Abstract: A liquid catheter, in particular a urinary catheter, includes a catheter shaft part (21) with a longitudinal liquid channel extending between a proximal and distal side thereof, and an anchoring body (22). The catheter body is intended to be received fully internally in a body cavity, such as in particular the urine bladder (50), and to drain the bladder from inside via the urethra (51). The catheter body has a length to span a distance between the bladder and a closure point (35) of the sphincter urethra. An operating member (24,25) is connected durably to the catheter body to enable a user to carry the catheter body transluminally out of the bladder past the closure point. An insertion device for the catheter includes an insertion sleeve which can be carried transluminally as far as the urine bladder and from which the catheter body can be carried into the bladder.

Abstract: This invention identifies cavitation as a damaging problem in catheterizing, such cavitation occurring upon removal of the catheter from the urethra. This invention shows venting the catheter tip to reduce cavitation related damage to the urinary track upon catheter removal. This invention discloses methods to reduce or prevent cavitation damage to portions of the urinary track This invention shows a vent to reduce partial vacuum formation leading to cavitation damage can be plastic “trimmer lines” used in lawn trimmers also called “weed eaters”.

Abstract: Process and device for directly medicinally treating interior tissue during or after intubation of a patient by passing medicinal radiant energy transversely through the intubation device to irradiate the internal patient tissue for promoting healing or for an antimicrobial effect. The invention is useful in conjunction with endoscopies and catherizations, such as urinary catherization, gastric and pulmonary endoscopies, and the like procedures. The process and device can also provide liquid flow and/or vision.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter having on at least part of its surface a hydrophilic surface layer; a wetting fluid pouch including first and second layers of flexible material joined by a seal to form a sealed closure accommodating the wetting fluid; a receptacle forming a cavity for accommodation of the catheter and the wetting fluid pouch. The wetting fluid pouch is openable by compression of the wetting fluid pouch, thereby enabling the wetting fluid to be discharged into the receptacle. At least one of the first and second layers of the wetting fluid pouch extends beyond the seal of the sealed closure to form an attachment area outside the sealed closure, the wetting fluid pouch is attached to an inner surface of the receptacle, and the attachment being provided solely between the receptacle and the attachment area.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in holding tension on a urethral catheter and/or stabilizing the movement of a urethral catheter. For example, devices configured to allow a physician to hold tension on a urethral catheter and stabilize movement of a urethral catheter at the urethral meatus in a mammal (e.g., a human) in a non-invasive manner as well as methods for using catheter tension holding and movement stabilizing devices are provided.

Abstract: A urination control device includes a conduit to be inserted into the urethra, an upstream restraint member located upstream of the conduit and having a through hole, a control member located on the downstream side from the upstream restraint member in the conduit, and a downstream restraint member located on the downstream side from the control member in the conduit, wherein the upper restraint member and control member attract each other with magnetic force, and the control member is brought in contact with the opening portion of the through hole in the upstream restraint member at least in the state exerting no fluid pressure on the upstream side so as to block passage of fluid through the upstream restraint member and admit the passage of fluid through the downstream restraint member in the state engaged with the control member.

Abstract: A reservoir is incorporated in between a guide portion and an introducer tip of the introducer member. A spherical or similarly shaped plug is inserted into the guide portion. The plug is designed such that it forms a seal within the guide portion, preventing any fluid flow between the reservoir and an environment external to a distal end of the guide portion. This prevents a liquid or gel contained inside the reservoir from drying or leaking. The plug may further be held in place against a distal opening of the reservoir by positive pressure within the reservoir. The plug may further be held in place within the guide portion by a plurality of bumps or notches. When the catheter is advanced through the guide portion, the catheter tip pushes the plug into the reservoir, thereby breaking the seal and lubricating the catheter.

Abstract: A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50A to about 90A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5A to about 49A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.

Abstract: To perform a prostatectomy, a directionally illuminating balloon catheter enters a bladder. The catheter has a multi-lumen shaft. The balloon defines an interior fluidically connected to a balloon inflation lumen and is inflated therethrough. The balloon comprises a light source, a light-radiating surface adjacent the shaft-balloon junction, and a substantially opaque surface disposed at a portion of the balloon other than the light-radiating surface such that the integrated light source illuminates a proximal half of the environment outside the balloon. The balloon is inflated while in the bladder. Light from the light source is directed out through the light-radiating surface to illuminate at least a portion of a procedure area at the bladder-prostate junction. With the light illuminating the portion of the procedure area, at least a portion of a prostatectomy is performed at the portion of the procedure area.

