Urinary Catheter with Dynamic Retainer and Extendable Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with neurogenic bladder face challenges such as high rates of urinary tract infections and genito-urinary injuries due to existing catheterization methods, including intermittent catheterization and indwelling Foley catheters, which are imprecise and can lead to bladder over-filling and urinary reflux.
Innovation Solution
An extended-use catheter with asymmetric retention features, including a retainer portion and an extendable flap, that can be retained in the body for extended periods, equipped with a magnetic valve for fluid control and sensors for data collection, allowing for periodic self-insertion and removal without medical assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intermittent catheterization or indwelling Foley catheters are used, then urinary drainage is achieved, but high rates of urinary tract infection and genito-urinary injury occur
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates a dynamic retention mechanism with a retainer portion that can transition between compressed and expanded states. The retainer portion includes an outer wall, inner cavity, and at least one structure that exerts outward force on the outer wall, allowing the catheter to adapt its retention characteristics based on physiological conditions while maintaining sterile barrier integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter utilizes parameter changes in the retainer portion's physical state (compressed vs. expanded configuration) to control retention. The retainer portion can be compressed to a first position for insertion and then expands to a second position for retention, changing its dimensional parameters to achieve the desired effect of secure placement without compromising infection prevention
2Reliability
If timed catheterization schedule is used, then bladder over-filling is avoided, but catheterization frequency increases leading to higher infection and injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The extended-use catheter enables continuous urinary drainage function without requiring repeated insertion and removal cycles. The catheter remains in place with secure retention through the retainer portion mechanism, maintaining continuous monitoring and drainage capability while eliminating the repetitive trauma of frequent catheterization procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter employs a retainer portion with cross-sectional area greater than the outer surface of the tube wall, providing excessive retention capability that ensures secure placement. This partial expansion beyond the basic catheter diameter creates sufficient friction and mechanical engagement to prevent displacement without requiring frequent re-insertion
3Reliability
If retainer portion with larger cross-sectional area is added, then catheter retention is improved, but catheter insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer portion is designed with dynamic compression capability, allowing it to be temporarily reduced to a first compressed position for insertion and then expand to a second expanded position for retention. This dynamic state change enables the retainer portion to overcome the size mismatch between its expanded retention configuration and the urethral passage dimensions during insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system includes preliminary compression of the retainer portion before insertion. The retainer portion is pre-compressed to a smaller dimension that allows it to pass through the urethral sphincter and into the bladder, after which it automatically or manually expands to its retention configuration, performing the retention function before full deployment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The catheter provides improved retention and reduced risk of infection and injury by allowing extended use without frequent removal, enhancing user convenience and reducing medical expenses while providing continuous data monitoring for better bladder management.
Implementation Method 1
at least one structure in the inner cavity that exerts outward force on the outer wall
Implementation Method 2
equipped with a magnetic valve for fluid control
Data Source
AI summary
A urinary catheter is described that can be retained inside the body for extended periods. A catheter mating device can connect to the catheter to move the catheter inside of the body or remove it from the body. The catheter includes one or more of: (1) a retention portion having an outer cover, an inner cavity, and at least one structure in the inner cavity that exerts outward force on the outer cover, and (2) an extendable flap at the catheter's distal end. The retention portion and/or extendable flap each are configured to retain the catheter in the proper position inside of a user's body.