Urinary catheter insertion device

Abstract

The invention relates to a urinary catheter insertion device enabling increasing sterility, reducing the risk of infection, and alleviating the workload of healthcare workers by automating the manually performed catheterization process. With the invention, a device operating with a geared DC motor and a gear mechanism has been developed. While the device inserts the catheter at a constant speed and in a controlled manner, it maintains hygiene by preventing contact with the external environment. The device subject to the invention, which is easily usable by a single healthcare personnel, provides time saving, reduces human error, and increases patient comfort.

Description

[0001] URINARY CATHETER INSERTION DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a urinary catheter insertion device enabling increasing sterility, reducing the risk of infection, and alleviating the workload of healthcare workers by automating the manually performed catheterization process.

[0004] Prior Art

[0005] The urinary catheter insertion process is a difficult medical intervention performed with at least two healthcare professionals requiring skill and experience due to anatomical differences between women and men, the inability to insert the urinary catheter at a constant speed, and sterility being easily compromised while the urinary catheter is being inserted.

[0006] During the urinary catheter insertion process, after the materials of catheter (Foley or disposable urinary catheter), sterile gloves, sterile drape (sterile drape or drape set), sterile water (for inflating the catheter), antiseptic solution (usually povidone-iodine or alcohol- based antiseptic), urine bag (the bag to which the catheter will be connected), gel or lubricant (lubricant gel facilitating the insertion of the catheter), and urine bag attachment apparatus are prepared, the appropriate position is given to the patient. After wearing sterile gloves, the area where the procedure will be performed is cleaned by applying antiseptic solution. A catheter of a size suitable for the patient (usually 12-16 Fr) is selected. Lubricant gel is applied to the tip of the catheter. This facilitates the process and reduces the pain. The catheter is gently inserted towards the urinary bladder through the urethra. A slight pressure can be applied for the catheter to pass properly. When the catheter reaches the urinary bladder, whether the catheter is inserted correctly is checked by ensuring the outflow of urine. In males, the catheter travels a slightly longer path, therefore it is required to be inserted more carefully. When the catheter reaches the urinary bladder, it is expected that the urine starts to flow out. This is an indication that the catheter has been inserted correctly. The balloon part of the catheter is inflated. This ensures the fixation of the catheter in the urinary bladder and prevents it from coming out of its place. In order for the tip of the catheter to remain fixed in place, it is attached to the patient's body in an appropriate manner, and the connection with the urine bag is provided. By connecting the catheter to the urine bag, the discharge of the urine to the outside is ensured.

[0007] The urinary catheter insertion process can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTI). The catheter can cause bacteria and microorganisms to enter the urinary tract system. If hygiene rules are not observed or if the sterilization process is not performed properly before the catheter is inserted, the infection risk increases. The urinary catheter can be bent or clogged during insertion. This usually originates from the inability to insert the catheter correctly due to anatomical obstacles. A clogged catheter can prevent the urine from coming out and create discomfort in the patient. The catheter speed not being constant can be disturbing and painful for some patients. The compromising of sterility during the process can cause the prolongation of the process, and since this is related to a particularly personal and private region, it can cause patients to experience a traumatic experience. In emergency situations, the catheter insertion process is a procedure required to be performed faster. However, rapid intervention can affect sterility and attention requirements, and this can increase the risk of complications.

[0008] The document numbered US10709510, discloses a system and method for motor control in a catheter procedure system. This invention comprises a bedside system containing a percutaneous device, at least one drive mechanism connected to this device, and at least one motor connected to the drive mechanism. The system further comprises a workstation connected to the bedside system, a user interface, and a controller connected to the bedside system and the user interface. The controller is programmed to receive at least one parameter of the motor, determine the quadrature current of the motor based on this parameter, calculate the load torque on the motor on the basis of angular velocity and angular acceleration in addition to the quadrature current, and control the operation of the motor based on this load torque. The operation of the motor causes the drive mechanism to move the percutaneous device.

[0009] The document numbered CN110038210A, discloses a urology surgery clinical procedure urethral catheterization device. This invention discloses a urethral catheterization device used in urology surgery clinical procedures. The device comprises a support plate. An opening is found on the upper left outer wall of the support plate, and a control switch is located on the upper left part. A motor is found on the upper part of the lower plate, and the motor is connected to the control switch via a conductive wire. A first rotating wheel is fixed by welding to the outer wall of the output end of the motor. A urine box is fixed by welding to the upper center position of the support plate. A disc is intermittently welded to the outer wall of the swing rod, and a cylinder is intermittently welded to the outer wall of the disc. A pushing mechanism is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the catheter, and the upper part of the catheter is integrally formed with a ring capsule. Thanks to this solution, the catheter and ring capsule can be fixedly placed into the patient's bladder via the pushing mechanism, it prevents the risk of bending of the catheter and ring capsule, there is no need for reinsertion, and it reduces the patient's pain.

