Closure mechanisms for catheter eyelets

Abstract

Catheter products that include a catheter with at least one eyelet and a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism includes at least one plug, at least one rod, and a handle. The closure mechanism has a closed position in which the at least one plug closes the at least one eyelet on the catheter and an open position in which the at least one plug is moved from the closed position to open the at least one eyelet.

Description

Closure Mechanisms for Catheter EyeletsCross-Reference to Related ApplicationThis application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 581 ,165, filed September ?, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.Field of the Disclosure

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to intermittent urinary catheters. More particularly, this disclosure relates to intermittent urinary catheter products that include urinary catheters with eyelets and a closure mechanism for closing and opening the eyelets.Background

[0002] Intermittent urinary catheters include a catheter shaft having a proximal insertion end portion that is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. Once in the bladder, the urine enters the catheter through one or more openings. The urine enters the opening(s) and drains through a drainage lumen of the catheter and out of a distal drainage opening in the distal drainage end portion of the catheter shaft.

[0003] Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a prior art example of an intermittent urinary catheter. Catheter C includes an elongated catheter shaft S having a proximal insertion end portion P and a distal drainage end portion D.Proximal insertion end portion P includes a terminal proximal end 10 that is suitable for insertion into the urethra. The proximal insertion end portion includes eyelets E1 and E2, shaped as slots, for receiving urine therethrough and into an internal conduit or lumen of catheter shaft S. Distal drainage end portion D may include a distal opening that is in fluid communication with a drainage member F, such as a funnel, for fluidly connecting catheter C to a collection container, such as a collection bag, or for directing urine to a waste receptacle, such as a toilet.

[0004] The catheter includes longitudinal axis A. Although the catheter is an elongated cylinder, a number of surfaces can be defined in relation to the placement of the catheter eyelets. As shown in Fig. 1 and 2, there is top surface 13, which is the surface of the first eyelet E1 . There is also a secondsurface, or bottom surface 15, which is the surface of the second eyelet E2. There are two opposing surfaces, 17 and 19, respectively, the left and right surfaces, which are on a perpendicular plane about the axis A from the top and bottom surfaces 13, 15 of the catheter.

[0005] Repeat users of intermittent catheters may experience urethral trauma, specifically to the urethral lining, due to repeated insertion and removal of intermittent urinary catheters. Intermittent catheters can cause trauma to the urethral lining from the urethral tissue rubbing against the edges of the eyelets.

[0006] Eyelets of urinary catheters are routinely designed to minimize friction and risk of urethral trauma. However, there still may remain a concern that eyelets (large or small) could bring a risk of urethral trauma. Catheters that minimize the risk of urethral trauma are, therefore, desirable.

[0007] Catheter eyelets of the current disclosure can be temporarily closed, particularly during insertion / withdrawal and re-opened for urine drainage. This closing during insertion and / or withdrawal provides for further reduction or even elimination of risk for urethral trauma while the catheter is moving through the urethra or residing in the urethra.Summary

[0008] In one aspect, an intermittent urinary catheter product includes a catheter and a closure mechanism. The catheter includes a catheter shaft having a proximal insertion end portion for advancement through a urethra into a bladder and a distal drainage end portion having a drainage opening. The catheter shaft has a drainage lumen in communication with the drainage opening. The catheter includes at least one eyelet on the catheter shaft at the proximal insertion end portion. The closure mechanism includes at least one rod extending within the drainage lumen of the catheter, the rod having a rod proximal end portion and a rod distal end portion. The closure mechanism also includes at least one plug associated with the rod proximal end portion and at least one handle associated with the rod distal end portion. The closure mechanism includes a closed position in which the at least one plug closes the at least one eyelet on the catheter shaft and an open position in which the at least one plug is moved from the closed position to open the eyelets.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art urinary catheter;

[0010] Fig. 2 is a side view of the proximal insertion end of the prior art urinary catheter of Fig. 1 ;

[0011] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a catheter product of an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure;

[0012] Fig. 4 is a condensed front view of the urinary catheter product of Fig. 3;

