catheter tube 12 receive the respective covers 26a, 26b so that the outer surfaces of the covers and the outer surfaces of the catheter tube 12 are aligned, forming a smooth transition between the outer surfaces. The covers 26a, 26b have a wall thickness between their inner and outer surfaces. The wall thickness may be between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm. In some embodiments, the wall thickness is thinner at the free ends 30a, 30b than at the connecting ends 28a, 28b.

[0015] 2, 3, and 5-8, the covers 26a, 26b are initially in an open configuration (FIG. 2) before the catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 is inserted into the urethra 38. Referring to FIG. 3, once the catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 is inserted into the urethra 38, the cover 26a bends or folds distally about the joint between the end 28a and the outer surface of the catheter tube 12 such that the cover 26a closes or covers the respective discharge opening 22, thereby moving to the closed configuration. In some embodiments, when the cover 26a closes the discharge opening 22, this is the first closed state of the closed configuration. Similarly, the cover 26b bends or folds distally about the joint between the end 28b and the outer surface of the catheter tube 12 such that the cover 26b rests on the outer surface of the catheter tube 12. As discussed above, in some optional embodiments, the outer surface of the catheter tube 12 includes a recess or indentation 15 that receives the cover 26b. Contact between the inner surface of the urethra 38 and the covers 26a, 26b constrains or compresses the covers 26a, 26b into a closed configuration, in some embodiments, the joints may be rounded or curved to slide smoothly along the inner surface of the urethra 38 during advancement and withdrawal of the catheter tube 12 through the urethra.

[0016] 5 and 6, when the catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 enters the bladder 40, the covers 26a, 26b move to an open configuration, allowing urine 42 to enter the internal drainage lumen of the catheter tube 12 through the drainage opening 22. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, after the urine 42 has drained from the bladder 40, the catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 is withdrawn from the bladder 40 and placed back into the urethra 38. As the catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 is withdrawn from the bladder 40, the covers 26a, 26b move to a closed configuration. The covers 26b bend or fold around the joint between the end 28b and the outer surface of the catheter tube 12 so that the covers 26b close or cover their respective drainage openings 22. In some embodiments in which the covers 26b close the drainage openings 22, this is the second closed state of the closed configuration. Similarly, cover 26a bends or folds proximally around the joint between end 28a and the outer surface of catheter tube 12 so that cover 26a also rests on the outer surface of the catheter tube. Comparing Figures 3 and 8, in a first closed state of the closed configuration, covers 26a, 26b bend or fold distally (Figure 3), and in a second closed state of the closed configuration, covers 26a, 26b bend or fold proximally (Figure 8).

[0017] 9 , in some alternative embodiments, the catheter tube 112 has a closure element 124, which may be a cuff 126. The catheter tube proximal insertion end 114 includes one or more discharge openings 122. The cuff 126 includes a wall 125 that surrounds the discharge openings 122. The cuff 126 may be made from an elastic material, such as an elastic polymer. In the illustrated embodiment, the cuff 126 has a generally round cross-section, and the wall 125 is a circumferential wall that surrounds the discharge openings 122. However, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cuff 126 may be other shapes, such as a polygonal or irregular shape.

[0018] The cuff 126 includes an end 128 that connects to the catheter tube 112 and communicates with the opening 122. The cuff 126 has a free end 130 opposite the attachment end 128, with a lumen extending therethrough that communicates with the discharge opening 122. The cuff wall 125 has a proximal portion 123 and a distal portion 127. The cuff 126 has an open configuration in which the one or more discharge openings 122 are exposed or open, and a closed configuration in which the cuff 126 closes or covers the one or more discharge openings 122. The cuff 126 can be biased toward the open configuration. FIG. 9 shows the cuff 126 in the open configuration, with the cuff wall 125 extending from the outer surface of the catheter tube 112 and not covering the discharge openings 122. In the closed configuration, the cuff 126 bends or folds such that the cuff wall 125 closes or covers the discharge openings 122. Similar to the catheter tube 12, the catheter tube 112 may have an indentation or recess that receives a portion of the cuff 126 so as to have a smooth transition between the folded cuff wall 125 and the outer surface of the catheter.

