Eversible Urethral Lining Device for Catheter Infection Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheterization methods fail to effectively reduce urinary tract infections associated with indwelling urinary catheters, particularly in longer-term use, due to bacterial colonization in the distal urethra, and existing solutions like urethral introducers can push bacteria further along the urethra or are limited to intermittent use.
Innovation Solution
A lining device that eversion into the urethra to create a protective barrier between the catheter and the colonized distal urethra, allowing the catheter to slide through without contact, reducing bacterial inoculation and infection risk, and can be used with both indwelling and intermittent catheters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional catheters are used, then the catheterization procedure is simple and low-cost, but the infection rate increases due to bacterial colonization in the distal urethra
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a urethral introducer as an intermediary device that creates a sterile pathway through the distal urethra. The introducer has a distal end that extends beyond the catheter tip, forming a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the catheter and colonized distal urethra, thereby reducing bacterial inoculation while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The catheterization system is segmented into distinct functional components: the catheter for drainage, the introducer for creating a sterile pathway, and the distal extension for bacterial barrier function. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the others
2Reliability
If silver alloy coated catheters are used, then the infection rate is reduced by up to 40%, but the cost increases by 3 to 4 times compared to conventional catheters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable urethral introducer made from cost-effective materials that can be discarded after single use. This approach provides effective infection prevention through physical barrier protection without the high recurring costs of silver alloy catheters, making the solution economically sustainable for both hospital and community settings
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer serves as a temporary intermediary barrier during catheter insertion that physically blocks bacteria from colonizing the catheter. This mechanical prevention method is more cost-effective than chemical coatings while achieving comparable infection reduction
3Reliability
If a urethral introducer is used, then the infection rate is reduced by bypassing the distal 15mm of the urethra, but the device can only be used with intermittent catheters
Solution Approach 1:
The urethral introducer is designed with universal applicability to work with both intermittent and indwelling catheters. The introducer remains in place to maintain the sterile pathway while allowing different catheter types to be inserted through it, eliminating the limitation of previous designs that were restricted to intermittent use only
4Ease of operation
If the introducer pushes the distal urethral bacteria further along the urethra, then the catheter can be inserted, but the bacteria are transported into the bladder increasing infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer acts as a sacrificial intermediary that absorbs the mechanical action of pushing through the urethra while its distal extension captures and contains bacteria at the tip. This prevents bacterial transport to the bladder while still enabling smooth catheter insertion through the protected pathway
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
Significantly reduces the risk of urinary tract infections by preventing bacterial colonization on the catheter and maintaining a sterile pathway for the catheter, while being cost-effective and adaptable for various catheterization methods.
Implementation Method 1
fluid is pumped between these opposite ends to cause the liner to evert
Implementation Method 2
the eversion of the chamber and liner into the cavity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4A
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A cavity (3) such as the urethra of a patient is lined by providing a lining device that comprises an eversible chamber (12) and a liner (16) connected thereto. Fluid pressure is applied to the chamber (12) to cause the chamber (12) to evert and advance into the cavity (3) such that the chamber (12) carries the liner (16) into the cavity. A vacuum is then applied to the chamber (12) to cause it to deflate. A part, such as a catheter or cable, can then be inserted into the cavity through the liner (16). If the cavity is the urethra of a patient, the liner shields the catheter from the distal part (1) of the urethra which is colonised with bacteria, and therefore reduces the risk of a urinary tract infection.