Foley catehter discretion systems and methods

Abstract

The disclosure provides example systems, and methods for manufacture and use of indwelling foley catheters allowing patients to manage foley catheters in a way that is discreet, reliable, safe, and easy to use. In some embodiments, systems and methods include a closed system with connectors that securely connect an indwelling foley tubing to a disposable collector pack that can include a gel pack for storing urine. In some embodiments, the system is connected to a textile or garment. In some embodiments, the secure connectors can be disengaged to dispose of and exchange a collector pack, as needed. In some embodiments, a graphical user interface can be integrated with the systems and methods to provide a smart collector pack and foley system that includes one or more sensors, biosensors, or near-field communicators for monitoring one or more selected conditions and transmitting alerts or signals concerning the selected conditions.

Description

FOLEY CATEHTER DISCRETION SYSTEMS AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This international PCT application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 542,021, filed on October 2, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Patients who require an indwelling Foley catheter to drain their urine can find current designs for Foley drainage inconvenient due to embarrassing leakage and inadvertent risk of injury. Current designs include a plastic overnight bag with long tubing or a leg bag with tight straps, which is conspicuous and can also be uncomfortable.SUMMARY

[0003] The disclosure provides a device, systems of use, and methods of use directed to indwelling foley catheters. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, exemplary solutions herein allow patients to manage foley catheters in a way that is discreet, reliable, safe, and easy to use. Systems and methods constructed in accordance with the principles herein allow the patient to connect their Foley to a connector embedded in a garment, such as through a tube provided in a suitable textile.

[0004] In a first aspect, a foley catheter discretion system is disclosed. The foley catheter discretion system includes a) a tube with a lumen, where the tube is configured to be coupled to and disposed through a textile, where the tube has a foley side port on a first end and a collector side port on a second end, b) the foley side port on the first end of the tube is connectable to a second end of a foley side connector, and a first end of the foley side connectoris selectively connectable to one or more of a foley connector cap, a foley connector tubing, or a foley tubing, and c) the collector side port on the second end of the tube is connectable to a first end of a collector side connector, and a second end of the collector side connector is operably connectable to a collector pack, where the textile further comprises pocket that is integrated or detachable with a cavity configured to house the collector pack.

[0005] In a second aspect, a graphical user interface for a foley catheter discretion is disclosed. The graphical user interface includes a device configured to deliver an alert / signal transmitted from one or more sensors, biosensors, or near-field communicators to the user interface, the alert / signal configured to issue an alert via the device with one or more of a text, icon, color and sound indicating a condition of the system.

[0006] In a third aspect, a method of manufacturing a foley catheter discretion system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) forming a tube with a lumen, the tube having a foley side port on a first side and a collector side port on a second side, where the tube is configured to be coupled to a textile, and wherein the textile further comprises an integrated or detachable pocket or pouch having a cavity configured to house a collector pack, b) forming a first connector configured to selectively connect via a first end to one or more of a foley tubing, a foley connector cap, or a foley connector tubing, and to securely connect via a second end to the foley side port of the tube, c) forming a second connector configured to selectively connect via a second end to a collector pack, and to securely connect via a first end to the collector side port of the tube, d) securely attaching a one-way valve to the interior of the first connector, and e) forming a collector pack wherein at least a portion of the collector pack comprises a gel pack.

[0007] Although certain exemplary embodiments are set forth herein other embodiments constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure are contemplated as well. The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can beachieved independently in various examples or may be combined in yet other examples further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary foley catheter discretion system containing a closed system with exemplary connectors, according to one example implementation;

[0009] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary foley catheter discretion system containing a closed system with additional exemplary connectors, according to an example implementation;

[0010] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary foley catheter discretion system containing a closed system and at least one near-field communicator, sensor, or biosensor, according to one example implementation;

[0011] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary foley catheter discretion system containing a closed system and at least one near-field communicator, sensor, or biosensor, according to one example implementation;

[0012] Figure 5 illustrates views of exemplary connectors. Figure 5a illustrates a side view of an exemplary connector, and Figure 5b illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector, according to one example implementation;

[0013] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of a system using a foley catheter system, according to one example implementation; and

[0014] Figure 7 depicts a block diagram of a computing device and a computer network, according to an example implementation.