[0013] Fig. 5 is a condensed cross-sectional front view of the urinary catheter products of Figs. 3 and 4;

[0014] Fig. 6 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the proximal insertion end of the urinary catheter product of Fig. 5;

[0015] Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the proximal insertion end of the urinary catheter product of Fig. 5;

[0016] Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the proximal insertion end of the urinary catheter product of Figs. 3-8;

[0017] Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the distal drainage end portion of the urinary catheter product of Figs. 3-8;

[0018] Fig. 10 is an enlarged side perspective view of a portion of the proximal insertion end of a urinary catheter product of Figs. 3-9;

[0019] Fig. 11 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of a portion of the distal drainage end portion of the urinary catheter product of Figs. 3-10;

[0020] Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the closure mechanism of the urinary catheter product of Figs. 3-11 ;

[0021] Fig. 13 is an enlarged side perspective view of the handle of the closure mechanism of Fig. 12;

[0022] Fig. 14 is an enlarged top perspective view of the handle of the closure mechanism of Fig. 12;

[0023] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the plug of the closure mechanism of Fig. 12;

[0024] Fig. 16 is a front view of a urinary catheter product in a first closed position;

[0025] Fig. 17 is a front view of a urinary catheter product in a first open position;

[0026] Fig. 18 is a front view of a urinary catheter product in a second open position;

[0027] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end portion of a urinary catheter product in the first open position;

[0028] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end portion of a urinary catheter product in the second open position;

[0029] Fig. 21 is a side view of a urinary catheter product in a first open position;

[0030] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a urinary catheter product of another exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure;

[0031] Fig. 23 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the proximal insertion end of the urinary catheter product of Fig. 22;

[0032] Fig. 24 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the proximal insertion end of the urinary catheter product of Fig. 22;

[0033] Fig. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the proximal insertion end of the urinary catheter product of Figs. 22-24;

[0034] Fig. 26 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the distal drainage end portion of the urinary catheter product of Figs. 22-24;

[0035] Fig. 27 is an enlarged side perspective view of a portion of the proximal insertion end of a urinary catheter product of Figs. 22-26;

[0036] Fig. 28 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of a portion of the distal drainage end portion of the urinary catheter product of Figs. 22-27;

[0037] Fig. 29 is an enlarged perspective view of the closure mechanism of the urinary catheter product of Figs. 22-28;

[0038] Fig. 30 is an enlarged side perspective view of the handle of the closure mechanism of Fig. 29;

[0039] Fig. 31 is an enlarged top perspective view of the handle of the closure mechanism of Fig. 29;

[0040] Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the plug of the closure mechanism of Fig. 29;

[0041] Fig. 33 is a front view of a urinary catheter product in a first closed position;

[0042] Fig. 34 is a front view of a urinary catheter product in a first open position;

[0043] Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the proximal insertion portion of the urinary catheter product in the first open position;

[0044] Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional side view of the proximal end portion of a urinary catheter product in the open position;

[0045] Fig. 37 is a side view of the distal drainage end portion of a urinary catheter product in the open position;

[0046] Fig. 38 is a perspective view of a urinary catheter product of another exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure;

[0047] Fig. 39 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the proximal insertion end of the urinary catheter product of Fig. 38;

[0048] Fig. 40 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the distal drainage end portion of the urinary catheter product of Fig. 38;

[0049] Fig. 41 is a side view of the proximal insertion end of a urinary catheter product in the closed position of another exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure;

[0050] Fig. 42 is a side view of the proximal insertion end of the urinary catheter product of Fig. 41 in the open position;

[0051] Fig. 43 is a side view of the proximal insertion end of a urinary catheter product in the closed position of another exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure; and

[0052] Fig. 44 is a side view of the proximal insertion end of the urinary catheter product of Fig. 43 in the open position.Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0053] The present disclosure is directed to intermittent urinary catheter products, wherein the urinary catheter products include a catheter with eyelets on the proximal insertion end and a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism enables the catheter product to switch between a closed position in which the eyelets are closed and an open position in which the eyelets are open.