Abstract: A urinary catheter includes a tube and a tip. The tube has a tube wall defining a lumen extending between a distal tube end and a proximal tube end, with an opening formed in the tube wall. The tip extends from the proximal tube end to a closed proximal tip end. An inside diameter of the lumen increases constantly along an entire length of the tube from a first inside diameter measured at the proximal tube end to a second inside diameter measured at the distal tube end, where the first inside diameter is smaller than the second inside diameter such that the lumen is formed in a conical shape that diverges from the proximal tube end to a wider cross-sectional opening at the distal tube end.

Abstract: Packaging including a coiled and optionally prelubricated catheter, its distal end insertable into the urethra, a slidable hygienic sheath, a proximal catheter end for voiding urine from the distal end through the assembly to the proximal end. Mutually rotatable elements providing for withdrawal of the catheter from its coiled state to an extended state, and retraction of the catheter back to its coiled state. Methods of extending the catheter, inserting it into the urethra, and voiding urine through the catheter, without requiring complete removal from the catheter packaging. A kit including automatic extrusion of the catheter's distal end upon package opening, and a water pouch for hydrophilic lubrication, and sanitary wipes for reducing the likelihood of infection. A catheter within a flexible and optionally coiled tube, a slidable hygienic sheath covering a catheter's distal end that can move along the length of the catheter during insertion.

Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an impermeable flexible overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay. In yet other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into an absorbable matrix comprising the wound packing means. In still other embodiments, the appliance may include a suction drain. In other embodiments, the appliance may include a collection chamber to collect and store exudate from the wound. In yet other embodiments, a suction bulb may be used to provide a source of reduced pressure to an impermeable overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound.

Abstract: The urisheath provided here includes an element of thin material (a strip) that allows at least two lengths of it to run in a parallel fashion down either side of the sheath. The is obtained by injection molding the strip in liquid silicone in the silicone injection molding process for the urisheath, either by one, two or more component injection molding. The injection molding takes place in an injection molding form for a urisheath with a cavity for the body portion and a cavity for the strip portion wherein the cavity for the body portion is connected to the cavity for the strip portion creating an attachment zone between the strip and the sheath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of human urinary incontinence may include a flexible tube, a retainer member for the tube, and a valve in the tube which automatically opens in response to a predetermined pressure level in the bladder acting upon the valve.

Abstract: A precision venting arrangement for urinary drainage includes a tubular housing communicating with medical tubing receiving urine from the body and a pouch for storing the urine, the tubular housing having opposing open ends with a lumen passing longitudinally therebetween, an intermediate portion disposed between the open ends and an intermediate portion with a side passage disposed at the intermediate portion and extending through a side wall of the housing with a venting valve disposed in the side passage having a biased dosed distal end and an open proximal end exposed to atmospheric pressure such that the venting valve is opened when the differential between the pressure in the lumen of the housing and atmospheric pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A urine control device to be placed intermediate a catheter and a collection bag is provided. The urine control device includes first and second bell shaped housings with a magnetic valve disposed between the first and the second housings. When the pressure from the urine which flows through the present catheter enters the first chamber and exceeds the magnetic attraction in the valve, the valve pivotally opens, permitting the urine to flow through the open valve and into the second chamber. Due to the shape of the chambers, secondary forces create a low pressure zone in the second chamber which helps empty the bladder fully. Once the flow ceases, the magnetic valve pivotally shuts, allowing the urine pressure to build once again. Various sample ports and air entry ports may be provided on the device.

Abstract: Under- and overinflation of retention balloons and cuffs for catheters including Foley catheters, and for endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy tubes, laryngeal mask airways and similar devices is correlated with hospital acquired infections and with patient injury. In this patent, a solution that correctly inflates inflatable retention devices is taught, whereby a pressure release means is incorporated into the inflation pathway from the fluid input syringe to the retention means while inflating. This pressure release means can be set to open at or near the optimal fluid pressure so that overinflation can be prevented by releasing any pressure above the optimal pressure and underinflation can be prevented by a user pressurizing the cuff until the valve is noticed to open. As well, observation of fluid leaked through the pressure relief means can indicate misplacement of the retention means, allowing the user to reposition it before patient injury occurs.

