Abstract: 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.
Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to an extended use systems and devices for management of bladder function for people with urinary dysfunction. The system includes a catheter and a valve that can control fluid flow. The catheter can be placed inside the bladder using devices that facilitate insertion and extraction. The placement of the catheter can be done by a trained individual such as a patient, as well as a clinician, a nurse, or a caretaker. Once placed inside the bladder, the catheter can be fully-internal, meaning no portion of the catheter is visible from outside of the patient's body.