Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate member (12) having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has at least one drainage opening (20). At least one of; the at least one drainage opening (20) is a single elongate opening, or is two circumferentially spaced elongate openings (FIG. 5), or is at least three staggered openings (FIG. 3), or is an array of staggered openings (FIG. 3). Alternatively or additionally, a sleeve member (10) is arranged on the elongate member (12) and is movable at least between a first position (FIG. 1) covering the at least one drainage opening (20) and a second position (FIG. 2) which allows fluid to pass into the catheter. A method of using the catheter includes inserting a catheter having a retractable sleeve (10) into a user's body and retracting the retractable sleeve (10) to expose drainage openings (20) and drain fluid from the body.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (1) includes an inner member (12) having a proximal end (15), a distal end (13), and a lumen configured to store a hydrating fluid (28) An outer member (10) has a proximal end (19), a distal end (16), and a lumen configured to receive therein a portion of the inner member (12) The outer member (10) is movable relative to the inner member (12) at least one of, between a first position (FIG. 1) preventing fluid (28) from passing out of the at least one drainage opening (14) from within the lumen of the inner member (12) and a second position (FIG. 2) allowing fluid (28) to pass out of the at least one drainage opening (14) from within the lumen of the inner member (12).

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate member (12) having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has at least one drainage opening (20). At least one of; the at least one drainage opening (20) is a single elongate opening, or is two circumferentially spaced elongate openings (FIG. 5), or is at least three staggered openings (FIG. 3), or is an array of staggered openings (FIG. 3). Alternatively or additionally, a sleeve member (10) is arranged on the elongate member (12) and is movable at least between a first position (FIG. 1) covering the at least one drainage opening (20) and a second position (FIG. 2) which allows fluid to pass into the catheter. A method of using the catheter includes inserting a catheter having a retractable sleeve (10) into a user's body and retracting the retractable sleeve (10) to expose drainage openings (20) and drain fluid from the body.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (1) includes an inner member (12) having a proximal end (15), a distal end (13), and a lumen configured to store a hydrating fluid (28) An outer member (10) has a proximal end (19), a distal end (16), and a lumen configured to receive therein a portion of the inner member (12) The outer member (10) is movable relative to the inner member (12) at least one of between a first position (FIG. 1) preventing fluid (28) from passing out of the at least one drainage opening (14) from within the lumen of the inner member (12) and a second position (FIG. 2) allowing fluid (28) to pass out of the at least one drainage opening (14) from within the lumen of the inner member (12).

Abstract: A urinary catheter (30, 100) for indwelling introduction into a patient's urethra. The catheter includes an elongated flexible body portion (12) formed of a polymer. The elongated flexible body portion (12) includes a flexible introducing member. The flexible introducing member (32) has a longitudinal bore. The bore can slideably position the introducing member (32) along the flexible body portion. A flexible polymeric sleeve (40) is affixed to the flexible introducing member. The flexible polymeric sleeve (40) can cover a substantial portion of the flexible body portion (12). The method and apparatus can minimize the likelihood of infection by proving a sterile sleeve barrier on the catheter.