Urinary Catheter With Deformable Retention for Controlled Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urinary catheters are cumbersome and difficult to use, especially for self-catheterization, particularly for individuals with limited dexterity, and there is a need for a simpler, cost-effective, and intuitive catheterization process that allows controlled urine drainage.
Innovation Solution
A urinary catheter with a deformable retention mechanism that expands within the urethra, featuring a fluid-filled cavity and a valve system for controlled drainage, designed for easy insertion and removal without the need for balloons or complex inflation/deflation processes, suitable for both male and female users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional urinary catheter with inflatable retention balloon is used, then the catheter can be retained in the urethra, but the catheterization procedure becomes complex and difficult to perform for self-catheterization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inflatable retention balloon and complex valve mechanisms from the catheter design. Instead, it uses a simple retention element that relies on the natural anatomy of the urethra and bladder to secure the catheter in place, eliminating the need for inflation/deflation procedures and complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter design enables users to perform catheterization themselves without requiring assistance from healthcare personnel. The simplified structure with no inflation mechanisms allows users with limited dexterity to easily insert and secure the catheter independently.
2Reliability
If a Foley-type catheter with retention balloon is used, then the catheter can be securely retained, but the device becomes more complex and requires more steps for insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the retention balloon component entirely from the catheter design. The simplified catheter relies on a retention element that secures the device through mechanical engagement with urethral anatomy rather than through inflation of a balloon, significantly reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes a disposable catheter design that is simple in construction, intended for single use. This approach eliminates the need for complex, reusable components that require sterilization and maintenance, opting instead for a simple, throwaway device that reduces overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a catheter with complex valve system is used, then controlled drainage can be achieved, but the catheterization process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex valve systems from the catheter design. Instead of using mechanical valves that require manipulation and adjustment, the invention employs a simpler drainage mechanism that allows controlled urine flow without requiring additional components or操作步骤.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the drainage control function directly into the catheter structure itself, rather than using separate valve components. The catheter design integrates retention and drainage control features into a unified simple structure, eliminating the need for separate valve assembly and operation steps.
4Reliability
If a catheter requiring assistance for insertion is used, then proper placement can be ensured, but the user loses privacy and independence in self-catheterization
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is specifically designed to be self-insertable by users without assistance from healthcare personnel. The simplified structure with no inflation mechanisms and intuitive design enables users with limited dexterity to perform catheterization independently, maintaining privacy and autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes all components and mechanisms that would require assistance for proper placement, such as inflation balloons and complex positioning systems. The retention element is designed to self-secure upon simple insertion, allowing users to achieve proper placement independently.
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 provides easy and intuitive self-catheterization, minimizes the risk of complications, and ensures controlled urine drainage with minimal user skill, being comfortable and discreet, even for those with reduced dexterity, while reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.
Implementation Method 1
A urinary catheter with a deformable retention mechanism that expands within the urethra, featuring a fluid-filled cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
A urinary catheter comprises a catheter shaft with an internal lumen, extending between a distal discharge opening and at least one proximal drainage opening, arranged at or in the vicinity of a proximal tip of the catheter shaft. An overcoat layer encircles a portion of the catheter shaft, forming a closed deformable fluid filled cavity intermediate the overcoat layer and the outer surface of the shaft. The overcoat layer is elastically deformable to allow for movement of the fluid within the cavity during deployment, whereby at least a portion at the proximal end is arranged to be compressed to a smaller diameter during insertion, and upon continued insertion of the catheter shaft through the urethra into at least the bladder neck, arranged to expand back toward a greater diameter, as the fluid is caused to flow toward the proximal end of the fluid filled cavity. A valve is arranged to set the internal lumen of the catheter shaft in an open or closed state, and a valve handle or actuator is arranged to bring the valve to an opened state upon activation.