Retention-Feature Urinary Catheter for Long-Term Bladder Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with neurogenic bladder face challenges such as high rates of urinary tract infections and genito-urinary injuries due to frequent catheterization, and lack of bladder sensation leading to over-filling and urinary reflux, which existing methods like intermittent catheterization and indwelling Foley catheters fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
An extended-use catheter with asymmetric retention features, including a retainer in the bulbar urethra and a bladder retention structure, allows for prolonged retention without frequent removal, equipped with sensors for data collection and a catheter mating device for easy insertion and removal, reducing infection risk and improving bladder management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intermittent catheterization is used, then bladder emptying is achieved, but frequency of catheterization increases leading to higher infection risk and GU injury
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs dynamic retention structures (bulb and flange) that expand after insertion to anchor the catheter in the bladder, transitioning from a compressed insertion state to an expanded retention state. This dynamic mechanism allows the catheter to remain indwelling without frequent removal, reducing catheterization frequency while maintaining effective bladder emptying.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If indwelling Foley catheters are used, then catheter retention is improved, but infection rates remain high due to frequent catheter changes
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter features asymmetric retention structures with a larger flange and smaller bulb configuration that provides stable anchoring in the bladder while allowing easy insertion. The asymmetric design creates effective retention without requiring frequent catheter changes, thereby reducing infection risk associated with repeated insertion and removal procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates flexible retention structures made of soft material that can be compressed for insertion and then expand to provide stable retention. This flexibility allows the catheter to adapt to the bladder anatomy while maintaining secure positioning for extended periods, reducing the need for frequent changes and associated infection risk.
3Productivity
If extended-use catheter with retention features is used, then catheterization frequency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into distinct functional components: the tubular body for fluid drainage, the bulb for anchoring in the bladder, and the flange for additional retention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design relatively simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A urinary catheter can be retained inside the body for extended periods. A catheter mating device can connect to the catheter to move the catheter inside of the body or remove it from the body. The catheter includes: (1) a tube having a lumen and an outer surface, (2) a retainer that may have an attachment portion attached to the tube and a flap or handle-shaped structure attached to the attachment portion, wherein the retainer has a first, contracted position and a second, extended position, and (3) an bladder retention structure at the catheter's distal end, wherein the bladder retention portion may comprise a flap or a handle-shaped portion and that has a first, compressed position and a second, extended position. The retainer and/or bladder retention structure each are configured to retain the catheter in the proper position inside of a user's body.