[0015] The drawings are for the purpose of illustrating examples, but it is understood that the disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONI. Overview

[0016] The disclosed examples provide an indwelling foley catheter discretion system and methods of manufacture. Exemplary systems disclosed herein can include single closed systems providing indwelling foley catheter systems. The systems can be a single closed system integrated into a unit with a single controller and processor, or the systems can be expanded to increase the number of processes the systems are capable of performing. Thus, exemplary systems herein allow patients in association with health care providers to manage indwelling foley catheters in a way that is discreet, reliable, safe, and easy to use. Additionally, exemplary systems herein also provide optional, customizable solutions that can monitor a variety of conditions, such as urine output and various other parameters and conditions, resulting in a smart foley bag and associated systems.II. Example Foley Catheter System and Operation

[0017] In one example implementation, as illustrated in Figure 1, a system shown generally at 100 can comprise a foley side port 110 connectable to a foley connector cap or foley connector tubing 120. The foley side port 110 can be secured to a textile 130 via an tube (not shown), threaded or adhered into the tube in the textile or, alternatively, securely connected through the tube to a collector side port or a gel side port 140 without securing the tube, depending on the thickness and material properties of the textile 130 selected. The collector side port 140 can removably connect to a collector pack 145 through a collector side connector 150. The textile 130 can include an integrated or detachable pocket 160 having a cavity for housing the collector pack, 145, if desired. In some exemplary implementations, the foley side port 110 and the collector side port 140 can comprise a central clasp (not shown) with a snap fit connection for securely connecting the foley side port 110 to the collector side port 140. In some exemplary implementations, a one-way valve can be secured to an interior portion of thefoley side port 110, and one or more of a sensor or a near-field communicator can be disposed in or on the system.

[0018] In various implementations, use of a closed system 100 allows for optimal processing with a suitable humidity range, such as from 0% to 99%, and optimal results have been achieved with humidity levels of approximately 99%. System components can all be housed within a single housing. Alternatively, additional housings connectable to a main housing can be provided.

[0019] In a further exemplary implementation, as shown in Figure 2 and shown generally at 200, a closed foley catheter discretion system can comprise a tube 230 having a lumen that is connected to, or coupled to, and disposed through a textile 130. The tube 230 can have a foley side port 235 on a first end and a collector side port 240 on a second end. The foley side port 235 can be selectively connected to a second end of the foley side connector 210, and a first end of the foley side connector is selectively connectable to one or more of a foley connector cap, a foley connector tubing, or a foley tubing 220. The first end of the foley side connector 210 can have a one-way valve 215 extending therefrom that is removably insertable in foley tubing 220. The collector side port 240 on the second end of the tube 230 is selectively connectable to a first end of a suitable collector side connector or gel-side connector 245. In some exemplary implementations, both the connection between the foley side port 235 and the foley side connector 210, and the connection between the collector side port 240 and the collector pack side connector or gel-side connector 245 can be made via suitable secure connections 260, such as via a snap-fit connection. The collector pack side connector or gelside connector 245 can connect directly to a disposable collector pack 250. In some exemplary implementations, the foley catheter system further comprises a collector pack 250 coupled to the second end of the collector side connector and is arranged in the cavity of the pocket 160,as shown in Figure 1. The collector pack 250 can include at least a portion of a gel pack 255 for absorbing fluid delivered thereto via connector assembly 210, 235, 240, 245, if desired.

[0020] In some exemplary implementations, a collector pack or gel pack is disposable. In some exemplary implementations, a collector pack or gel pack can include one or more super-absorbent polymers (SAPs). SAPs are liquid-absorbing hydrophilic polymers, such as drying agents, that can absorb 500 to 1,000 times its weight in liquid. When liquid is absorbed by an SAP, the SAP turns into a gel that traps the liquid. Exemplary SAPs include sodium polyacrylate, polyacrylamide copolymers, cellulose, starch and chitosan, A textile 205 can include an integrated or detachable pocket (not shown) having a cavity for housing the collector pack, 250, if desired.