[0054] Turning now to the figures, a number of embodiments of urinary catheter products of the present disclosure are shown. The figures include the proximal insertion end portion of the catheter products, distal drainage end portions of the catheter products, and views of the closure mechanisms.

[0055] The proximal insertion end portion includes a terminal proximal end. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the terminal proximal end may be a closed end or an open end. When the terminal end is an open end, the terminal end includes an opening in communication with the drainage lumen.

[0056] The distal drainage end portion of the catheter product may include a funnel. The funnel may be variously configured.

[0057] The proximal insertion end portion may include at least one eyelet. In certain embodiments, the proximal insertion end portion may include at least two eyelets. The eyelet or eyelets may be arranged in the E1 and E2 position, as on the prior art catheter, with one on each of surfaces 13 and 15 of the urinary catheter. Additionally, when two or more eyelets are present, they may be alternatively arranged, such as two eyelets on surface 13 or surface 15 or two on one of surfaces 13 and 15 and one eyelet on the other of surfaces 13 and 15.

[0058] The eyelet(s) extend through the proximal insertion end portion and communicate with the drainage lumen. The urinary catheter shaft includes a sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface. The eyelet(s) extend through the sidewall from the outer surface to the inner surface. The outer surface may have a hydrophilic coating disposed thereon.

[0059] The proximal most eyelet may be located between about 2 mm and about 30 mm, preferably between about 8 mm and about 24 mm, or more preferably between about 5 mm and about 15 mm from the terminal proximal end 100 of the catheter.

[0060] The eyelets function to drain fluid from the surface of the catheter to the inner lumen of the catheter. The eyelets disclosed herein each include an opening or passageway that extends through and is bounded by the catheter wall.

[0061] The eyelets shown herein are slot shaped or circular (such as when at the tip of the catheter). However, the eyelets may be any number of shapes, including rectangular, diamond, oval, etc. The eyelets may also vary in number and position from the embodiments shown.

[0062] Fig. 3 shows a possible embodiment of a urinary catheter product 20. The catheter 28 of the urinary catheter product 20 includes a proximal insertion end 22 and a distal drainage end portion 21. The catheter 28includes a first eyelet E1 and a second eyelet E2, each on a different surface of the catheter. The catheter includes a lumen 24 and also includes a funnel with portions 41 and 43 on the distal drainage end portion. The catheter product 20 also includes a closure mechanism, shown in better detail and described below. The closure mechanism, generally referred to as 23 in Fig.3, includes at least one rod with a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The closure mechanism 23 also includes at least one plug associated with the proximal end portion of the at least one rod and a handle, generally referred to as 30 in Fig. 3, associated with the distal drainage end portion 21 of the at least one rod. Certain embodiments may contain a single plug, and other embodiments may include two plugs. More plugs are also possible depending on the eyelet arrangement of the catheter. The closure mechanism 23 is based on the catheter eyelet arrangement.

[0063] Figs. 4 and 5 show condensed views of the catheter product 20. As can be more clearly seen in these figures, the catheter product 20 includes a distal drainage end portion 21 which includes a funnel, with portions 41 and 43 and the handle 30 of the closure mechanism. The closure mechanism 23 includes plug 27 for closing eyelet E2 and plug 25 for closing eyelet E1. Plugs 25 and 27 are connected to the handle of the closure mechanism 23 by rods 31 and 33. The rods extend a significant portion of the drainage lumen 24 and connect to handle component 30 of the closure mechanism 23. As can be more clearly seen in Fig. 5, the handle includes two portions, 32 and 35.Portion 32 extends into the funnel portion 43, and portion 35 extends from the funnel portion 43. The handle includes an inside strip, bar or portion 29 in which the rods are inserted and / or rest against.

