Catheter Inlet Protector for Tissue-Resistant Urine Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheters face issues such as tissue blockage, damage, and biofouling due to the suction of bladder tissue into the urine inlet during bladder evacuation, leading to reduced flow rates and increased infection risk.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design featuring a foldable inlet protector that extends outwardly from the urine conduit, overlapping the urine inlet to maintain separation from the bladder wall, reducing tissue contact and damage, and incorporating resilient ridges and holes to ensure a high flow rate and minimize blockage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the catheter is used for bladder evacuation, then urine drainage function is achieved, but tissue is sucked into the urine inlet causing blockage and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inlet protector as an intermediary component between the urine inlet and the bladder tissue. This protector extends into the urine inlet to create a physical barrier that prevents tissue from being sucked into the inlet during bladder evacuation, while still allowing urine to pass through. The inlet protector thus mediates between the drainage function and tissue protection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The urine inlet is segmented into multiple smaller openings or channels within the inlet protector structure. This segmentation allows urine to flow through multiple paths while reducing the likelihood of complete blockage by tissue, as tissue particles are less likely to obstruct all segmented openings simultaneously.
2Productivity
If the urine inlet is positioned close to the bladder wall for effective drainage, then drainage efficiency improves, but tissue contact and fouling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet protector serves as a mediator that allows the urine inlet to maintain its optimal position near the bladder wall for effective drainage, while simultaneously preventing direct contact between the inlet and bladder tissue. The protector creates a protective zone that separates the inlet from fouling sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet protector is designed as a flexible, thin-walled structure that can conform to the bladder anatomy while maintaining its protective function. The flexible material allows the protector to move with bladder contractions during urination while continuing to shield the urine inlet from tissue contact.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the catheter remains in place for prolonged periods, then continuous drainage is achieved, but infection risk and biofouling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet protector acts as a continuous barrier that prevents tissue and biofilm formation at the urine inlet throughout the indwelling period. By blocking the interface between the catheter and bladder tissue, the protector reduces the risk of bacterial colonization and infection even during prolonged catheterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet protector maintains continuous protection of the urine inlet throughout the entire indwelling period, ensuring uninterrupted prevention of tissue contact and biofouling. This continuous protective action allows the catheter to remain in place for extended periods without increasing infection risk.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter insertable into a urethra for installation in a user's bladder and urethra, the catheter comprising: a urine conduit comprising a first urine inlet and a urine outlet; and an inlet protector extending outwardly from the urine conduit from a position between the first urine inlet and the urine outlet, where the inlet protector functions to protect the urine inlet by separating it from contact with the bladder wall and thus keeping it out of contact with tissue.