Abstract: In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of preventing bacterial migration during a urethral catheterization procedure. The method includes providing a urethral catheter having a shaft with an antiseptic cuff disposed on the shaft. The cuff comprises an annular cylinder which includes a resilient biocompatible material which contains an antimicrobial substance. The cuff is adapted to release the substance and is positioned at a point on the length of the shaft of the catheter, such that, upon insertion of the catheter into the urethra of the patient, the cuff is near a tip of the urethra. A portion of the shaft is inserted into the urethra of the patient such that the antiseptic is positioned entirely within the urethra of the patient near the tip of the urethra.

Abstract: A cylindrical antiseptic cuff with an inner shaft to be placed along a urinary catheter within the patient's distal urethra for preventing infection associated with bacterial migration along the catheter surface. In a preferred embodiment, a thin infusion port is provided for charging or repleting the cuff with antimicrobial substance. The antiseptic cuff imparts a sterile, occlusive interface between catheter shaft and distal urethral mucosa, and precludes incidental sliding movements of the catheter. In an alternative embodiment, an antiseptic cuff is constructed of several concentric layers of antiseptic material, sequential outer layers being manually removable for eradicating surface pathogens while the catheter remains in position. A longitudinally directed cleft may be implemented to afford opening of the cuff for lengthwise mounting onto a catheter.