[0064] Figs. 6 and 7 show alternate enlarged views of the proximal insertion end portion 21 of the catheter product 20. The interaction of the plugs 25 and 27 and the eyelets E1 and E2 can be more clearly seen in these views. The plugs 25 and 27, associated with the proximal end portions 31a, 33a of the rods 31 and 33, are in a closed position, filling in the eyelets E1 and E2. The plugs 25 and 27 are sized to fit snugly into the eyelets and may seal the eyelets so that the exterior surface includes a smooth surface at the interaction of the eyelets and plugs. The plugs are shaped similarly to the eyelet, the eyelet E1 of catheter product 20 is shaped as a slot, so the portionof the plug that is inserted into the eyelet also has a slot shape. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 7, rods 31 and 33 extend in the drainage lumen 24. The eyelets E1 and E2 are on opposite surfaces of the catheter, so the rods / plugs are arranged on opposite sides. However, it is within the scope of the current disclosure to include eyelets on the same or more proximate surfaces, changing the arrangement of the rods / plugs. The rod and plug structure and arrangement are dependent on the placement of the eyelets on the catheter 28. There could be more than one plug associated with a particular rod.

[0065] Figs. 8 and 9 show cross-sectional views of the proximal insertion end 22 and the distal drainage end portion 21. Fig. 9 shows the two portions32, 35 of the handle 30.

[0066] Figs. 10 and 11 show alternate perspective views of the proximal insertion end 22 of the catheter 28 and the distal drainage end portion 21 of the catheter product 20. The distal end portions 31 b, 33b of rods 31 and 33 are more clearly shown, and the interaction of the handle 30 and distal end portions 31 b and 33b. The distal end portions 31 b, 33b interact with bar 29 of the handle 30, which includes holes 29a, 29b.

[0067] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the closure mechanism 23, separate from catheter and catheter product 20. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, rods 31 and 33 are clearly shown. Each rod has a proximal end portion 31 a and 33a and a distal end portion 31b and 33b. The plugs 25 and 27 are associated with the proximal end portions 31 a, 33a of the rods 31 and33. A handle 30 is associated with the distal end portions 31 b, 33b of the rods 31 and 33. The two portions of the handle, first portion 32 and second portion 35, are more clearly seen in this view. Also, this figure shows bar 29 with holes 29a, 29b of the first portion 32, where the distal end portions 31 b and 33b of the rods are connected to or associated with handle 30.

[0068] Rods 31 , 33 can be comprised of any durable but pliable material which is able to support plugs 25, 27. Characteristics of the rods may include rigidity and pushability. The rods may be comprised of pliable plastic or metal, and preferably are composed of plastics and / or polymers e.g., thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane (PU), silicone, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonates, acrylics, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacetal, PEEK etc.

[0069] Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of the handle portion 30 of the closure mechanism 23. The first portion 32 is smaller in width than the second portion 35. The first portion 32 is sized smaller to fit within part of the funnel, if included on the catheter of the catheter product. The handle 30 may also include recessed portions 35a and 35b for better gripping of the handle 30.

[0070] Fig. 14 is an enlarged alternate view of the handle portion 30 of the closure mechanism 23. Bar 29 extends within the interior of the first portion 32 of the handle 30. Bar 29 includes two holes or indentations 29a and 29b, against which the rods 31 , 33 of the closure mechanism 23 rest, are inserted into, and / or to which rods 31 , 33 are operatively attached.

[0071] Handle portion 30 may be comprised of a material such as rubber or silicone. Qualities of the handle portion may include compressibility, nonslip surface. The handle portion, therefore, may be comprised of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone and elastomeric PU, elastomeric TPE and elastomeric thermoplastic rubber (TPR), and preferably is comprised of synthetic rubber, silicone and elastomeric TPE.

[0072] Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of plug 25. Plug 27 maybe be similarly arranged. The plug includes a protruding portion 26 for attaching to rod 31 . Protruding portion 26 includes a hole or indentation 26a, wherein rod 31 is inserted or rests. Plugs 25, 27 include an exterior and interior surface. Exterior surface 25a protrudes from the drainage lumen 24 into the eyelet E1 and the interior surface 25b connects to the protruding portion 26, which connects to rod 31 . Plugs 25, 27 can be comprised of any medical grade material, preferably a pliable material. Qualities of the plugs may include compressible or elastomeric. The plugs, therefore, may be comprised of plastics or a plastic-coated metal, and preferably is comprised of Plastics e.g., TPE, PU, Silicone, PE, PP, Polycarbonates, Acrylics, Nylon, TFE, Acetal, etc.