Abstract: A urinary catheter of enhanced pushability, for indwelling introduction into a patient's urethra having an effecter within the longitudinal bore of the catheter near its distal end to facilitate an easy introduction of the catheter into the body.

Abstract: A system of rotate-to-advance medical devices including catheters, dilators, occluders, stents, suprapubic catheters and camera introducers configured with external screw threads and depending substantially on rotation for means of advancement and emplacement in mammalian genitourinary and gastrointestinal passages and organs.

Abstract: A method for producing a medical device comprising the steps of: providing a tubular substrate, said tubular substrate enclosing an internal lumen and being provided with at least one recess in the outer surface, wherein said recess does not form a through going hole into the internal lumen; treating the outer surface of said tubular substrate, preferably by means of surface modification and/or by coating; and forming, after said treating of the outer surface, an opening within said at least one recess to form an access opening to said internal lumen.

Abstract: A bagless catheter. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: selectively storing urine in a bladder of a patient by: inserting a first end of a tube through a urethra and into the bladder of the patient, wherein a second end of the tube, opposite the first end, is coupled to a valve; accumulating urine in the bladder during a time period when the valve is in a closed position; discharging urine into a waste receptacle, the urine discharging from the second end of the tube through air and into the waste receptacle, the discharging when the valve is in an open position; and closing the valve.

Abstract: A catheter device comprising a chamber containing an opacity enhancing substance is disclosed. The opacity enhancing substance is in a dried or semi-dried form within the chamber of the device. Release of a liquid into the chamber suspends the substance and forms an opacity enhancing solution that is released into the lumen of the device in order to enhance the opacity of the device for imaging.

Abstract: A liquid catheter, in particular a urinary catheter, includes a catheter shaft part (21) with a longitudinal liquid channel extending between a proximal and distal side thereof, and an anchoring body (22). The catheter body is intended to be received fully internally in a body cavity, such as in particular the urine bladder (50), and to drain the bladder from inside via the urethra (51). The catheter body has a length to span a distance between the bladder and a closure point (35) of the sphincter urethrae. An operating member (24,25) is connected durably to the catheter body to enable a user to carry the catheter body transluminally out of the bladder past the closure point. An insertion device for the catheter includes an insertion sleeve which can be carried transluminally as far as the urine bladder and from which the catheter body can be carried into the bladder.

Abstract: A urethral catheter assembly utilizing a removable guide wire for navigating the catheter through a patient's urethral lumen during the insertion procedure. The guide wire being very flexible and having a low coefficient of friction, thus reducing the likelihood of injuring or puncturing the urethra during insertion. The guide wire extends beyond the distal end of the catheter assembly to ensure that the flexible tip of the guide wire is the first contact point between the catheter assembly and the urethral lumen. In one embodiment, the guide wire extends beyond the proximal end of the catheter assembly and is adapted to be handled by a medical doctor to manually maneuver the guide wire through the urethra.

Abstract: A valve is provided with a valve body, a tubular member and a slidable member. The valve body includes a top portion with an inclined sliding surface having a longitudinal slot forming a track and a bottom portion corresponding with the top portion. The tubular member includes walls defining a passageway extending through the valve body. The slidable member is disposed along the track and engageable with the walls of the tubular member.

Abstract: A catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of the catheter into the urinary canal. The catheter assembly includes a urinary catheter, a catheter package and a sealing member. The urinary catheter defines a conduit and has a proximal end adapted for insertion into the urinary canal and an opposite distal end. The catheter package has a hose with a cavity for accommodation of the catheter, and a catheter outlet adapted to dismantle the proximal end of the catheter from the catheter package. The sealing member is adapted to provide a substantially liquid-tight seal between the catheter package and the urinary catheter while the catheter is being dismantled.