[0021] As illustrated in Figure 5a and Figure 5b, in some exemplary implementations, a foley side port 535 of a tube 530 having a lumen can comprise an outwardly angular tapered collar 505 located around the circumference of the foley side port 535. In some embodiments, a foley side connector 510 comprises a plurality of tabs 515 with finger-like projections 520 extending radially and angularly inward along a length of the foley side connector 510, enabling a secure connection to the outwardly angular tapered collar 505 located around the circumference of the foley side port 535. In some embodiments, the plurality of tabs 515 are located on diametrically opposite sides of the foley side connector 510. In some embodiments, a collector side port 540 of the tube 530 can comprise an outwardly angular tapered collar 525 located around the circumference of the collector side port 540. In some embodiments, a collector side connector 545 comprises a plurality of tabs 550 with finger-like projections 555 extending radially and angularly inward along a length of the collector side connector 545, enabling a secure connection to the outwardly angular tapered collar 525 located around the circumference of the collector side port 540. In some embodiments, the plurality of tabs 550 are located on diametrically opposite sides of the collector side connector 545.

[0022] As further illustrated in Figure 5a and Figure 5b, in some exemplary embodiments, the secure connections between the foley side port 535 and the foley side connector 510, and between the collector side port 540 and the collector side connector 545, can be made via suitable secure connections such as a via snap-fit connection. In some exemplary embodiments, the snap-fit connection between the foley side port 535 and the foley side connector 510 can be between the finger-like projections 520 extending radially and angularly inward along the length of the foley side connector 510 and the outwardly angled tapered collar 505 located around the circumference of the foley side port 535. In some exemplary embodiments, the snap-fit connection between the collector side port 540 and the collector side connector 545 can be between the finger-like projections 555 extending radially and angularly inward along the length of the collector side connector and the outwardly angled tapered collar 525 located around the circumference of the collector side port 540.

[0023] As further illustrated in Figure 5a and Figure 5b, in some exemplary embodiments, the respective snap-fit connections can be decoupled by applying inward pressure on the respective tabs 515, 550, thereby displacing the respective finger-like projections 520, 555, radially outward and disengaging the finger-like projections 520, 555, from the respective outwardly angled tapered collar 505, 525.

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates another exemplary implementation of a system 300 further comprising a sensor or near-field communicator 305 on a collector pack 350. In some exemplary embodiments, a system comprises a one-way valve 315 connected to and extending from an interior portion of the first end of a foley side connector, wherein the one-way valve 315 is selectively insertable into one or more of a foley tubing, a foley connector cap, or a foley connector tubing 320, and wherein the system comprises one or more of a sensor or a near- field communicator 305 disposed in or on the system. The sensor or near-field communicator 305 is configurable to transmit a fluid level 365 in the collector pack 350 to a nearby mobiledevice 361. The fluid level 365 can be displayed on or through the mobile device 361 in a number of ways including text, icon, sound, or other (not shown).

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, another exemplary implementation of a system 400 further comprising a sensor 425 can be provided for sensing stagnation pressure or fluid speed. The sensor 425 can be wirelessly connectable to a mobile device 461 and can send an alert to a user display on the mobile device 461 indicating the fluid is stopped or the device is nearly or already full (not shown).

[0026] In the exemplary embodiments and implementations provided herein, any wearable textile, including any textile or garment capable of having one or more cavities or pockets that can include below bladder-level garment connectors can be used to construct discrete systems, in accordance with the principles disclosed herein. Such textiles or garments can include but are not limited to any textile or garment that covers a portion of the lower extremities, including but not limited to suitable underwear, shorts, pants, or skirts. Connectors and connector assemblies that facilitate the delivery through a garment and eliminate or reduce the problems of leakage and / or inconvenience associated with known systems are contemplated herein.

[0027] Other embodiments constructed in accordance with the principles herein can include caregiver and or EMR connections / alerts and are contemplated as well. For example, any health parameter of interest can be monitored using one or more suitable sensors, biosensors, detectors, and the like such as pH, glucose, temperature and any other parameter of interest using systems constructed in accordance with the principles herein. For example, systems herein can be constructed to include one or more detectors that monitor pH or color of the urine for possible urinary tract infection (UTI) development, leukocyte presence above a specific level, as well as glucose and any other metabolic parameter, such as bilirubin, ketones, nitrites, protein, inorganic salts such as chloride, sodium, and potassium, creatinine, ammonia,or organic acids. In some exemplary embodiments and implementations, one or more sensors, biosensors, or near-field communicators can be located anywhere in the system that is in contact with the urine such that it allows for monitoring of a desired parameter of interest. In such instances, the one or more sensors, biosensors, or near-field communicators can be located on or in a disposable collector bag, or one or more of the connectors within the system. In some exemplary embodiments and implementations, alerts can be generated and sent to a user or care giver processing device, such as a smart phone or watch or other computer or mobile device, and an associated application can be designed to monitor and capture urine output and / or other parameters and_conditions, resulting in a smart foley bag and system, if desired.III. Example Methods of Manufacture of the Foley Catheter System

