Urinary catheter retaining device and catheter retaining device assembly

Abstract

The retaining device is configured to be coupled to the outer end of a urinary catheter or a feeding catheter of the type having a "T"-shaped valve, and comprises a body including: a first part extending in a longitudinal direction "X" and having an internal recess for receiving and accommodating the end portion of the urinary catheter or feeding tube, the first part being closed at its upper end by an upper part comprising a leakage prevention element for the open end of the catheter or the tube connecting the catheter; a second part extending in a second direction "Y" intersecting the longitudinal direction "X", the second part comprising an internal recess extending along the transverse direction "Y", the second part being open at one of its ends and comprising an opening prevention wall at the opposite end; and a fastening element configured to releasably fasten the retaining device to an element external to the user's body. This allows the user to perform any type of sports activity with the catheter fitted and positioned inside the support without any risk of accidental activation. The present invention also relates to an assembly formed by this retaining device and the catheter.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a removable retention device suitable for use in combination with a catheter, preferably a urinary catheter, which is capable of holding the catheter in a fixed position on an external part of the user's body, thereby allowing the user to carry out any type of sports activity with the catheter and support in place without any risk of accidental activation. Instead of a urinary catheter, the retention device can also be used in combination with a nutritional catheter, for example one having a "T" valve, i.e. a sliding valve type with two or more switching positions, such as open and closed.

[0002] Secondly, the invention also relates to the assembly formed by this retaining device and the catheter. [Background technology]

[0003] Urinary catheters are known in the state of the art in a variety of configurations and types. These catheters are used in hospitals, for example, for patients who are unable to leave their bed due to surgery or because of their age. Urinary catheters of this type are also used for other urinary disorders.

[0004] Urinary catheters include transurethral catheters, which come in various types. For example, there are disposable catheters that are removed from the urethra after emptying the bladder, and permanent catheters, which are generally configured as two-way catheters. In two-way catheters, a balloon is placed at the tip of the urinary catheter, which has a channel for diverting urine and a channel for filling the balloon when the urinary catheter is inserted. The balloon is then used to durably secure the urinary catheter to the urethra.

[0005] Furthermore, three-way probes, called irrigation probes, are also known. Unlike two-way tubes, these urine tubes also have an additional channel through which a irrigation solution can be introduced into the bladder. The three-way tubes are used, for example, in cases of severe bleeding in the bladder, to irrigate the bladder and thereby prevent the opening of a blood channel in the bladder.

[0006] Commonly owned European Patent No. EP 2872194 A1 discloses an improved urinary catheter (10) comprising a flexible tube (12) having an introduction portion (14) for introducing the flexible tube (12) through the urethra into the bladder, the flexible tube (12) having at its opposite end a connecting portion (70a-70b) for connecting a connecting element, through the introduction portion (14) to allow fluid to be drained from the urethra to the connecting portion (18), and the catheter is closed. The valves (71-72) are arranged between the introduction part (14) and the connecting parts (70a-70b) so that when the valves (71-72) are closed, fluid cannot escape from the connecting parts (70a-70b), and the urinary catheter (10) is characterized in that the valves (71-72) are configured as sliding valves and have three switching positions, in which the valves (71-72) are closed in the closed position, the valves (71-72) are air-permeable in the central position, and the valves (71-72) are open in the released position. When the valve is in the open position, it allows the patient to use a conventional toilet or to temporarily or permanently connect the device to a urine bag depending on the patient's needs; when the valve is in the closed position, it prevents the bladder reflex from being impaired, giving the patient the option to carry the catheter without any urine collection bag while living an active and healthy lifestyle; and when the valve is in the control position, it allows the nurse to control the flow of urine during insertion, ensuring that once urine reaches the valve at the end of the catheter tube, it cannot exit the catheter unless the nurse decides to do so by selecting the "open position."

