Abstract: An intermittent catheter has a catheter shaft extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, with a drainage funnel associated with the distal end portion of the catheter shaft. A hydration device encircles at least a portion of the drainage funnel and defines a hydrating fluid-containing reservoir in fluid communication with at least one fluid-release port. The hydration device is configured to be manipulated by a user to move the at least one fluid-release port from a closed condition to an open condition to flow at least a portion of the hydrating fluid out of the reservoir via the at least one fluid-release port for covering at least a portion of the catheter shaft. After or while applying hydrating fluid to the catheter shaft, the hydration device may be dissociated from the drainage funnel for handling the intermittent catheter.

Abstract: A trans-anal irrigation (TAI) system adapted for self-use includes an irrigation head supplied with water from a reservoir by a pump or by gravity feed. The irrigation head has either internal or external structures for releasably retaining the head in a user's rectum during the water flow portion of a TAI process. A guide member arm may be provided for manipulating the irrigation head for both insertion and removal. The irrigation head is reliably attached to the guide member arm. The guide member arm may include an integral manual pump.

Abstract: A compact catheter assembly (10) and methods of making such a catheter assembly are disclosed. The catheter assembly includes a receiver (14) and a catheter sub-assembly (16). The catheter sub-assembly includes a gripping member (18) and a catheter tube (20) carried by the gripping member.

Abstract: A urinary catheter deployment cassette or system includes a catheter pack, a urinary catheter, and an introducer aid. The catheter pack defines an interior compartment having a rotatable spindle at least partially positioned therein. The urinary catheter is at least partially received within the interior compartment of the catheter pack and associated with the spindle. The catheter pack includes a deformable or pierceable cover that the spindle engagement member of the introducer aid is pressed to rotate the spindle and deploy the catheter from the catheter pack. In another embodiment, a catheter pack includes an associated drainage adaptor for draining fluid from the catheter pack or a urinary catheter positioned within the catheter pack. In another embodiment, a cassette includes a rotatable drum with a two-piece catheter wrapped around it and a joining tube that places the pieces of the catheter in fluid communication.

Abstract: A compact catheter assembly is disclosed. The catheter assembly includes a receiver and a catheter sub-assembly. The catheter sub-assembly includes a catheter tube a fluid drain that are adapted for relative pivotal movement about a fluid junction.

Abstract: An intermittent catheter assembly and kit comprising an elongated introducer element formed of a flexible material adapted for insertion into a urethra during a catheterization procedure. The introducer element has at least one slit extending longitudinally along a substantial portion of its length. The catheter assembly also includes an applicator having an opening, and a sheath having a first end that is secured to the applicator about the opening. The sheath also has a second end defining a discharge opening which is inverted relative to the first end of the sheath to define inner and outer sleeve portions. The inner sleeve portion defines a flow path for urine through the discharge opening. The applicator receives the introducer element through the opening and extends the outer sleeve portion over an outer surface of the elongated introducer element to separate it from the urethra.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies for draining urine from the urinary system of the user are disclosed herein. The catheter assemblies include an outer sleeve that houses the catheter tube and a deployable flexible container. The container is deployable through a slot in the sleeve wall and can be retracted back into the sleeve after use.

Abstract: A reusable urinary catheter assembly includes a catheter shaft and a plurality of removable members associated with the catheter shaft. A different one of the removable members is configured to be removed from the catheter shaft between each consecutive use of the reusable urinary catheter assembly. By such a configuration, the number of times that the reusable urinary catheter may be reused is limited by the number of removable members.

Abstract: A portable trans anal irrigation device has a hand-held water management unit removably connectable to an irrigation arm. The water management unit includes a water cartridge and a controller. The irrigation arm has a cone head for interfacing with the user's body.

Abstract: A trans anal irrigation device that can be used on a bed. The device includes a rectal catheter connected to an irrigation fluid supply. A waste collection bag is also connected to the catheter. The catheter may be insertable in a seat attached to a fluid supply line. A valve in one of the catheter or seat selectably allows or prevents fluid communication between the catheter and a waste collection bag. The catheter may include an inflationless cuff made of a flexible material that permits it to be inserted in the rectum to prevent leakage around the exterior of the catheter.

Abstract: An intermittent catheter assembly is disclosed which comprises an intermittent catheter having a proximal insertion end, a distal end remote from the proximal insertion end, and an insertable portion. The insertable portion of the catheter extends from the proximal insertion end thereof to a point approaching the distal end thereof. The catheter is disposed in a cavity and a drawstring secured to the catheter extends through the cavity and generally along the insertable portion of the catheter. The drawstring has a first end secured to the catheter between the insertable portion and the distal end and a second end outside the cavity for withdrawing the catheter therefrom. The drawstring exits the cavity proximate the proximal insertion end of the catheter to accommodate drawing the proximal insertion end thereof from the cavity into the urethral opening by pulling on the second end of the drawstring.

Abstract: A protective catheter tip has a generally tubular body portion defining an interior cavity. The proximal end of a urinary catheter is at least partially received within the protective tip, with the protective tip being retained on the urinary catheter without the need for a sleeve connecting the protective tip and the catheter. The protective tip may include a projection received within a draining hole or eye at the proximal end of the catheter to retain the protective tip on the catheter. The protective tip may instead include one or more projections that apply a frictional force to an outer surface of the catheter to retain the protective tip on the catheter. The protective tip may instead be retained on the catheter by a tether extending between the protective tip and a distal end of the catheter. The protective tip may also be provided in two pieces.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including curved urinary catheter and a similarly curved housing for holding and carrying the same are disclosed. A catheter subassembly may be removed from the housing and mounted onto the handle to provide the catheter assembly in an extended deployed condition. The insertable portion of the catheter is curved in a way that compliments the curvature of the female urethra.

Abstract: A catheter and package combination including a package having opposed front and rear panels that are sealed together to define a sealed interior cavity. The package also has top and bottom edges and opposed side edges. The cavity has a first height extending in a direction between the top and bottom edges. The front and rear panels are configured to tear adjacent to one of the side edges in the direction between the top and bottom edges to form an opening in communication with the cavity wherein the opening has a second height in the direction between the top and bottom edges that is smaller than the first height of the cavity. A urinary catheter in a compact configuration is disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: A catheter package includes an elongated case (210). A cap (218) is attached to the case by a flexible strap (214). The case receives the tubing portion of a catheter. The catheter has a funnel (224) attached to the tubing. The funnel has a seal portion releasably engageable with the case. The cap is releasably engageable with the funnel to retain the funnel in contact with the case. A user can flip the cap off the funnel to permit removal of the catheter from the case. A hydration device may be inserted in the case. Alternately, a tubular liner may be inserted in the case to separate liquid water on the outside of the liner from the catheter tubing on the inside of the liner. A window in the liner mounts a patch of filter material that permits the passage of water vapor into the interior of the liner.

Abstract: A catheter and package combination including a package having opposed front and rear panels that are sealed together to define a sealed interior cavity. The package also has top and bottom edges and opposed side edges. The cavity has a first height extending in a direction between the top and bottom edges. The front and rear panels are configured to tear adjacent to one of the side edges in the direction between the top and bottom edges to form an opening in communication with the cavity wherein the opening has a second height in the direction between the top and bottom edges that is smaller than the first height of the cavity. A urinary catheter in a compact configuration is disposed within the cavity.