A
catheter (100, 200, 600, 700) capable of being inserted into the
urethra for placement in a user's bladder and
urethra, the
catheter comprising: a urinary conduit (102, 202, 602, 702, 802) including a first urinary inlet (104, 214, 614, 714, 814) and a urinary outlet (106, 206); and an inlet protector (216, 316, 616, 716, 816) extending outwardly from the urinary conduit from a location between the first urinary inlet and the urinary outlet. The inlet protector is used to protect the urinary inlet by isolating it from the bladder wall and thus preventing it from contacting tissue. In existing catheters, the process of emptying the bladder can cause tissue to be drawn from the bladder wall into the urinary inlet. Tissue may become lodged in the
catheter, obstructing the inlet, and the tissue may also be damaged by the process. Additionally, small pieces of tissue may become trapped within the catheter, causing blockages and
biofouling, thus reducing flow rate. A high flow rate is better because it flushes out any
dirt or urinary deposits from the catheter. Lower flow rates are less effective, allowing deposits to accumulate more quickly and increasing the
risk of infection, thus reducing the time the catheter remains in place. An inlet protector positioned between the
urine inlet and outlet, extending outwards from the urinary conduit (i.e., keeping the
urine inlet away from the urethral opening and bladder), maintains a slight separation between the
urine inlet and bladder wall tissue and thus ensures a good flushing flow rate and reduces the risk of
biofouling.