[0010] The document numbered CN110251805 A, discloses a smart urinary catheter management system. This invention belongs to the technical field of urinary catheter machines and specifically discloses a smart urinary catheter management system. The system comprises a frame, and a power supply is found in the inner right part of the frame. The inner left part of the frame is connected to a mounting plate fixed with screws. A drive motor is mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate via a motor cabinet. The rear end of the drive motor is connected to a belt pulley mechanism. A transmission belt is placed on the upper part of the mounting plate, and a sequential connection exists between the belt pulley mechanism and the transmission belt. A storage tank is located at the front part of the upper end of the inner cavity of the frame, and the transmission belt passes through this storage tank. A push rod is found on the left side of the upper end of the frame, a horizontal movement mechanism on the rear side, and a vertical movement mechanism on the right side. This solution ensures the automatic insertion of the urinary catheter with an automatic guidance method. Its use is relatively simple, it reduces the patient queue, and increases operational efficiency. Furthermore, it offers a low-cost advantage by eliminating manual intervention.

[0011] The document numbered US20230112934A1, discloses a device drive mechanism for a catheter procedure system. The drive assembly designed for a catheter procedure consists of a body configured to receive a percutaneous device and having first and second ends. The proximal holder located at the first end of the body is designed to temporarily establish connection with the percutaneous device. The distal holder found at the other end of the body has the function of temporarily establishing connection with the percutaneous device as well. A linear drive mechanism connected to this assembly ensures the linear movement of the percutaneous device in a first direction by moving the body. During this process, while the proximal holder disengages from the device, the distal holder remains in connection with the device. The mechanism is designed to perform the movement of the percutaneous device in a controlled and precise manner.

[0012] Objectives of the Invention

[0013] The object of this invention is to develop a urinary catheter insertion device enabling the catheterization process to be performed automatically.

[0014] Another object of this invention is to develop a urinary catheter insertion device reducing the risk of infection by increasing sterility.

[0015] A further object of this invention is to develop a urinary catheter insertion device enabling the catheterization process to be performed at a constant speed.

[0016] Brief Description of the Invention

[0017] With the invention, a device operating with a geared DC motor and a gear mechanism has been developed. While the device inserts the catheter at a constant speed and in a controlled manner, it maintains hygiene by preventing contact with the external environment. The device subject to the invention, which is easily usable by a single healthcare personnel, provides time saving, reduces human error, and increases patient comfort.

[0018] With the invention, a device usable by a healthcare professional for use in hospitals, facilitating compliance with asepsis rules, and serving to insert the urinary catheter at a constant speed has been developed. The invention also paves the way for advancements in the field of medical automation. By optimizing the care of patients and reducing the workload of healthcare workers, the invention also increases efficiency in hospitals and longterm care institutions.

[0019] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0020] The urinary catheter insertion device implemented to achieve the objects of this invention is shown in the attached figures.

[0021] Figure 1 A front perspective view of a device according to the invention.

[0022] Figure 2 A rear cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1. The parts located in the figures are individually numbered, and the counterparts of these numbers are given below.

[0023] 1. Motor

[0024] 2. Power button

[0025] 3. Battery compartment

[0026] 4. Drive gear

[0027] 5. Lower gear wheel

[0028] 6. Upper wheel

[0029] 7. Catheter inlet

[0030] 8. Catheter outlet

[0031] 9. Upper gearbox lock

[0032] 10. Upper gearbox

[0033] A urinary catheter (probe) insertion device subject to the invention basically comprises: a body, an upper gearbox (10) connected to the body and opening by moving away from the body for releasing the catheter after its insertion, a catheter inlet (7) and a catheter outlet (8) located mutually between the body and the upper gearbox (10) and defining a linear catheter line, at least one motor (1) located inside the body, a drive gear (4) located inside the body, driven by the motor (1), at least one lower gear wheel (5) located inside the body, found in contact with the drive gear (4) on one side and with the catheter line on the other side, at least one upper wheel (6) located inside the upper gearbox (10), found opposite the lower gear wheels (5) with respect to the catheter line and in contact with the catheter line.

[0034] At least one upper gearbox lock (9) enabling its fixation to the body is also located on the upper gearbox (10). One or more hinges providing the connection between the upper gearbox (10) and the body can also be located.

[0035] The motor (1) preferably also comprises an integrated reducer.

[0036] The drive gear (4) can be a pinion gear. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are two lower gear wheels (5). The lower gear wheels (5) do not contact each other in order not to hinder each other's movement, and they only contact the drive gear (4).