[0007] The use of these urinary catheters has the drawback that the urinary catheter, which is placed on a part external to the user's body, is free, i.e., not attached to a fixed part, and therefore significantly restricts the user's physical activity when wearing the urinary catheter. In addition, the urinary catheter 10 disclosed in European Patent No. EP2872194A1 does not have any accessories or supports to protect the urinary catheter 10 from possible impacts that may damage the urinary catheter 10 and to prevent pulling on the catheter tube, which generally causes trauma and bleeding in the user.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to provide a new design not included in the prior art that overcomes the drawbacks found in the prior art, in particular to provide a retention device that protects a urinary catheter or feeding tube, for example a urinary catheter as described in European Patent No. EP2872194A1, and at the same time allows the user to comfortably perform physical activities (such as sporting activities) while standing, with the catheter in a closed position and without any type of risk or bleeding accident, thereby substantially improving the quality of life of the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. EP2872194A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] A first object of the present invention is to provide a retention device configured to hold the exterior of a urinary catheter or feeding tube in a fixed position on an external portion of a user's body, which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks and presents the following advantages:

[0011] A second object of the present invention is to provide an assembly formed by this retaining device and a urinary tube or a "T" shaped feeding tube. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a retention device adapted to be coupled to an outer end portion of a urinary or nutritional catheter and to retain said outer end portion against an element external to a user's body, the retention device comprising: - a first portion extending in a longitudinal direction "X" and having an internal recess configured to receive and accommodate an end portion of a urinary or feeding catheter; a fastening element disposed on the first portion, the fastening element being configured to releasably fasten the retention device to an element external to the user's body; and The device is characterized in that it comprises a body having:

[0013] Hereinafter, the term catheter will be used to refer to a urinary catheter or a "T" shaped feeding catheter.

[0014] Advantageously, providing this fastening element for removing and placing an element external to the user's body allows the end portion of the catheter that is external to the patient's body to be stored inside the retaining device, and the free end held in the retaining device to be releasably fastened to an element external to the user's body. This element external to the user's body can be, for example, an elastic band placed on the user's leg or on the user's underwear. This allows the user to protect the catheter from possible bumps or shocks that the catheter may be subjected to during use, and on the other hand, allows the free end of the catheter to be comfortably suspended according to the user's specific needs, for example, when the catheter is in its closed position. For example, the user can suspend the retaining device from the upper edge of their underwear with the end portion of the catheter inserted into the retaining device facing upwards, or can suspend the retaining device from an elastic band placed around the user's leg with the end portion of the catheter inserted in the opposite direction, i.e., facing downwards.

[0015] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retention device is configured to retain a catheter, such as a urinary tube or a feeding tube, to an element external to the user's body, - a first part extending in a longitudinal direction "X" and comprising an internal recess extending along the longitudinal direction "X", the internal longitudinal recess configured to receive and accommodate an end portion of a catheter, the first part being closed at an upper part by an upper part comprising a sealing element configured to separate an exit port of the catheter and thereby close the fluid exit; - a second part extending in a second direction "Y" transverse to the longitudinal direction "X", the second part comprising an inner recess extending along the transverse direction "Y", the transverse inner recess configured to receive and accommodate at least a portion of the sliding valve of the catheter, the second part being open at one of its ends to allow a portion of the sliding valve on which the activation button is located to protrude, and at the opposite end the elongated body presents an anti-open wall that, under pressure from the other end, acts as a stop for the sliding of the activation button and at the same time keeps the sliding valve of the catheter in a closed position whenever the sliding valve of the catheter is inserted into the holding device; a fastening element configured to releasably fasten the retention device to an element external to the user's body; The device is characterized by comprising a main body.

[0016] The retention device of the present invention is preferably suitable for connection to the end of a "T"-shaped catheter, i.e., a urinary catheter with a tube, as described in EP 2 872 194 A1, which presents at one end an introduction section for introduction through the urethra into the bladder and at the opposite end a connection section for connection to a connection element, through which fluid can be discharged from the urethra to the connection section, and a closable valve is arranged between the introduction section and the connection section such that, when closed, fluid cannot exit the connection section, the valve is preferably configured as a sliding valve with three switching positions: in the closed position, the valve is closed, in the middle position, the valve is air-permeable, and in the released position, the valve is open. However, the retention device can also be perfectly used with other types of similar urinary catheters, such as transurethral bladder catheters, permanent-type catheters, or irrigation-type catheters, and in conjunction with other types of valves other than three-position sliding valves. The holding device may also be used in combination with a feed probe having a valve similar to that shown in European Patent No. EP2872194A1, i.e. a "T" shaped valve with two or more switching positions.

[0017] The catheter retention device of the present invention has a body that can be rigid or semi-rigid (ie, has some flexibility).