[0019] 9-14, before the catheter tube proximal insertion end 114 is inserted into the urethra, the cuff 126 is initially in an open configuration (FIG. 9). Referring to FIG. 10, when the catheter tube proximal insertion end 114 is inserted into the urethra, the cuff 126 contacts the urethra and bends or folds distally around the joint between the end 128 and the outer surface of the catheter tube 112, causing the cuff walls 125 to close or cover the respective outlet openings 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal portion 123 of the cuff wall 125 covers or closes the outlet openings 122, and the distal portion 127 rests on the outer surface of the catheter tube 112. In some embodiments, this is the first closed state of the closed configuration. The inner wall of the urethra 38 compresses or constrains the cuff 126 so that it remains in the closed configuration.

[0020] 11 and 12, when the catheter tube proximal insertion end 114 enters the bladder 40, the cuff 126 moves from a closed configuration to an open configuration, allowing urine 42 to enter the internal drainage lumen of the catheter tube 112 through the drainage opening 122. Referring to Figures 13 and 14, after the urine 42 has drained from the bladder 40, the catheter tube proximal insertion end 114 is withdrawn from the bladder 40 and returned to the urethra 38. When the catheter tube proximal insertion end 114 is withdrawn from the bladder 40, the cuff 126 moves to a closed configuration. The cuff 126 bends or folds around the joint between the end 128 and the outer surface of the catheter tube 112, such that the distal portion 127 of the cuff wall 125 closes or covers the respective drainage opening 122 and the proximal portion 123 of the cuff wall 125 rests on the outer surface of the catheter tube 112. In some embodiments, this is the second closed state of the closed configuration.

[0021] 15-19, the proximal insertion end 214 of the catheter tube 212 includes one or more discharge openings 222. In some embodiments, the openings 222 include a closure element, such as a stoma closure 224 (including a stoma-like closure), that opens and closes the discharge openings 222. The opening and closing of the stoma closure 224, including a stoma-like closure, depends on whether the catheter tube proximal insertion end 214 is unconstrained or constrained. With reference to FIG. 15, the stoma closure 224 has an open configuration when the catheter proximal insertion end 214 is unconstrained and the stoma closure 224 is open. With reference to FIG. 16, the stoma closure 224 has a closed configuration when the catheter proximal insertion end 214 is constrained and the stoma closure 224 is closed.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the stoma closure 224 has a first flexible edge 225 and an opposing second flexible edge 227 that define the discharge opening 222. In the open configuration, when the catheter tube proximal insertion end 214 is unconstrained, the first flexible edge 225 and the second flexible edge 227 separate or move apart, thereby opening the discharge opening 222 (FIGS. 15 and 19). When the catheter tube proximal insertion end 214 is constrained, for example by radially inward pressure from the urethra 38, the first flexible edge 225 and the second flexible edge 227 move together and abut to close the discharge opening 222 (FIG. 17).

[0023] In some embodiments, the stoma closure 224 of the discharge opening 222 can be formed by thermoforming, vacuum forming, blow molding, or injection molding (which may include forming the catheter and eyelet in a single step). For example, the stoma closure 224 can be formed by mechanical drilling (without a mandrel), thermoforming (hot eye molding), skiving, perforation, laser cutting, etc. While the illustrated embodiment shows an "I"-shaped stoma closure (e.g., a thin oval), the stoma closure may also be "X" or "Y" shaped depending on the desired application. The shape of the stoma closure can be formed with smooth / annealed edges by using a hot eye molding approach. In some embodiments, the stoma edge defining the discharge opening may be finished with a smooth (annealed) or polished edge, or may even have a smooth surface. Furthermore, the stoma closures 224 may be in a staggered order or directly opposite each other on the catheter tube 212.

