Urethral catheter assembly with guidance device

Abstract

A urethral catheter product including a urethral catheter comprising a discharge member and a gripping portion. More specifically, a urethral catheter comprising a discharge member having an axial length shorter than the axial length of the gripping portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefits and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 497,923, filed on 24 April 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to urethral catheter products including a gripping portion and a discharge member. More specifically, this disclosure relates to intermittent urethral catheter products in which the discharge member is shorter than the gripping portion. [Background technology]

[0003] Intermittent catheterization is a good option for many users with various urinary tract abnormalities. The advent of intermittent urethral catheters allows individuals with urinary tract problems to conveniently insert the catheter themselves to drain urine from their bladder. Individuals with urethral incontinence insert the catheter themselves several times a day.

[0004] Catheters are supplied in different lengths depending on the user. For example, male catheters are typically 16 inches long. Female catheters may be shorter than male catheters. Generally, female catheters are 6 to 8 inches long.

[0005] Some catheter products may also include a funnel (or connector) and a gripping section. The funnel / connector may extend from the end of the catheter tube and is used to guide urine to the excretory receptacle. The gripping section may be located on the catheter tube and is typically grasped by the user to assist in handling the catheter. For example, the gripping section can be used to assist in catheter insertion. By using the gripping section, the user can avoid the need to handle the catheter tube. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Due to size and structural constraints, the gripping portion may not be suitable for use with some intermittent urethral catheters.

[0007] Therefore, improved urethral catheter products, including a gripping mechanism, are needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] There are several embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention that can be realized separately or together in the subject matter claimed below. These embodiments can be used alone or in combination with other embodiments of the subject matter described herein. The joint description of these embodiments is not intended to preclude the use of these embodiments separately or in combinations other than those defined separately or in the appended claims.

[0009] In one embodiment, a urethral catheter product is provided. The urethral catheter product includes a catheter tube having a proximal insertion end and a distal discharge end, the inner surface of which defines a lumen. The urethral catheter product also includes a discharge member located at the distal discharge end of the catheter tube. The discharge member includes a proximal end and a distal end. The urethral catheter product also includes a gripping portion having an inner surface that defines a lumen. The catheter tube is positioned within the lumen of the gripping portion. The gripping portion further includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the gripping portion is abuttable against the proximal end of the discharge member. The discharge member has an axial length shorter than the axial length of the gripping portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view of an example of a catheter product in which the gripping portion and discharge member are in contact with each other. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an example of a catheter product in which the gripping portion and discharge member are in a separate configuration. [Figure 2A] This is a perspective view of an alternative catheter product in which the gripping portion and discharge member are in contact configuration. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an alternative catheter product in which the gripping and discharge components are separate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A more detailed description of the devices provided in this disclosure is set forth below. It should be understood that the following descriptions of specific devices are illustrative and not intended to encompass all possible variations or applications. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should be understood to be not limited but to include variations or embodiments that a person skilled in the art might conceive.

[0012] Looking at the figures, Figures 1A and 1B show an example of a urethral catheter product 10 which may be an intermittent urethral catheter product. The urethral catheter product 10 includes a catheter tube 12 having a catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 and a catheter tube distal discharge end 16. In this specification, the proximal end is understood to be a position closer to the user during use, and the distal end is a position further away from the user during use. A lumen extends from the catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 to the catheter tube distal discharge end 16. The catheter tube proximal insertion end 14 includes one or more openings 18 communicating with the lumen for receiving urine into the lumen. For example, one or more openings 18 for receiving urine may be small holes. In another example, one or more openings 18 for receiving urine may be multiple small holes. One or more openings for receiving urine may vary in size, shape, and position without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0013] The outer surface of the catheter tube 12 may include a hydrophilic surface or coating. When wet, the hydrophilic surface or coating may become smooth. This may be helpful to the user when inserting the catheter tube 12 into the urethra. In other alternative configurations, a lubricant, such as a gel lubricant, may be applied to the catheter tube 12 to assist in the insertion of the catheter tube.