[0018] Preferably, the body of the retaining device is monoblock (i.e., the first and second parts and the gripping element are integrated into one and the same body), which allows the user to easily insert the end portion of the urinary catheter into the retaining device under pressure and fit it tightly inside the retaining device so that it remains inside the retaining device without moving, while at the same time protecting the end portion of the valve from possible impacts.Similarly, the body of the retaining device has a certain flexibility that allows the user to remove the end portion of the valve from inside the retaining device, so that the user can easily remove the end portion of the urinary catheter from the retaining device.

[0019] The retaining device is preferably made from a polymer such as a thermoplastic polymer, although a variety of other materials can be utilized as long as they provide a degree of rigidity that prevents the tabs from accidentally moving and actuating the device.

[0020] Although the fastening elements can also be arranged in the second part, preferably, preferred embodiments of the invention present fastening elements arranged in a fixed manner in the first part, more particularly in its rear part.

[0021] Preferably, the fastening elements of the holding device are fully integrated into the first part to form a monoblock body.

[0022] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening element is constituted by a tab arranged at the rear of the fastening element (i.e. opposite to where the longitudinal inner recess of the first part is located), the fixed upper end of the tab emerging from the upper part of the first part of the retaining device, thereby ensuring that the user can easily and comfortably connect and disconnect the retaining device to external elements such as straps, trousers or other clothing or devices, thus avoiding accidental pulling on the catheter inserted therein. However, other conventional fastening means equivalent to a hanging tab may be possible without changing the essence of the invention.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first part has an elongated body in the form of a semi-cylinder, which is closed at the top by an upper part that covers the upper part of the semi-cylinder, and the longitudinal gap present inside the groove is dimensioned to snugly receive the end part of the connecting part of the urinary catheter. This upper part has the function of supporting the leakage prevention element, whose function is to separate the exit port of the catheter. The halved rod shape allows a longitudinal strip of the outer end part of the catheter to protrude outward, which facilitates easy and convenient insertion of the outer end part of the catheter into this first part. The outer end part of the catheter may have a cylindrical or slightly frusto-conical cross section.

[0024] The inner shape of the first semi-cylindrical enclosed portion may be frusto-conical or may have any other possible configuration depending on the outer shape of the end portion of the catheter, i.e., the first portion will have an interior space that has the same shape and size as the end portion of the catheter for which it is designed.

[0025] Preferably, the first part is formed by a hollow body provided with thin walls.

[0026] This tight fit surrounding the outermost portion of the catheter, along with the rigid or semi-rigid material of the retention device, and the more flexible material of the outermost portion of the catheter, allows the user to comfortably position the outermost portion of the catheter inside the retention device by applying slight pressure and keeping the outermost portion of the catheter in a fixed position without easily releasing. Similarly, the user can easily remove the outer end of the retention device when desired.

[0027] Preferably, the leak prevention or sealing element is constituted by a protruding element on the inside of the upper part of the first part of the holding device, the leak prevention element being configured to fit perfectly inside the end opening of the catheter or urinary catheter tubing connection, thereby sealing the end opening and preventing any liquid from reaching the outside of the holding device.

[0028] Preferably, the protruding element is constituted by a convex protrusion of substantially hemispherical configuration, optionally of a more flexible material than the rest of the retaining device, in order to receive the catheter end stop at its most protruding point.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the urinary catheter retaining device of the present invention further comprises a second portion extending in a second direction "Y" intersecting the longitudinal direction "X" of the first portion, the second portion having an inner recess for snugly receiving and accommodating at least a portion of the sliding valve of the urinary catheter.

[0030] Preferably, the second part comprises an enclosing elongated body with an internal recess sized to snugly receive at least a portion of the sliding valve of the urinary catheter (which passes perpendicularly to the end portion of the urinary catheter), the second part having an opening at one end of the elongated body to allow a portion of the sliding valve where the activation button is located to protrude, and an anti-opening wall at the opposite end of the elongated body that covers this end of the second part and is configured to act as a stop for the sliding of the activation button when pressure is applied from the other end, while at the same time keeping the sliding valve in a closed position whenever the sliding valve is inserted into the holding device. The provision of this anti-opening wall allows the second part to receive pressure on the valve without accidentally activating it, which is a significant advantage.

[0031] Preferably, the second lateral portion has a hollow body with a wall of a thickness that prevents movement of the actuator button of the sliding valve when a force is applied to the actuator button of the sliding valve, such that the actuator button would move without the presence of the wall.