[0073] The exterior surface 25a of plug 25 may align with the outer surface of catheter 28 to create a smooth surface. In some embodiment, the inner surface 25b may align with the inner surface of the catheter or wall of the drainage lumen.

[0074] Figs. 16-18 show different positions of the catheter product. Fig. 16 shows a closed position, in which the plugs 25 and 27 of the closure mechanism 23 are closed or have been inserted into the eyelets E1 and E2.The catheter product 20 may be in the closed position during insertion and / or removal of the catheter product. By closing the eyelets during movement through the urethra, the chance of trauma to the urethra is greatly reduced.

[0075] Fig. 17 shows one of two possible open positions for catheter product 20. In Fig. 17, plugs 25, 27 have been removed from eyelets E1 and E2 by pulling on handle 30. Plugs 25, 27 move down catheter lumen 24 and clear from covering or blocking eyelets E1 and E2.

[0076] Fig. 18 shows another possible open position for catheter product 20. In Fig. 18, plugs 25, 27 have been removed from eyelets E1 and E2 by twisting handle 30. Plugs 25, 27 twist into and / or within catheter lumen 24 and clear from covering or blocking the eyelets E1 and E2, thereby opening the eyelets.

[0077] Additionally, the open position can be achieved by a combination of pulling and twisting. Either open position can be utilized when draining urine from the bladder. No matter the mechanism, the plugs are retracted into the catheter lumen 24.

[0078] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of catheter product 20 in the open position. Plugs 25 and 27 have been pulled down into the catheter lumen 24 so that the eyelets are open.

[0079] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of catheter product 20 in an open position. Plugs 25 and 27 have been pulled down and twisted into the catheter lumen 24 so that the eyelets are open.

[0080] Fig. 21 is a front view of the entire catheter product in an open position. The Handle 30 has been pulled down or extended down so that it is separated from the catheter of the catheter product. With handle 30 pulled down, plugs 25, 27 are also pulled down into the drainage lumen 24.

[0081] Fig. 22 is another embodiment of a catheter product 120, wherein at least one eyelet E3 is on the tip of the proximal end portion 122 of the catheter 128. The distal drainage end portion 122 includes a funnel with two portions 141 , 143. The catheter product 120 includes both the open-tipped catheter and the closure mechanism 123. The closure mechanism 123 of this embodiment also includes at least one rod with a proximal end portion and two distal end portions. There is a handle 130 associated with the distal end portions of the at least one rod and at least one plug associated with theproximal end portion of the at least one rod. In this embodiment, a single rod extends from a first distal end portion to the proximal end portion and back to a second distal end portion.

[0082] Figs. 23 and 24 show enlarged portions of the catheter product proximal end 122. The plug 125 at the tip of the catheter closes eyelet E3. The plug is associated with the proximal end 131a of rod sections 131 and 133, which may be two separate pieces joined to the plug or a single piece which extends through a hole of the plug structure. The plug 125 is large enough to cover or close the eyelet E3, but it is not large enough to block the catheter lumen 124 when it is pulled down into a closed position. The width of plug 125 is less than the width of the drainage lumen 124.

[0083] Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 show enlarged cross-sectional views of portions of the proximal end 122 and distal drainage end portion 121 of the catheter product 120. The distal drainage end portion 121 includes portions 141 and 143 of the catheter funnel. The distal drainage end portion also shows the handle 130 of the closure mechanism 123. The handle 130 of catheter product 120 includes two portions 132 and 135.

[0084] Figs. 27 and 28 show alternate perspective views of the proximal end 122 of the catheter and the distal drainage end portion 121 of the catheter product.