[0014] The distal discharge end 16 of the catheter tube includes a discharge opening for discharging urine from the lumen. In the example, the discharge member 20 is located at the distal discharge end 16 of the catheter tube. The discharge member 20 includes a proximal end 22 of the discharge member and a distal end 24 of the discharge member. The discharge member 20 also includes an outer surface 26 and an inner surface 28 that defines the lumen. The lumen extends from the proximal end 22 of the discharge member to the distal end 24 of the discharge member. The lumen of the discharge member 20 is in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter tube 12. The discharge member 20 may be, for example, but not limited to, a funnel or a connector. The discharge member may be a separate component attached to the discharge end 16 of the catheter tube. Alternatively, the discharge member 20 and the catheter tube 12 may be integral. For example, the discharge member 20 and the distal discharge end 16 of the catheter tube may be a single-piece or integrally formed structure. If the discharge member 20 is a funnel, the discharge member 20 may have a similar circumference at both the proximal and distal ends 22, 24 of the discharge member. In another example, the discharge member 20 may be tapered, with the proximal end 22 of the discharge member having a smaller circumference than the distal end 24 of the discharge member. In another case, if the discharge member 20 is a connector, the connector may be connected to a drainage bag (not shown). Other discharge members known in the art may also be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] Additionally, the urinary catheter product 10 may include a gripping portion 30. The gripping portion 30 may be provided to assist the user in handling the catheter. For example, the user may grip the gripping portion 30 to handle the catheter to remove it from the package and to help guide the insertion of the catheter tube 12 into the urethra.

[0016] The gripping portion 30 includes a proximal end 32 of the gripping portion and a distal end 34 of the gripping portion. The gripping portion 30 also includes an outer surface 36 and an inner surface (not shown). The inner surface defining the lumen extends from the proximal end 32 of the gripping portion to the distal end 34 of the gripping portion. The catheter tube 12 can be positioned within the lumen of the gripping portion 30. The outer surface 36 of the gripping portion 30 may be textured to assist the user in gripping or as an indication of the gripping position. The gripping portion 30 can be movable along the length of the catheter tube 1,2. Further, the gripping portion may be flexible or elastic so that the user can squeeze the gripping portion to grip the catheter tube 12. When the user releases the gripping portion, the gripping portion returns substantially to its original shape, allowing movement or sliding of the gripping portion along the catheter tube 12.

[0017] In the first configuration shown in FIG. 1A, the distal end 34 of the gripping portion abuts the proximal end 22 of the discharge member. In an alternative form, the distal end 34 of the gripping portion and the proximal end 22 of the discharge member can be free ends that abut each other. In another alternative form, the gripping portion 30 is removably connected or connectable to the discharge member 20. For example, the distal end 34 of the gripping portion can be connected to the proximal end 22 of the discharge member via a friction fit, such as a press fit connection. In another instance, the gripping portion 30 can be connected to the discharge member 20 via a snap fit, screw fit, compression, adhesive, or any other connection means known in the art. In yet another alternative form, the distal end 34 of the gripping portion can be connected to the proximal end 22 of the discharge member by one or more frangible sections. For example, the gripping portion 30 and the discharge member 20 can be molded components that include a thin frangible section between the distal end 34 of the gripping portion and the proximal end 22 of the discharge member. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, other removable connectors known in the art can also be used.

[0018] In one example, the distal end 34 of the grasping portion may coincide with the proximal end 22 of the discharge member. For example, the distal end 34 of the grasping portion may have a circumference or width similar to that of the proximal end 22 of the discharge member. In another example, the proximal end 22 of the discharge member may be larger than the distal end 34 of the grasping portion, and the proximal end 22 of the discharge member may be configured to receive the distal end 34 of the grasping portion. In yet another example, the distal end 34 of the grasping portion may be larger than the proximal end 22 of the discharge member, and the distal end 34 of the grasping portion may be configured to receive the proximal end 22 of the discharge member.