[0028] In some exemplary implementations, a method of manufacturing a foley catheter discretion system can include forming a tube with a lumen, the tube having a foley side port on a first side and a collector side port on a second side, wherein the tube is configured to be coupled to or extended through a textile. The textile can comprise an integrated or detachable pocket or pouch having a cavity that is configured to house a collector pack. The method of manufacturing can further comprise, forming a first connector configured to selectively connect by way of a first end to one or more of a foley tubing, a foley connector cap, or a foley connector tubing, and to securely connect via a second end of the first connector to the foley side port of the tube. The method of manufacturing can further comprise, forming a second connector configured to selectively connect by way of a second end to a collector pack, and to securely connect via a first end to the collector side port of the tube. The method of manufacturing can further comprise securely attaching a one-way valve to the interior of the first connector. The method of manufacturing can additionally comprise forming a collector pack wherein at least a portion of the collector pack comprises a gel pack. In some exemplary embodiments, the collector pack is capable of collecting between 300 and 600 cubiccentimeters (cc) of fluid such as urine. In some exemplary embodiments, the collector pack can comprise a disposable outer bag or compostable material(s).IV. Example Architecture

[0029] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a foley catheter device 600 that includes or involves, for example, an enclosed system. In some exemplary implementations, the foley catheter device 600 is controlled in an enclosed system that houses components such as those shown in detail in Figures 1-4 and described herein.

[0030] Processes controlled by the microcontroller(s) 700a include monitoring the foley catheter system 600 and the associated one or more sensors, biosensors, or near-field communicators, that monitor or measure each selected condition or process as customized by a patient or an associated heath care provider, and transmitting or otherwise sending outputs, alerts or other suitable notifications via a computing device 700 to one or more appropriate applications, computers, or mobile devices using the transducer(s) 705 and a configuration of integrated circuits 730, such as a digital to analog converter, coupled to an operational amplifier 720 and using the external power supply 710. Additionally, as illustrated in Figure 6, the microcontroller s) 700a can control several additional operations.

[0031] The Integrated circuits 730 are utilized to assist with monitoring and controlling several processes and may include, for example, digital to analog converters, transistors, current sensors, and other integrated circuits known to assist a microcontroller with controlling any of these multiple processes.

[0032] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computing device 700, according to an example implementation, that is configured to interface with the foley catheter device 600, either directly or indirectly. The computing device 700 may be used to perform functions of the exemplary methods described below. The computing device 700 has a processor(s) 702, and also a communication interface 704, data storage 706, an output interface708, and a display 710 each connected to a communication bus 712. The computing device 700 may also include hardware to enable communication within the computing device 700 and between the computing device 700 and other devices (e.g., not shown). The hardware may include transmitters, receivers, and antennas, for example.

[0033] The communication interface 704 may be a wireless interface and / or one or more wired interfaces that allow for both short-range communication and long-range communication to one or more networks 714 or to one or more remote computing devices 716 (e.g., a tablet 716a, a personal computer 716b, a laptop computer 716c and a mobile computing device 716d, for example). Such wireless interfaces may provide for communication under one or more wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, WiFi (e.g., an institute of electrical and electronic engineers (IEEE) 802.11 protocol), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), cellular communications, near-field communication (NFC), and / or other wireless communication protocols. Such wired interfaces may include Ethernet interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, or similar interface to communicate via a wire, a twisted pair of wires, a coaxial cable, an optical link, a fiber-optic link, or other physical connection to a wired network. Thus, the communication interface 704 may be configured to receive input data from one or more devices and may also be configured to send output data to other devices.

[0034] The communication interface 704 may also include a user-input device, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a touch screen, a touch pad, a computer mouse, a track ball and / or other similar devices, for example.

[0035] The data storage 706 may include or take the form of one or more computer- readable storage media that can be read or accessed by the processor(s) 702. The computer- readable storage media can include volatile and / or non-volatile storage components, such as optical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage, which can be integrated in whole or in part with the processor(s) 702. The data storage 706 is considered non-transitory computerreadable media. In some examples, the data storage 706 can be implemented using a single physical device (e.g., one optical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage unit), while in other examples, the data storage 706 can be implemented using two or more physical devices.