[0085] Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the closure mechanism 123, separate from catheter 128 and removed from the catheter product 120. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 29, rod sections 131 and 133 are clearly shown. Each rod section meets at the proximal end portion 131a and includes distal end portions 131 b and 133b. Plug 125 is associated with the proximal end portion 131a of the rod sections 131 and 133, which may be a single component within the plug 125 or two separate sections that connect at the plug 125. A handle 130 is associated with the distal end portions of the rod sections 131 and 133. The two portions of the handle, first portion 132 and second portion 135, are more clearly seen in this view. Also, bar 129 with holes 129a, 129b of the first portion 132, where the distal end portions 131 b and 133b of the rod are connected to or associated with the handle 130.

[0086] Fig. 30 is an enlarged view of the handle portion 130 of the closure mechanism 123. The first portion 132 is smaller in width than thesecond portion 135. The first portion 132 is sized smaller to fit within part of the funnel, if included on the catheter 128 of the catheter product 120.

[0087] Fig. 31 is an enlarged alternate view of handle portion 130 of the closure mechanism 123. Bar 129 extends within the interior of the first portion 132 of the handle. Bar 129 includes two holes or indentations 129a and 129b, against which the distal end portions of the rod of the closure mechanism 123 rest or are attached.

[0088] Fig. 32 is an enlarged view of plug 125. Plug 125 includes an enlarged body portion 127 and also a protruding portion 126 for attaching to a rod or rod sections. The enlarged body portion 127 is shaped as a partial cylinder with a dome at the exterior surface portion 125a, which is inserted into and closes the eyelet E3. If the eyelet E3 has a different shape than shown, the plug 125 may be shaped differently. The shape of the plug 125 is complementary to the shape of the eyelet E3. The protruding section includes a hole or indentation 126a, wherein the rod or rod sections is / are inserted or rests against. As previously mentioned, the rod sections may be one piece through this hole 126a or may be two separate rod sections which can both be inserted into 126a. Plug 125 may be any material as previously discussed in relation to plug 25.

[0089] Figs. 33-34 show different positions of the catheter product 120. Fig. 33 shows a closed position, in which plug 125 of closure mechanism 123 has closed or covered the eyelet E3. The catheter product may be in a closed position during insertion and / or removal of catheter product 120. By closing the eyelets during movement through the urethra, the chance of trauma to the urethra is greatly reduced.

[0090] Fig. 34 displays an open position for catheter product 120. In Fig. 34, plug 125 has been removed from eyelet E3 by pulling on handle 130. Plug 125 moves down catheter lumen 124 and clears from covering or blocking eyelet E3. Plug 125 may collapse to one side of catheter lumen 124, as shown in Fig. 34 or it can pull directly down and into the lumen.

[0091] Fig. 35 includes a perspective view of the outside of catheter product 120 in the open position.

[0092] Figs. 36 and 37 show enlarged frontal views of catheter product 120 in the open position. Plug 125 is pulled inside catheter lumen 124 in thisembodiment. Fig. 36 is a view of the proximal end portion 122, and Fig. 37 is a view of the distal drainage end portion 121 . Plug 125 has been recessed or pulled down into the catheter shaft. It should be noted that the width 125c of plug 125 is less than the width 124a of the drainage lumen 124, so that the urine may still drain through the drainage lumen 124.

[0093] Fig. 38 illustrates another embodiment of a catheter product 220. Proximal insertion end portion 222 of catheter product 220 includes eyelets E1 , E2, and E3. Distal drainage end portion 221 may include a funnel with portions 241 and 243. Catheter product 220 includes both catheter 228 and closure mechanism 223. Closure mechanism 223 of this embodiment also includes at least one rod with a proximal end portion and a distal drainage end portion. There is a handle 230 associated with the distal end portion of the at least one rod and at least one plug associated with the proximal end portion of the at least one rod. In this embodiment, a single rod with two rod portions231 and 233, extends through the plug. The closure mechanism 223 closes eyelet E3, but it is possible to have an embodiment where closure mechanism 223 includes additional plugs for eyelets E1 and E2.