[0032] Preferably, the opening prevention wall has a small opening, the function of which is to accommodate a tactile system adapted for use by people with reduced vision, such as a small protrusion that allows the user to sense by touch whether the device is in the open or closed position. The opening extends in a particular direction of the opening prevention wall and occupies less than half of the total area of ​​the wall. The wall may have various external shapes, such as an arcuate profile, and a reduced thickness similar to that of the remaining wall of the body of the second part.

[0033] Preferably, the body of the second part has an opening in its lower center, which is aligned with the first part. This opening is necessary so that the longitudinal end of the urinary catheter can pass through the interior and the second part until it reaches the first part. This opening has a shape and size necessary to snugly receive the longitudinal end of the catheter, i.e., the opening has the outline of an arc, such as half the circumference of a circle.

[0034] This second part makes it possible to partially encase at least a portion of the sliding valve, so that the catheter with the valve is fully inserted inside the pressure-retaining device, and in addition to its other functions, this second part acts as a protection device against possible collisions or impacts.

[0035] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an assembly formed by a urinary catheter and a urinary catheter retention device, comprising: - a urinary catheter comprising a tube, the tube presenting at one end an introduction part for introduction through the urethra into the bladder and at the opposite end a connection part for connection to a connection element, through which fluid can be drained from the urethra to the connection part, a closable valve being arranged between the introduction part and the connection part such that when the valve is closed, fluid can be prevented from leaving the connection part, the valve being configured as a sliding valve and having three switching positions, in which in the closed position the valve is closed, in the central position the valve is air-permeable and in the released position the valve is open; and - a urinary catheter retention device, - a first portion extending in a longitudinal direction "X" and having an internal recess for receiving and accommodating an end portion of a urinary catheter; a fastening element disposed on the first portion and configured to releasably fasten the retention device to an element external to the user's body; a urinary catheter retention device comprising a body The present invention provides an assembly formed by a urinary catheter and a urinary catheter retention device, comprising:

[0036] According to one preferred embodiment, the assembly formed by the urinary catheter and the holding device for the urinary catheter comprises: - a urinary catheter comprising a tube, the tube presenting at one end an introduction part for introduction through the urethra into the patient's bladder and at the opposite end a connection part for connection to a connection element, through which fluid can be drained from the urethra to the connection part, a closable valve being arranged between the introduction part and the connection part such that when the valve is closed, fluid can be prevented from leaving the connection part, the valve being configured as a sliding valve and having three switching positions, in which in the closed position the valve is closed, in the central position the valve is air-permeable and in the released position the valve is open; and - a urinary catheter retention device, - a first portion extending in a longitudinal direction "X" and comprising an internal recess extending along the longitudinal direction "X" configured to receive and accommodate an end portion of a catheter, the first portion being closed at an upper portion by an upper portion comprising a sealing element configured to separate an exit port of the catheter and thereby close the fluid exit; - a second part extending in a second direction "Y" intersecting the longitudinal direction "X", the second part comprising an inner recess extending along the transverse direction "Y" for receiving and accommodating at least a portion of the catheter slide valve, the second part being open at one of its ends to allow a portion of the catheter slide valve where the activation button is located to protrude, and the second part presenting, at an opposite end of the elongate body, an anti-open wall that receives pressure from the other end and acts as a stop for the sliding of the activation button, while at the same time keeping the catheter slide valve in a closed position whenever the catheter slide valve is fitted inside the retaining device; a fastening element configured to releasably fasten the retention device to an element external to the user's body; - a urinary catheter retention device comprising: a body; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0037] Preferably, in the urinary catheter plus retention device assembly, the clamping element is located on the first portion.

[0038] An air-permeable filter and / or membrane portion is provided on the sliding valve of the urinary catheter.

[0039] Preferably, the urinary catheter at its distal end of the connection has a closed hollow tip with at least two openings facing each other according to the Nelaton style.

[0040] Alternatively, the urinary catheter is a transurethral catheter for the bladder.

[0041] Alternatively, the urinary catheter may be a permanent catheter.

[0042] Alternatively, the urinary catheter is an irrigation-type catheter.

[0043] Advantageously, the urinary catheter may be made of rubber and / or latex and / or polyvinyl chloride PVC and / or silicone or other materials with similar properties.

