Vaginal Barrier Catheter Guide for Female Urethral Insertion
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for inserting catheters into patients' urethras often result in accidental contamination, as catheters may be mistakenly inserted into the vagina, leading to potential urinary tract or nosocomial infections, and require manual separation of labia for accurate insertion.
Innovation Solution
A vaginal barrier and female urethral catheterization assisting device system featuring a semi-rigid member and a recessed portion within a vaginal base member that guides the catheter into the urethra, preventing vaginal insertion and maintaining labia separation, thereby reducing infection risk and facilitating self-catheterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual catheter insertion is performed without assistance, then the operation is simple, but the risk of accidental vaginal insertion and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a catheterization assistant device as an intermediary tool between the operator and the patient's anatomy. This device includes a vaginal barrier member with labial retractors and a urethral guide channel that physically guides the catheter into the correct position, eliminating the need for manual labial manipulation and preventing accidental vaginal insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical technique of separating labia and guiding the catheter with a device-based mechanical system. The labial retractors mechanically hold the labia apart, and the guide channel provides a fixed mechanical pathway for catheter insertion, reducing reliance on operator skill and manual dexterity.
2Reliability
If the catheter is re-inserted after being removed due to contamination, then the contamination problem is addressed, but the risk of introducing contaminants into the urethra increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the harmful event (vaginal insertion) before it can occur. The vaginal barrier member with its recessed configuration and the guide channel are designed to physically prevent the catheter from entering the vagina, thereby eliminating the need for re-insertion and the associated contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide channel acts as an intermediary structure that ensures the catheter follows the correct anatomical pathway into the urethra. This fixed mechanical guide prevents deviation into the vagina and maintains sterility throughout the insertion process.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual labial separation is required for accurate catheter insertion, then insertion accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation and patient comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: the labial retractors and the urethral guide channel are combined in one piece. This allows simultaneous achievement of labial separation and catheter guidance without requiring separate manual actions, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining insertion precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs the labial separation function automatically once inserted, without requiring continuous manual manipulation by the operator. The labial retractors self-maintain the separated position throughout the catheter insertion process, reducing the operational burden on the user.
Data Source
AI summary
The vaginal barrier and female urethral catheterization assisting device system may include a semi-rigid member that is configured for positioning within a vagina. The system may include a generally longitudinal base member that is affixed to the semi-rigid member. The generally longitudinal base member may define a recessed portion distal to the semi-rigid member. The recessed portion may be configured to allow a catheter to be inserted into a urethra.