[0024] In some embodiments, the catheter tube proximal insertion end 214 may have a larger diameter than the remainder of the body of the catheter tube 212. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the catheter proximal insertion end 214 has an outer diameter that is large enough so that a portion of the catheter proximal insertion end 214 is compressed by the urethra. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of at least a portion of the catheter proximal insertion end 214 is larger than the inner diameter of the urethra. Additionally, the catheter proximal end 214 may have a softer and / or more flexible material or structure in the region of the stoma closure 224 than other portions of the catheter. A softer material or structure may aid in the movement of the stoma closure 224 between the open and closed configurations when the catheter tube proximal insertion end 214 is compressed (constrained) and returned to an uncompressed state (unconstrained).

[0025] 15-19, the stoma closure 224 of the outlet opening 222 is initially in an open configuration (FIG. 15) and is opened before the catheter tube proximal insertion end 214 is inserted into the urethra. As mentioned above, the stoma closure 224 can be biased into the open configuration. With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, when the catheter tube proximal insertion end 214 is inserted into the urethra 38, the urethra compresses or constrains the catheter tube proximal insertion 214, moving the stoma closure 224 from the open configuration to a closed configuration in which the closure is closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the stoma edges 225 and 227 move together and abut, thereby closing the stoma closure 224, which remains closed as the catheter tube 212 is advanced through the urethra.

[0026] 18 and 19 , when the catheter tube proximal insertion end 214 enters the bladder 40, it is returned to an uncompressed state or unconstrained, and the stoma closure 224 moves to an open configuration. In the open configuration, the stoma closure edges 225, 227 move apart to open the discharge opening 222 and allow urine to enter the discharge opening 222, draining the urine from the bladder 40. After the urine has drained from the bladder 40, the catheter tube proximal insertion end 214 is withdrawn from the bladder 40 and returned to the urethra 38. When the catheter tube proximal insertion end 214 is withdrawn from the bladder 40, the stoma closure 224 moves to a closed configuration in which the stoma closure closes the discharge opening 222.

[0027] 20-23, there is shown the proximal insertion end 314 of the catheter tube 312 including an alternative outlet opening 322 with a stoma closure 324 that opens and closes the outlet opening 322. The opening and closing of the stoma closure 324 depends on whether the catheter tube proximal insertion end 314 is unconstrained or constrained. With reference to FIG. 20, the stoma closure 324 has an open configuration when the catheter proximal insertion end 314 is unconstrained and the stoma closure 324 is open, opening the outlet opening 322. With reference to FIG. 22, the stoma closure 324 has a closed configuration when the catheter tube proximal insertion end 314 is constrained and the stoma closure 324 is closed, thereby closing the outlet opening 322.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the stoma closure 324 is elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the catheter tube 312. The stoma closure 324 has a first flexible edge 325 and an opposing second flexible edge 327 that define the discharge opening 322. A portion or region of material around the stoma closure 324 may be elastic or flexible. In the open configuration, when the catheter tube proximal insertion end 314 is unconstrained, the first flexible edge 325 and the second flexible edge 327 separate or move apart, thereby opening the discharge opening 322. In some embodiments, the stoma closure 324 is biased toward the open position. When the catheter tube proximal insertion end 314 is constrained, for example by radially inward pressure from the urethra 38, the first flexible edge 325 and the second flexible edge 327 move together and abut, closing the discharge opening 322.

[0029] 20-23, the stoma closure 324 of the outlet opening 322 is initially in an open configuration (FIG. 20) and is opened before the catheter tube proximal insertion end 314 is inserted into the urethra. As mentioned above, the stoma closure 324 can be biased into the open configuration. With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, when the catheter tube proximal insertion end 314 is inserted into the urethra 38, the urethra compresses or constrains the catheter tube proximal insertion 314, moving the stoma closure 324 from the open configuration to a closed configuration in which the closure is closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the stoma edges 325 and 327 move together and abut, thereby closing the stoma closure 324, which remains closed as the catheter tube 312 is advanced through the urethra.