[0036] The data storage 706 thus is a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, and executable instructions 718 are stored thereon. The instructions 718 include computer executable code. When the instructions 718 are executed by the processor(s) 702, the processor(s) 702 are caused to perform functions.

[0037] The processor(s) 702 may be a general-purpose processor or a special purpose processor (e.g., digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, etc.). The processor(s) 702 may receive inputs from the communication interface 704 and process the inputs to generate outputs that are stored in the data storage 706 and output to the display 710. The processor(s) 702 can be configured to execute the executable instructions 718 (e.g., computer-readable program instructions) that are stored in the data storage 706 and are executable to provide the functionality of the computing device 700 described herein.

[0038] The output interface 708 outputs information to the display 710 or to other components as well. Thus, the output interface 708 may be similar to the communication interface 704 and can be a wireless interface (e.g., transmitter) or a wired interface as well. The output interface 208 may send commands to one or more controllable devices, for example.

[0039] The computing device 700 shown in Figure 6 may also be representative of a local computing device 700a in a foley catheter device 600, for example, in communication with the foley discretion system 600. This local computing device 700a may perform one or more of the steps of the exemplary methods described below, may receive input from a user and / or may send image data and user input to computing device 700 to perform all or some of the steps the exemplary methods described herein.

[0040] It should be understood that for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, flowcharts show functionality and operation of one possible implementation of the present examples. In this regard, each block may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code, which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. The program code may be stored on any type of computer readable medium or data storage, for example, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive. Further, the program code can be encoded on a computer- readable storage media in a machine-readable format, or on other non-transitory media or articles of manufacture. The computer readable medium may include non-transitory computer readable medium or memory, for example, such as computer-readable media that stores data for short periods of time such as register memory, processor cache and Random Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable medium may also include non-transitory media, such as secondary or persistent long-term storage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks, compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computer readable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage systems. The computer readable medium may be considered a tangible computer readable storage medium, for example.

[0041] In addition, within the processes and methods disclosed herein, each step may represent circuitry that is wired to perform the specific logical functions in the process. Alternative implementations are included within the scope of the examples of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrent or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A foley catheter discretion system comprising: a) a tube having a lumen, wherein the tube is configured to be coupled to and disposed through a textile, wherein the tube has a foley side port on a first end and a collector side port on a second end; b) the foley side port on the first end of the tube is connectable to a second end of a foley side connector, and a first end of the foley side connector is selectively connectable to one or more of a foley connector cap, a foley connector tubing, or a foley tubing; and c) the collector side port on the second end of the tube is connectable to a first end of a collector side connector, and a second end of the collector side connector is operably connectable to a collector pack, wherein the textile further comprises pocket that is integrated or detachable having a cavity configured to house the collector pack.

2. The foley catheter discretion system of claim 1, further comprising: an outwardly angular tapered collar located around the circumference of each of the foley side port on the first end of the tube and the collector side port on the second end of the tube; a plurality of tabs comprising finger-like projections extending radially and angularly inward along a length of the foley side connector enable a secure connection to the outwardly angled tapered collar located around the circumference ofthe foley side port, wherein the plurality of tabs are located on diametrically opposite sides of the foley side connector; and a plurality of tabs comprising finger-like projections extending radially and angularly inward along a length of the collector side connector enable a secure connection to the outwardly angled tapered collar located around the circumference of the collection side port, wherein the plurality of tabs are located on diametrically opposite sides of the collection side connector.

3. The foley catheter discretion system of claim 2, further comprising a snap fit connection between the finger-like projections extending radially and angularly inward along a length of the foley side connector and the outwardly angled tapered collar located around the circumference of the foley side port, and a snap fit connection between the finger-like projections extending radially and angularly inward along a length of the collector side connector and the outwardly angled tapered collar located around the circumference of the collection side port.

4. The foley catheter discretion system of claim 3, wherein the respective snap-fit connections can be decoupled by applying inward pressure on the tabs, thereby displacing the finger-like projections radially outward and disengaging the finger-like projections from the respective outwardly angled tapered collar.

5. The foley catheter discretion system of claim 1, further comprising: a one-way valve connected to and extending from an interior portion of the first end of the foley side connector, wherein the one-way valve is selectively insertable into one or more of the foley tubing, the foley connector cap, or the foley connector tubing; andone or more of a sensor, a biosensor, or a near-field communicator disposed in or on the system.

