Aqueous Gel Urinary Catheter Coating to Prevent Additive Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheters face issues with lubrication methods that lead to additive migration, dry-out, and difficulty in handling liquid wetting agents, causing discomfort and increased risk of infection.
Innovation Solution
A urinary catheter coated with an aqueous gel containing an amphiphilic additive, which adheres well to the catheter surface, providing long-lasting lubrication and reducing migration, making it easier to handle and store.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If catheters are lubricated using water or aqueous solutions, then initial lubrication is achieved, but the additive migrates out of the catheter and into the water, reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an amphiphilic block copolymer as an intermediary substance between the hydrophobic base material and the aqueous lubrication environment. This copolymer contains both hydrophobic and hydrophilic portions that interact with respective materials, forming a stable interface layer that prevents additive migration while maintaining lubrication effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite catheter structure combining base material, amphiphilic block copolymer additive, and aqueous lubricating composition. This multi-layer composite approach allows each component to perform its specific function: the base material provides structural integrity, the amphiphilic copolymer prevents migration, and the aqueous composition provides lubrication.
2Ease of operation
If catheters are packaged wet in direct contact with water or aqueous solution, then lubrication is maintained, but packaging complexity increases to prevent leaking
Solution Approach 1:
The amphiphilic block copolymer acts as a mediating layer between the catheter and packaging environment, enabling the catheter to retain lubrication properties without requiring complex sealed packaging systems. The copolymer's dual-nature chemistry allows it to interface with both the catheter material and aqueous lubricating agents while preventing uncontrolled migration.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system becomes self-sufficient for lubrication through the integrated amphiphilic block copolymer that prevents additive migration. This eliminates the need for external lubricating applications or complex pre-lubricated packaging systems, as the catheter maintains its lubrication properties intrinsically.
3Ease of operation
If liquid wetting agents are used for catheter lubrication, then lubrication is achieved, but handling becomes drippy and messy, increasing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the lubricating composition from free liquid to a controlled aqueous solution system stabilized by the amphiphilic block copolymer. This parameter change allows the lubricating agent to remain in contact with the catheter without becoming drippy or messy during handling and application.
Solution Approach 2:
The amphiphilic block copolymer serves as an intermediary that controls the interaction between the aqueous lubricating composition and the catheter surface. It allows the lubricating agent to be applied effectively without the messiness associated with free liquid wetting agents, reducing user discomfort during self-catheterisation.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If repeated lubrication is required, then catheter functionality is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and may lead to additive delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The amphiphilic block copolymer enables continuous lubrication action by preventing additive migration and maintaining a stable lubricating layer on the catheter surface. This eliminates the need for repeated lubrication applications, as the lubrication effect persists throughout the catheter's service life without degradation or delamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system performs self-lubrication through the amphiphilic block copolymer that maintains additive stability and prevents migration. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external intervention through repeated lubrication applications, saving time and maintaining consistent functionality.
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 aqueous gel coating offers improved lubricity, ease of application, reduced contamination risk, and stable lubrication, enhancing user comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrophilic portion diffuses to the surface of the catheter due to incompatibility with the hydrophobic base material and provides for a lubricious surface coating
Implementation Method 2
at least a part of the body is coated with an aqueous gel
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is a urinary catheter that has a hollow polymeric tubular body that has a base polymer and an amphiphilic additive. In one aspect of the disclosure, at least a part of the body is coated with an aqueous gel, wherein the gel comprises water in a total amount of between 5-99 wt. %.