[0044] For a better understanding of the description given in this specification, a set of drawings is provided which show, diagrammatically and merely by way of non-limiting illustration, a practical example of an embodiment of the retention device of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an illustrative embodiment of a retention device. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a rear view of an illustrative embodiment of a retention device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a left side view of an illustrative embodiment of a retention device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a right side view of an illustrative embodiment of a retention device. [Figure 5] 1 is a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a retention device. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are bottom views of an illustrative embodiment of a retention device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a retention device. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a left front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a retention device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a right-front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a retention device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a right front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the retention device of FIGS. 1-9 with a free end portion of a urinary catheter inserted therein. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a left front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the retention device of FIGS. 1 to 9 with a free end portion of a urinary catheter inserted therein. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the retention device of FIGS. 1-9 with a free end portion of a urinary catheter inserted therein. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a left side view of an illustrative embodiment of the retention device of FIGS. 1 to 9 with a free end portion of a urinary catheter inserted therein. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a right side view of an illustrative embodiment of the retention device of FIGS. 1 to 9 with a free end portion of a urinary catheter inserted therein. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a front view of an illustrative embodiment of the retention device of FIGS. 1 to 9 with a free end portion of a urinary catheter inserted therein. [Figure 16] This is the same view as the previous one, but in longitudinal section. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a left front perspective view of the embodiment of the retention device of FIGS. 1 to 9 with a free end portion of a urinary catheter inserted and in an in-use position on the user, i.e., with the tab hanging from, for example, the top of the user's underwear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Some illustrative examples of embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to FIGS.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a retention device (50) configured to couple to a free end of a urinary catheter and to retain the free end on an element external to the user's body, the retention device (50) comprising: - a first part (51) extending in a longitudinal direction "X" and having an inner recess (54) for receiving and accommodating an end portion of a urinary catheter; a first portion (51) from whose upper rear end emerges a tab (53) adapted to releasably fasten the retaining device (50) to an element external to the user's body; a second portion (52) extending in a second lateral "Y" direction, the second portion (52) having an internal recess (62) for receiving and accommodating at least a portion of a sliding valve of a urinary catheter; The rigid body is formed by a monoblock body comprising:

[0048] In this embodiment, tab (53) extends downward from the uppermost end of first portion (51) to approximately the lowermost portion of first portion 51. The extension direction of tab (53) is slightly inclined with respect to longitudinal direction "X", i.e., as tab (53) extends downward, tab (53) moves slightly away from the surface of first portion (51) (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0049] In this embodiment, the first portion (51) is constituted by an elongated semi-cylindrical body (i.e., having a "C"-shaped cross section), which is closed at the top by a stop portion (55), and the recess (54) inside the groove is dimensioned to snugly receive a portion of the connecting portion (70a) of the urinary catheter. This stop portion (55) at the top serves to support a leak-prevention element separating the catheter's exit port. As shown in FIG. 1, the width of the first portion (51) narrows from its upper portion to its lower portion where it joins the second portion (52), i.e., the first portion (51) has a body in the form of a conical throne segment.

[0050] The stop portion (55) is formed by a flat element of small thickness, which serves as a support for a leak prevention element (56) with a convex surface, which protrudes from the inside of the stop portion (55) of the first part of the holding device (see Figures 1, 3 and 4). This stop portion 55 may have, for example, a circular shape (see Figure 5).

[0051] Preferably, the leak prevention element (56) or sealing element is constituted by a protruding element inside the stopper portion (55) of the first part (51) of the holding device, and the leak prevention element (56) is configured to fit perfectly inside the end opening of the catheter or urinary catheter connecting tube, thereby creating a seal therewith and thereby preventing any amount of liquid from leaking out of the holding device. Figure 16 shows how the leak prevention element (56), with a slightly semicircular outline, enters through the opening and how it is inserted and mounted on the end of the catheter or urinary catheter connecting tube.