6. The foley catheter discretion system of claim 1, further comprising: the collector pack coupled to the second end of the collector side connector and arranged in the cavity of the pocket.

7. The foley catheter discretion system of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the collector pack comprises a gel pack configured to collect or absorb between 300cc and 600cc of fluid such as urine.

8. The foley catheter discretion system of claim 6, wherein the collector pack comprises a disposable bag.

9. The foley catheter discretion system of claim 6, wherein the collector pack comprises one or more compostable materials.

10. A graphical user interface for a foley catheter discretion system of claim 5 comprising: a device configured to deliver an alert or signal transmitted from one or more sensors, biosensors, or near-field communicators to the user interface, the alert or signal configured to issue an alert via the device with one or more of a text, icon, color, and sound indicating a condition of the system.

11. The graphical user interface of claim 10, wherein one or more near-field communicators, sensors, or biosensors can be implemented to monitor one or more conditions, wherein the sensors comprise pressure sensors, optical sensors, or electronic sensors, and biosensors comprise enzyme-based, immunosensors, or nucleic acid-based biosensors.

12. The graphical user interface of claim 11, wherein the one or more monitored conditions can include urine leaks or backflow in the system, a fill level for urine in the collector pack, a pH, a leukocyte presence, metabolite levels, or a color of the urine.

13. The graphical user interface of claim 12, wherein the one or more sensors or biosensors can monitor urinary metabolite levels including one or more of glucose; bilirubin; ketones; nitrites; protein; inorganic salts, such as chloride, sodium, and potassium; creatinine; ammonia; or organic acids.

14. A method of manufacturing a foley catheter discretion system comprising the steps of a. forming a tube with a lumen, the tube having a foley side port on a first side and a collector side port on a second side, wherein the tube is configured to be coupled to a textile, and wherein the textile further comprises an integrated or detachable pocket or pouch having a cavity configured to house a collector pack; b. forming a first connector configured to selectively connect via a first end to one or more of a foley tubing, a foley connector cap, or a foley connector tubing, and to securely connect via a second end to the foley side port of the tube; c. forming a second connector configured to selectively connect via a second end to a collector pack, and to securely connect via a first end to the collector side port of the tube; d. securely attaching a one-way valve to the interior of the first connector; and e. forming a collector pack wherein at least a portion of the collector pack comprises a gel pack.

15. The method of claim 14: wherein the tube further comprises an outwardly angular tapered collar surrounding each of the foley side port on the first end of the tube and the collector side port on the second end of the tube; wherein the foley side connector further comprises a plurality of tabs comprising finger-like projections extending radially and angularly inward along a length of the foley side connector to enable a secure connection with the outwardly angled tapered collar surrounding the foley side port, wherein the plurality of tabs are located on diametrically opposite sides of the foley side connector; and wherein the collector side connector further comprises a plurality of tabs comprising finger-like projections extending radially and angularly inward along a length of the collector side connector to enable a secure connection with the outwardly angled tapered collar surrounding the collection side port, wherein the plurality of tabs are located on diametrically opposite sides of the collection side connector.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising forming a snap fit connection between the finger-like projections extending radially and angularly inward along a length of the foley side connector and the outwardly angled tapered collar surrounding the foley side port, and forming a snap fit connection between the finger-like projections extending radially and angularly inward along a length of the collector side connector and the outwardly angled tapered collar surrounding the collection side port.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising forming the respective snap fit connections to be able to be decoupled by applying inward pressure on the tabs,thereby displacing the finger-like projections radially outward and disengaging the finger-like projections from the respective tapered collar.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of connecting one or more nearfield communicator, sensors, or biosensors to the system to enable monitoring of one or more conditions of the system, wherein sensors can include pressure sensors, optical sensors, or electronic sensors, and biosensors can include enzyme-based, immunosensors, nucleic acid-based biosensors.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more near-field communicator, sensors, or biosensors are configured to monitor at least one condition of urine in the collector pack, wherein the at least one condition comprises a urine leak or a backflow in the system, a fill level of urine in the collector pack, a pH, a leukocyte esterase presence and corresponding levels, metabolite levels, or a color of the urine.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more biosensors can monitor urinary metabolite levels including one or more of glucose; bilirubin; ketones; nitrites; protein; inorganic salts, such as chloride, sodium, and potassium; creatinine; ammonia; or organic acids.

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