[0094] Figs. 39 and 40 show enlarged portions of the catheter product proximal end. Plug 225 at the tip of the catheter closes eyelet E3. The plug is associated with rod portions 231 and 233, which may be two separate pieces joined to the plug or a single piece which extends through a hole of the plug structure. The plug is large enough to cover or close the eyelet E3, but it is not large enough to block the catheter lumen 224 when it is pulled down into a closed position. The width of plug 225 is less than the width of the catheter lumen 224.

[0095] A handle 230 is associated with the distal end portions 231 b and 233b of rods 231 and 233. The two portions of the handle, first portion 232 and second portion 235, are seen in this view. Also, bar 229 of first portion232 is where the distal end portions of rod portions 231 and 233 are connected to or associated with handle 230. First portion 232 is smaller in width than second portion 235. First portion 232 is sized smaller to fit within part of the funnel, if included on the catheter of the catheter product.

[0096] Figs. 41 and 42 show an alternate embodiment of a catheter with a closure mechanism. In Figs. 41 and 42, a tube within a tube type ofmechanism is used. Catheter 322 includes eyelets E1 and E2. The inner tube 360 has open portions or holes 361 and 363. When the inner tube is twisted the open portions or holes 361 and 363 align with eyelets E1 and E2 so that the eyelets are open and able to drain urine. Fig. 41 shows the closed position and Fig. 42 shows the open position.

[0097] Figs. 43 and 44 show an alternate embodiment of a catheter with a closure mechanism. In Figs. 43 and 44, a tube within a tube type of mechanism is used. Catheter 422 includes eyelets E1 and E2. The inner tube 460 has open portions or holes 461 and 463. When the inner tube is pushed up the open portions or holes 361 and 363 align with eyelets E1 and E2 so that the eyelets are open and able to drain urine. Fig. 43 shows the closed position and Fig. 44 shows the open position.

[0098] The examples described above are examples of catheter products with closure mechanisms. Different combinations of these products may be used or arranged.

[0099] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein.

Claims

Claims1 . An intermittent urinary catheter product, comprising: a catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a proximal insertion end portion for advancement through a urethra into a bladder and a distal drainage end portion having a drainage opening, the catheter shaft having a drainage lumen in communication with the drainage opening; and at least one eyelet on the catheter shaft at the proximal insertion end portion; a closure mechanism for closing the at least one eyelet, comprising: at least one rod extending within the drainage lumen of the catheter, the rod having a rod proximal end portion and a rod distal end portion; at least one plug associated with the rod proximal end portion; and at least one handle associated with the rod distal end portion; wherein the closure mechanism includes a closed position in which the at least one plug closes the at least one eyelet on the catheter shaft and an open position in which the at least one plug is moved from the closed position to open the at least one eyelet.

2. The catheter product of claim 1 , wherein the at least one eyelet includes a single eyelet on a proximal tip of the proximal insertion end portion of the catheter shaft.

3. The catheter product of claim 1 , wherein the at least one eyelet includes at least two eyelets on the sides of the catheter shaft.

4. The catheter product of any of the preceding claims, wherein the catheter includes a funnel on the distal drainage end portion.

5. The catheter product of claim 4, wherein the at least one handle has two portions, a first portion which inserts into the funnel of the catheter.

6. The catheter product of any of the preceding claims, wherein the widthof the at least one plug is smaller than the width of the drainage lumen.

7. The catheter product of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one catheter plug is at least two catheter plugs.

8. The catheter product of any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure mechanism operates by a push / pull action.

9. The catheter product of any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure mechanism operates by a twisting / pull action.

10. The catheter product of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one rod includes at least two rods.11 . The catheter product of claim 1 , wherein the at least one rod is a single rod which extends through the at least one plug and includes two distal end portions.

12. The catheter product of any of the preceding claims wherein the at least one eyelet is in the shape of a slot.

13. The catheter product of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one plug is sized so that an enlarged portion fits within the at least one eyelet.

14. The catheter product of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one handle includes at least one recessed gripping portion.

15. The catheter product of claim 1 , wherein the at least one eyelet of the catheter includes at least three eyelets.

16. The catheter product of claim 15, wherein the closure mechanism only closes one of the eyelets.

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