Internal Valved Urinary Catheter for Controlled Bladder Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with neurogenic bladder, such as those with neurological disorders, face inefficiencies and high risks of urinary tract infections and urethral trauma due to frequent catheterization, necessitating a solution that reduces catheterization frequency and minimizes foreign object insertion.
Innovation Solution
An extended-use, fully internal valved catheter with a magnetic or electromagnetically actuated valve that can be controlled externally, allowing for reduced catheterization frequency and improved bladder management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent intermittent catheterization is used to manage neurogenic bladder, then complete bladder emptying is achieved, but the risk of urinary tract infections and urethral trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates a dynamic valve mechanism that transitions between closed and open states based on bladder pressure and external magnetic actuation, allowing the system to adapt between continuous indwelling operation and controlled intermittent drainage, thereby reducing insertion frequency while maintaining complete emptying capability
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic actuator serves as an intermediary between external control and the internal valve mechanism, enabling non-invasive opening of the valve through the abdominal wall without requiring physical manipulation or additional insertions, thus reducing trauma risk while maintaining drainage functionality
2Productivity
If multiple catheter insertions are performed daily, then adequate urine drainage is achieved, but patient comfort and psychological well-being deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter maintains continuous presence in the bladder without repeated insertions, providing uninterrupted drainage capability through an externally controllable valve that opens on demand, thereby eliminating the psychological trauma and discomfort associated with frequent insertions while maintaining adequate urine drainage
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism responds automatically to magnetic actuation signals from the patient or caregiver, enabling self-controlled drainage without requiring manual manipulation or assistance for each catheterization event, thus improving patient autonomy and comfort
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fully internal valved catheter is used for extended periods, then the number of foreign object insertions is minimized, but valve control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control mechanism replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a magnetic field-based actuation system, where a simple magnetic actuator externally controls the internal valve through magnetic attraction, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable valve control for extended-use operation
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 reduces the risk of urinary tract infections and urethral trauma by minimizing the number of catheter insertions, enhancing user comfort and reducing psychological trauma through long-term use and controlled bladder voiding.
Implementation Method 1
A fully-internal, valved, magnetic or electromagnetically actuated catheter
Implementation Method 2
A fully-internal, valved, magnetic or electromagnetically actuated catheter
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates generally to an extended use systems and devices for management of bladder function for people with urinary dysfunction. The system includes a catheter and a valve that can control fluid flow. The catheter can be placed inside the bladder using devices that facilitate insertion and extraction. The placement of the catheter can be done by a trained individual such as a patient, as well as a clinician, a nurse, or a caretaker. Once placed inside the bladder, the catheter can be fully-internal, meaning no portion of the catheter is visible from outside of the patient's body.