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are at least two upper wheels (6). The upper wheels (6) do not contact each other in order not to hinder each other's movement.

[0038] The upper wheels (6) can also be gear wheels.

[0039] The motor (1) is controlled by means of a power button (2). The power button (2) preferably has an off position where the motor (1) does not operate, and two on positions where the motor (1) operates in the direction of insertion and removing the catheter.

[0040] Batteries can be used for powering the motor (1). A battery compartment (3) is also located on the body for these batteries.

[0041] In an embodiment of the invention, a urine sensor located at the catheter outlet (8) and connected to the power supply of the motor (1) in a manner to cut off the circuit when activated is also located. In this way, when it is detected by means of the urine sensor that urine comes from the catheter, the motor (1) can be stopped automatically.

[0042] In an embodiment of the invention, a lubrication mechanism is also located at the catheter outlet (8). In this way, lubrication can be automatically applied to the catheter.

[0043] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below.

[0044] A geared DC motor (1) starts to operate by receiving energy from a 12V battery by means of the power button (2). When the power button (2) is in the “1” position, the geared DC motor (1) operates in a manner to rotate the drive gear (4) in the counter-clockwise direction in Figure 2. The drive gear (4) also rotates the lower gear wheels (5) with which it is in contact in the clockwise direction in Figure 2. The gap between the lower gear wheels (5) and the upper wheels (6) is positioned to be 2 mm less than the catheter thickness. Thus, the tip of the catheter passed through the catheter inlet (7) comes out from the catheter outlet (8) to the outside by passing through the gap between the lower gear wheels (5) and the upper wheels (6). After the catheter advances to the desired position, the upper gearbox (10) is opened by opening the upper gearbox lock (9), and the catheter is separated from the device. If deemed necessary during the process, the retraction of the catheter can also be ensured by bringing the power button (2) to the “2” position.

[0045] The urinary catheter insertion device subject to the invention offers many advantages such as increasing sterility, reducing the margin of error, and increasing patient comfort and safety and labor efficiency. Compared to the manual catheter insertion method known in the art, the use of the automatic device provides time saving, reduces the risk of human error, and increases patient safety. Furthermore, while alleviating the workload of healthcare professionals, it ensures that patients have a more comfortable experience. The nurse's sterilizing their hands properly, preparing the catheter and the patient, and the duration of application to the patient is a longer process. This device increases time efficiency and offers the opportunity of rapid intervention to more patients by accelerating the process. The device can also be operated in a safe manner by inexperienced healthcare personnel.

[0046] The device also enables the catheter insertion process to be performed without being touched by hand. The catheter is inserted in a sterile environment together with its pouch, and this reduces the risk of bacteria and microorganism contamination to zero. Since there is no direct contact of the nurse or healthcare personnel with the catheter, sterility is not compromised due to external factors.

[0047] The device performs the process automatically at a certain speed. In this way, the catheter insertion process is completed quickly and accurately, and bacteria and microorganisms coming into contact with the urinary tract for a long time is prevented. The design of the device ensures the process to be performed in a sterile environment.

[0048] The nurse or healthcare personnel is only concerned with operating the device. Since the device operates fully automatically, sterility compromise and infection risks originating from human error are eliminated. Nurses making errors such as incorrect positioning, unnecessary contact with the catheter, and compromising sterility is prevented.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A urinary catheter (probe) insertion device, characterized in that it comprises: a body, an upper gearbox (10) connected to the body and opening by moving away from the body for releasing the catheter after its insertion, a catheter inlet (7) and a catheter outlet (8) located mutually between the body and the upper gearbox (10) and defining a linear catheter line, at least one motor (1) located inside the body, a drive gear (4) located inside the body, driven by the motor (1), at least one lower gear wheel (5) located inside the body, located in contact with the drive gear (4) on one side and with the catheter line on the other side, at least one upper wheel (6) located inside the upper gearbox (10), located opposite the lower gear wheels (5) with respect to the catheter line and in contact with the catheter line.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a urine sensor at the catheter outlet (8).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a urine sensor connected to the power supply of the motor (1) in a manner to cut off the circuit when activated.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a lubrication mechanism at the catheter outlet (8).

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one upper gearbox lock (9) on the upper gearbox (10), enabling its fixation to the body.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a motor (1) having an integrated reducer.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two lower gear wheels (5).

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two upper wheels (6).

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises upper wheels (6) which are gear wheels.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a power button (2) having an off position where the motor (1) does not operate, and two on positions where the motor (1) operates in the direction of insertion and removing the catheter.

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a battery compartment (3) on the body.

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