[0052] In this example of embodiment, the second part (52) is constituted by an elongated body extending laterally but shorter in length than the first part (51) and also shaped as a semi-cylinder (i.e., having a "C"-shaped cross section (see Figure 3)). The rear part of the half rod-shaped surface is indicated by (61), the inner recess is indicated by (62), and the inner recess (62) created inside this "C"-shaped part has dimensions to snugly receive at least part of the sliding valve (71) of the urinary catheter (corresponding to the part where the actuation button (72) is located) when inserted under pressure. Furthermore, as can be clearly seen in Figures 8-9, the lateral body of the second part (52) is open at one of its ends to form an open left part (60), which allows part of the sliding valve (71) to protrude together with the actuation button (72) at its end. At the other end, the lateral body of the second part (52) is closed by an anti-opening wall (57), which has an inner surface (57a) and an outer surface (57b) and a small opening (58) in its lower part for accommodating a tactile catheter position recognition system for use by people with reduced vision. In addition, the second part (52) has an opening (59) in the form of a "C"-shaped entrance in its central lower part for the passage of the lower connecting part (70b) of the catheter. Figure 1 clearly shows that the central opening (59) is perfectly aligned with the longitudinal axis "X" of the first part (51).

[0053] 10-16, the same illustration of the retention device (50) as in the previous figures is shown, but in this case, the free end portion of the urinary catheter (10) is shown conveniently inserted into the retention device (50). In the particular case shown, the urinary catheter (10) is what is known as a two-way catheter, and only the free end of the catheter and a portion of the flexible tubing (74) are depicted; the remainder of the flexible tubing (74) and the entry portion (14) into the user's bladder through the urethra, shown in FIG. 17, are not depicted. The urinary catheter (10) has, at its free or connecting end, valves (71-72) configured as laterally disposed sliding valves in the form of plungers moving inside a cylinder. In the case of the urinary catheter (10) shown, it is a two-way type catheter. 10-16 of the catheter 10 also show a junction 73, which connects to a balloon located at the introduction end (not shown) that is inflated with fluid passing through a secondary channel in the tubing into the introduction end where the balloon resides. The end of the body 70a has an opening through which a connecting element (not shown), such as a urine bag, can be connected. This balloon can be used to secure the urinary catheter 10 in place in the bladder.

[0054] This report does not describe the inner workings of the urinary catheter (10) or the valves (71-72), as they are the same as those described in European Patent No. EP2872194A1.

[0055] Specifically, Figure 16 shows a possible configuration of the end portion of the catheter 10, which has an end provided with a central orifice 76 of reduced diameter and offset configuration, terminating upwardly in a mouth 76a. In this view, it can be clearly seen how the convex ridge 56 fits perfectly within the upper mouth 76a of the central orifice 76.

[0056] Figure 16 also shows how the button-facing portions of the valves (71-72) are positioned in contact with the inner surface (57a) of the opening prevention wall (57). In this position, the valves are closed, i.e., preventing the passage of fluid through the inside of the central orifice (76).

[0057] Specifically, Figure 17 shows the retention device (50) with the end of the urinary catheter inserted therein, suspended upside down by the tab at the top of the user's undergarments (75). It can be seen how the tube (74) is hidden beneath the undergarments until it reaches the bladder. The direction of urine flow toward the discharge end is also shown. Thus, by comfortably securing the tube (74) to a location on the user's clothing (75), unwanted pulling on the tube (74), which typically causes injury and bleeding, can be prevented, allowing the user to perform physical activities in a completely normal and comfortable manner.

[0058] Although reference has been made to specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the described holding device and holding device assembly are susceptible to many variations and modifications and that any and all details mentioned may be replaced by technically equivalent alternatives without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A retaining device (50) configured to retain a catheter (10), such as a urinary catheter or a nutritional catheter, to an element external to a user's body, for example, to a strap or to the user's underwear, said catheter (10) including an open end or catheter connecting tube section (70a-70b) and a catheter valve (71-72), said retaining device (50) comprising: a first part (51) extending in a longitudinal direction "X" and comprising an inner recess (54) extending along said longitudinal direction "X", said first part (51) being closed at the top by an upper part (55) comprising a leak prevention element (56) of said open end or catheter connecting tube section (70a-70b) of said catheter (10); a second portion (52) extending in a second direction "Y" transverse to said longitudinal direction "X", the second portion (52) comprises an internal recess (62) extending along the second direction "Y", the internal recess (62) being configured to receive and accommodate at least a part of the valve (71-72) of the catheter (10) therein; a second part (52) that is open at one of its ends and that is provided at the opposite end with an opening prevention wall (57), the opening prevention wall (57) being arranged to prevent the valves (71-72) from being opened; and a fastening element (53) for releasably fastening the retaining device (50) to an element external to the user's body; A holding device (50) comprising a body comprising:

2. 2. The holding device (50) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element (53) is arranged on the first part (51).