[0030] 23 , when the catheter tube proximal insertion end 314 enters the bladder 40, it is returned to an uncompressed state or unconstrained, and the stoma closure 324 moves to an open configuration. In the open configuration, the stoma closure edges 325, 327 move apart to open the discharge opening 322, allowing urine to enter the discharge opening 322 and drain the urine from the bladder 40. After the urine has drained from the bladder 40, the catheter tube proximal insertion end 314 is withdrawn from the bladder 40 and returned to the urethra 38. As the catheter tube proximal insertion end 314 is withdrawn from the bladder 40, the stoma closure 324 moves to a closed configuration in which the stoma closure closes the discharge opening 322.

[0031] It will be understood that various changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the invention described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein.

Claims

1. 1. A urinary catheter product comprising: a catheter tube configured to be inserted into the urethra, the catheter tube having a catheter tube proximal insertion end, a catheter tube distal end, and a catheter tube internal discharge lumen; one or more discharge openings associated with the catheter tube proximal insertion end, the one or more discharge openings being in fluid communication with the catheter tube internal discharge lumen and configured to drain urine from the bladder; one or more closure elements associated with the one or more discharge openings, the one or more closure elements having an open configuration in which the one or more discharge openings are exposed and a closed configuration in which the one or more closure elements close the one or more discharge openings; Urethral catheter products, including:

2. The urinary catheter product of claim 1 , wherein the one or more closure elements include one or more stoma closures.

3. The urinary catheter product of claim 1 , wherein the one or more closure elements include one or more covers.

4. The urinary catheter product of claim 1 , wherein the one or more closure elements include a cuff.

5. 5. The urinary catheter product of claim 1, wherein the one or more closure elements cover the one or more discharge openings to close the one or more discharge openings.

6. The urinary catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more closure elements are movable between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

7. The urinary catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more closure elements are configured to be in the open configuration when the catheter tube proximal insertion end is not constrained by the urethra.

8. The urinary catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more covers are in the open configuration when the one or more discharge openings are located within the bladder.

9. The urinary catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more closure elements are in the closed configuration when the proximal end of the catheter tube is constrained by the urethra.

10. A urinary catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more closure elements are in the closed configuration when the one or more discharge openings are located within the urethra.

11. A urinary catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the one or more closure elements are made from an elastic material, preferably an elastic polymer.

12. 12. The urinary catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the one or more closure elements are initially in the open configuration, move to the closed configuration when the catheter tube is inserted into the urethra, move back to the open configuration when the one or more discharge openings are in the bladder, and move back to the closed configuration when the catheter tube is withdrawn from the urethra.

13. 13. The urinary catheter according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the one or more covers comprise a pair of opposing covers, the covers having a first end operatively attached to the catheter tube and a second free end.

14. 14. The urinary catheter of claim 13, wherein the one or more covers have a wall thickness between an outer surface and an inner surface, the thickness being from about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm.

15. 15. The urinary catheter of claim 14, wherein the wall thickness is less at the attached first end than at the second free end.

16. 16. A urinary catheter according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein a first cover of the pair of opposing covers is located proximal to the respective discharge opening, and a second cover of the pair of opposing covers is located distal to the respective discharge opening.

17. A urinary catheter according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 16, wherein the outer surface of the catheter tube includes one or more recesses that receive the one or more closure elements when the cover is in the closed configuration.

18. The urinary catheter of claim 2 , wherein the stoma closure comprises an I, X, or Y shape.

19. A urinary catheter according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein the one or more stoma closures have a first edge and an opposing second edge, the first edge and second edge defining one of the one or more openings.

20. A urinary catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the one or more closure elements are biased towards the open configuration.

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