[0019] Furthermore, the axial length L of the discharge member 20 DM is shorter than the axial length L of the grasping portion 30 G For example, the axial length L of the discharge member 20 DM may be about 8 - 20 mm, and the axial length L of the grasping portion 30 G may be about 12 - 44 mm or about 18 - 34 mm. In some examples, the axial length L of the discharge member 20 DM may be about 18% - 50% of the axial length of the grasping portion. In other examples, the axial length L of the discharge member 20 DM may be about 26% - 37% of the axial length of the grasping portion. The combined axial length L of the grasping portion 30 and the discharge member 20 G+DM may be about 20 - 64 mm. For example, L G+DM may be about 38 or 54 mm. In some examples, L G+DM may be about 10% - 40% of the axial length L of the catheter product 10 C In other examples, L G+DM may be about 25% - 35% of the axial length L of the catheter product 10 C The catheter tube may have a length of about 100 - ********** END]]

[0020] When the discharge member 20 and the gripping portion 30 are in contact, the contacting discharge member 20 and gripping portion 30 can provide a funnel having the appearance of a typical intermittent urethral catheter funnel. By having a discharge member 20 shorter than the gripping portion 30, the overall length of the catheter product 10 can be reduced while maintaining a sufficiently long catheter tube 12 for catheter treatment. This can make the catheter product 10 easier to handle. Additionally, by reducing the overall length of the catheter product 10 with a discharge member 20 shorter than the gripping portion 30, the amount of material required to package the product can be reduced.

[0021] Figures 2A and 2B show another example of a catheter product 110 having a gripping portion 130 including an introduction tip 140. Catheter product 110 may have similar features and components to catheter product 10. The urethral catheter product 110 includes a catheter tube 112 having a catheter tube proximal insertion end 114 and a catheter tube distal discharge end 116. A lumen extends from the catheter tube proximal insertion end 114 to the catheter tube distal discharge end 116. The catheter tube proximal insertion end 114 includes one or more openings 118 for receiving urine communicating with the lumen.

[0022] Similar to the urethral catheter product 10, the urethral catheter product 110 includes a gripping section 130 to assist the user in handling the catheter.

[0023] The gripping portion 130 includes a proximal end 132 and a distal end 134, as well as an outer surface 136 and an inner surface (not shown). The inner surface defines a lumen extending from the proximal end 132 to the distal end 134. The catheter tube 112 can be positioned within the lumen of the gripping portion 130. The gripping portion 130 may be movable along the length of the catheter tube 112.

[0024] In this alternative configuration, the gripping portion 130 may include an insertion tip 140 located at the proximal end 132 of the gripping portion 130. The insertion tip 140 can assist the user in inserting the catheter tube 112 into the urethra. For example, the user may grasp the gripping portion of the gripping portion 130 to move the insertion tip 140 toward the proximal insertion end 114 of the catheter tube and insert the proximal end 142 of the insertion tip into the urethra. The insertion tip 140 may include a cuff 144 to prevent the entire insertion tip 140 from entering the body. After the insertion tip 140 has been inserted, the user can then grasp the discharge member 120 while holding the insertion tip 140 in place to advance the catheter tube 112 through the insertion tip 140 into the urethra. Other insertion tips known in the art may also be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0025] Similar to the gripping portion 30, the gripping portion 130 can come into contact with the discharge member 120. As shown in Figure 2A, the gripping portion 130 may come into contact with the discharge member 120, or it may be connected to the discharge member 120 in the manner described herein.