3. 3. A holding device (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening element (53) is integrated into the first part (51).

4. 4. A retaining device (50) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the fastening element (53) is a tab, the upper end of which emerges from the rear face of the retaining device (50).

5. 2. A retaining device (50) according to claim 1, wherein said first portion (51) has an elongated body in the form of a semi-cylinder.

6. 2. The retaining device (50) of claim 1, wherein the leak prevention element (56) is constituted by a protruding element on the inner side of the upper portion (55) of the first part (51), and the leak prevention element (56) is configured to fit perfectly inside the open end of the catheter or the catheter connecting tube section (70a-70b).

7. 10. The retaining device (50) of claim 1 or 6, wherein the leak prevention element (56) is a hemispherical protrusion.

8. 2. The holding device (50) of claim 1, wherein the second part (52) has an elongated semi-cylindrical body, the inner recess (62) is created to receive and accommodate at least a part of the valve (71-72) of the catheter snugly inside, the valve (71-72) being a sliding valve, and the second part (52) is open at one of its ends to allow a part of the sliding valve where an actuation button is located to protrude, and at the opposite end presents the opening prevention wall (57) which acts as a stop for the sliding of the actuation button when pressure is applied from the other end, and at the same time keeps the sliding valve of the catheter in a closed position whenever the sliding valve of the catheter is inserted into the holding device.

9. The retaining device (50) of claim 1, wherein the opening prevention wall (57) comprises an opening (58).

10. 2. The holding device (50) of claim 1, wherein the body of the second part (52) has a "C"-shaped opening (59) in its central lower part, the opening (59) being aligned with the longitudinal direction "X" of the first part (51).

11. 2. The retention device (50) of claim 1, wherein the body is a monoblock body.

12. An assembly consisting of a urinary catheter (10) and a holding device (50) for said urinary catheter (10), The urinary catheter (10) comprises a tube (74) having an introducer at one end for introducing the tube (74) through the urethra into the patient's bladder, and connecting tube sections (70a-70b) at the opposite end for connecting to a connecting element, through which fluid can be drained from the urethra into the connecting tube sections (70a-70b), and closable valves (71-72) are disposed between the introducer and the connecting tube sections (70a-70b) such that fluid can be prevented from exiting the connecting tube sections (70a-70b) when the valves (71-72) are closed; The retaining device (50) is configured to retain the urinary catheter (10) to an element external to the user's body, and the retaining device (50) comprises: a first part (51) extending in a longitudinal direction "X" and having an inner recess (54) extending along said longitudinal direction "X", said first part (51) being closed at the top by an upper part (55) comprising a leak prevention element (56) of an open end of said catheter (10) or of a catheter connecting tube section (70a-70b); a second portion (52) extending in a second direction "Y" transverse to said longitudinal direction "X", said second portion (52) has an internal recess (62) extending along said second direction "Y", said internal recess (62) configured to receive and accommodate at least a portion of a catheter valve (71-72) therein; a second part (52) that is open at one of its ends and that has an opening prevention wall (57) at the opposite end, the opening prevention wall (57) being arranged to prevent the catheter valves (71-72) from being opened; a fastening element (53) for releasably fastening the retaining device (50) to an element external to the user's body; a retaining device (50) comprising a body 1. An assembly consisting of a urinary catheter (10) and a holding device (50) for said urinary catheter (10), comprising:

13. 13. The assembly of a urinary catheter (10) and a holding device (50) according to claim 12, wherein the valves (71-72) of the urinary catheter are configured as sliding valves and have three switching positions, in a closed position the valves (71-72) are closed, in a central position the valves (71-72) are air permeable, and in a released position the valves (71-72) are open.

14. 14. The assembly of a urinary catheter (10) and a holding device (50) according to claim 13, wherein the second part (52) of the body of the holding device (50) is open at one of its ends to allow a part of the sliding valve (71-72) on which the activation button is located to protrude, and at the opposite end presents the opening prevention wall (57) which functions as a stop for the sliding of the activation button when pressure is applied from the other end, and at the same time keeps the sliding valve of the catheter in a closed position whenever the sliding valve of the catheter is inserted into the holding device.

15. 15. The urinary catheter (10) and retention device (50) assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the urinary catheter is a transurethral catheter for the bladder, a permanent type catheter or an irrigation type catheter.

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