Reusable Urinary Catheter Case With Hydration Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of reusable urinary catheters is hindered by challenges related to storage, transport, and sterilization, necessitating a need for effective sterilization methods and reusable catheter products.
Innovation Solution
A reusable catheter product with a case containing a hydration fluid as a sterilization medium, which can be used to repeatedly sterilize and hydrate a hydrophilic-coated catheter, incorporating features like flexible sections, grips, and antimicrobial materials to ensure sterility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable catheters are used, then sterility is ensured for each use, but waste is generated and environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is pre-coated with hydrophilic material and pre-sterilized in a sealed package with hydration fluid. Before each use, the user simply adds hydration fluid to reactivate the coating, eliminating the need for complex sterilization procedures and enabling repeated sterile use without generating waste
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic coating on the catheter changes its properties when exposed to hydration fluid, transitioning from a dry dormant state to a hydrated lubricious state. This reversible parameter change allows the catheter to be reused multiple times while maintaining sterility and functionality
2Loss of substance
If reusable catheters are used, then waste is reduced, but sterilization challenges and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter package contains hydration fluid that automatically rehydrates the hydrophilic coating when the catheter is inserted. The system self-sterilizes through the combination of hydrophilic coating properties and hydration fluid, eliminating the need for external sterilization equipment or complex procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The hydration fluid acts as an intermediary between the hydrophilic coating and the catheter surface, facilitating rehydration and maintaining sterility. This intermediary substance simplifies the sterilization process by providing a controlled environment that prevents contamination
3Ease of operation
If hydrophilic coating is applied to catheter, then lubrication is improved, but additional manufacturing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic coating application and sterilization processes are merged into a single manufacturing step where the catheter is coated and then sterilized in the presence of hydration fluid within the sealed package. This combines multiple manufacturing operations into one integrated process, reducing overall complexity
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 solution enables multiple safe and sterile uses of the catheter, reducing waste and improving user convenience through effective sterilization and lubrication, while maintaining hygiene and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The catheter includes a hydrophilic coating. The case also includes a hydration fluid contained within the cavity
Implementation Method 2
The hydration fluid includes a sterilization medium. The product allows the catheter to be repeatedly inserted and removed from the case, and yields a sterile and re-usable catheter
Data Source
AI summary
Reusable catheter products (10) are provided for storing, transporting, and sterilizing reusable urinary catheters. The products include a case (12) comprising a proximal section (30), a middle section (40), and a distal section (32). The case includes a cavity (16) configured to receive a catheter (14); the cavity includes a hydration fluid (18). The catheter comprises a distal end, a proximal end and a tubular section therebetween and includes a hydrophilic coating. When the catheter is inserted into the case, the hydration fluid sterilizes and lubricates the catheter.