[0026] If the inlet tip 140 is included, the axial length L of the discharge member 120 DM ' is the axial length L of the combined tip portion 140 and gripping portion 130 of the introduction device. I+G Shorter. For example, the axial length L of the discharge member. DM ' may be approximately 6.75 to 20 mm. Additionally, the axial length L of the gripping portion 130 G ' may be approximately 12 mm, and the axial length L of the tip 140 of the introducer I ' may be approximately 15 mm. In some examples, the axial length L of the discharge member 120 DM ' is the axial length L of the combined tip portion 140 and gripping portion 130 of the introduction device. I+G It may be approximately 25% to 43% of '. Furthermore, in some examples, the combined axial length L of the introduction tip 140, gripping portion 130, and discharge member 120 I+G+DM 'This is a catheter product with an axial length of 110 LC This can be approximately 16% to 40%. In other examples, the combined axial length L of the introduction tip 140, gripping portion 130, and discharge member 120. I+G+DM ' is the axial length L of catheter product 110 C This can be approximately 25% to 35%. In the example, the combined axial length L of the introduction tip 140, gripping portion 130, and discharge member 120. I+G+DM ' is the axial length L of catheter product 110 C It can be 30% of the total. Catheter tubes can have a length of approximately 100-175 mm.

[0027] When the discharge member 120 and the gripping portion 130 are in contact, the contacting discharge member 120 and gripping portion 130 provide a funnel that can have the size of a typical intermittent urethral catheter funnel. Having a discharge member shorter than the gripping portion allows for a shorter overall length of the catheter product while maintaining a sufficiently long catheter tube for catheter treatment. This makes the catheter easier to handle. Additionally, shortening the overall length of a catheter product with a discharge member shorter than the gripping portion reduces the amount of material required to package the product.

[0028] It will be understood that the embodiments and examples described above are intended to illustrate some of the ways in which the principles of the subject matter of the present invention are applied. Those skilled in the art will be able to make numerous modifications, including combinations of the features individually disclosed or claimed herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For these reasons, the scope is not limited to those described above, as defined in the following claims, and it will be understood that the claims may cover the features, such as combinations of the features individually disclosed or claimed herein.

Claims

1. Urethral catheter products, A catheter tube having a proximal insertion end and a distal discharge end, wherein the inner surface of the catheter tube defines a lumen, A discharge member located at the distal discharge end of the catheter tube, wherein the discharge member has a proximal end and a distal end, A gripping portion including an inner surface defining a lumen, wherein the catheter tube is positioned within the lumen of the gripping portion, the gripping portion has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the gripping portion is capable of contacting the proximal end of the discharge member, and the discharge member has an axial length shorter than the axial length of the gripping portion. Products including urethral catheters.

2. The urethral catheter product according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the gripping portion is detachably connected to the proximal end of the discharge member.

3. The urethral catheter product according to claim 2, wherein the distal end of the gripping portion can be detachably connected to the discharge member by a press-fit connection.

4. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gripping portion is movable along the length of the catheter tube.

5. The urethral catheter product according to claim 4, wherein the proximal end of the gripping portion includes the tip of the inlet.

6. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gripping portion includes an outer surface with a woven texture.

7. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the axial length of the discharge member is 18% to 50% of the length of the gripping portion.

8. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the axial length of the discharge member is 26% to 37% of the length of the gripping portion.

9. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the axial length of the discharge member is 6.75 to 20 mm.

10. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the axial length of the gripping portion is 12 to 44 mm.

11. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the axial length of the gripping portion is 18 to 34 mm.

12. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the axial length of the catheter tube is 100 to 175 mm.

13. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the combined axial length of the gripping portion and the discharge member is 10% to 40% of the catheter product.

14. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the combined axial length of the gripping portion and the discharge member is 25% to 35% of the catheter product.

15. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the proximal end of the discharge member corresponds to the width of the distal end of the gripping portion.

16. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the distal end of the discharge member is wider than the proximal end of the discharge member.

17. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the discharge member is a funnel.

18. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein when the gripping portion and the discharge member are connected, the gripping portion and the discharge member provide a funnel.

19. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the catheter tube includes at least one discharge opening located at the proximal insertion end of the catheter tube.

20. The urethral catheter product according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the lumen is in fluid communication with the discharge member.

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