Coude Catheter Alignment Indication for Prostatic Urethra Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Coude catheters lack the ability to indicate correct positioning and facilitate adjustment of the distal, curved end within the prostatic urethra, leading to difficulties and complications, especially in cases of enlarged prostate or bladder neck contracture, which hinders proper bladder drainage.
Innovation Solution
A Coude catheter design featuring a curved section with an alignment indication section having an open passageway, configured in the same or a different spatial plane, allowing for proper positioning and adjustment to ensure correct alignment for effective drainage, including features like a loop or indentations for grip and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Coude catheter uses a curved distal end to pass through the prostatic urethra, then the catheter can effectively navigate obstructions caused by enlarged prostate, but the user lacks indication of correct positioning and difficulty adjusting the position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indicators (color changes or markings) on the catheter shaft to indicate the spatial orientation and position of the curved distal end. These indicators allow users to visually determine whether the catheter is correctly positioned in the prostatic urethra, solving the problem of lacking positioning indication while maintaining the curved design's ability to navigate obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through visual indicators that provide real-time information to the user about the catheter's position and orientation. This feedback allows users to adjust the catheter positioning based on visual cues, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving the adaptive curved design for navigating prostatic obstructions.
2Productivity
If existing Coude catheters are inserted into the urethra to reach the bladder, then bladder drainage can be achieved, but complications increase due to inability to indicate proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators on the catheter provide clear signals about correct positioning, allowing users to confirm proper placement before attempting drainage. This reduces failed catheterization attempts and complications, thereby improving reliability while maintaining effective bladder drainage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual feedback system enables users to verify correct catheter positioning before use, reducing the likelihood of improper placement and associated complications. This increases the overall success rate and reliability of catheterization procedures while ensuring effective bladder drainage when properly positioned.
3Productivity
If the distal curved end of the catheter is positioned in the correct spatial plane for effective material removal, then drainage efficiency improves, but users lack indication of the current position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded indicators or markings on the catheter shaft that change or become visible when the curved distal end reaches the correct spatial plane. This provides users with immediate visual information about positioning, eliminating the loss of position indication information while maintaining high drainage efficiency when properly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual feedback indicators provide real-time information to users about the spatial orientation of the curved distal end. When the catheter reaches the correct position for effective drainage, the indicators signal this state, preventing information loss and ensuring optimal drainage efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A Coude catheter insures proper drainage and reduces tissue damage by using a loop section having an open passageway positioned on a proximal end of the catheter to adjust the catheter.