Abstract: A medical device can be used to drain fluids from the body during a medical procedure that requires the insertion of a medical instrument into an anatomical lumen or cavity. The device generally allows the simultaneous introduction of the medical instrument into the body and drainage of fluid out of the body during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a first tubular section and a second tubular section. The first section provides a urinary catheter that is disposed in the second section. The second section has a proximal end with a first opening and a distal end with a second opening. The first opening is adapted for dispensing a proximal end of the urinary catheter out of the proximal end of the second section and the second opening is provided to drain liquid from the urinary catheter through and out of the second section. A sealing obstruction is formed between an inner surface of the second section and an outer surface of the urinary catheter. The sealing obstruction is adapted to form a seal between the distal end portion of the urinary catheter and the proximal end of the second section.

Abstract: The present application relates to method and apparatus for reducing migration and rotation of implantable devices including an expandable element and an elongate portion.

Abstract: A fluid volume alarm system is presented. The alarm system has a container for storing fluid, and alarm module coupled to the container for notifying a user or observer that the fluid within the container has reached a predetermined level. The container has at least one exterior wall and defines an interior volume for at least temporary storage of fluid. In one aspect, there are at least two electrodes disposed on an interior portion of the exterior wall of the container and positioned at a position thereon an interior portion of the exterior wall corresponding to a predetermined fluid level at which it is desirable to receive an alarm. The system also has an alarm module configured to alert the practitioner that the fluid has met or has exceeded the predetermined level.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a tube part, a tip part and at least one through-going opening, where the through-going opening is positioned distally to the proximal end of the tube part, wherein the outer surface of the tube part has at its proximal end a first outer diameter that is smaller than a second outer diameter at the tube part's distal end, and the diameter of the outer surface of the tube part increases constantly along the entire length of the tube part from its proximal first outer diameter end to its distal second outer diameter.

Abstract: A drainage catheter includes an elongated tubular member, a locking assembly engaged with a proximal end of the tubular member, and a tension member for drawing a distal end of the tubular member into a desired configuration. The locking assembly includes a connector, a locking arm, and a locking mechanism. The connector has an exterior surface profile that corresponds with an interior surface profile of the locking arm. The locking arm is pivotably attached to the connector to enable pivoting movement of the locking arm between an unlocked position and a locked position whereby the tension member is secured between the locking arm and the connector when the arm is in the locked position. The locking assembly may alternatively comprise a connector and a sliding sleeve or a connector having a clamping element disposed therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a urinary catheter and collection bag that can be provided without additional packaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that secures a straight or Foley catheter in the urinary tract of a male subject. The device includes a portion that can be coupled to the subject's penis and a portion that can be coupled to the straight or Foley catheter. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using this device and to assemblies including the device and a straight or Foley catheter.

Abstract: A male external catheter formed of injection-moldable plastic material is disclosed, which has a neck section with inner and outer surfaces having substantially different contours. The male external catheter has a generally cylindrical body section, a drain tube section and the funnel-shaped neck section. The drain tube section has a smaller cross-section than the body section, and the funnel shaped neck section is interposed between and merges with the body and the drain tube sections. A method of manufacture of such a catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A telescopic device comprising a first telescopic member and a second telescopic member, where the second telescopic member is displaceably arranged within the first telescopic member in a first and a second axial direction along the longitudinal axis of the first telescopic member, a coupling arrangement for limiting the displacement of the second telescopic member relative to the first telescopic member where the coupling arrangement has a first and a second coupling configuration.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treatment of damaged tissue are disclosed, including treatment of wounds by employing non-electrically powered, reduced pressure therapy devices with a pressure oscillation mechanism. Maintenance and control of the sub atmospheric pressure exerted may be provided by such devices while minimizing discomfort to the user. The devices may be configured to be worn inconspicuously underneath clothing.

Abstract: Catheter advancing devices, systems and methods for advancing a catheter into the urethra of a user are disclosed. The catheter advancement device includes a body portion that couples to a guide portion of the catheter, the guide portion being movably coupled to the proximal end of a catheter. The catheter advancement device further includes a pair of flexible handles extending outwards from the body portion, and a gripping portion extending inwards from each of the flexible handles. A surface of the gripping portion comes in contact with the catheter when the flexible handles are engaged, and the surface of the gripping portion in contact with the catheter applies pressure to the catheter when the handles are engaged to advance the catheter through the guide portion.

Abstract: This invention identifies cavitation as a damaging problem in catheterization occurring upon removal of the catheter from the urethra. This invention is means for reducing cavitation related damage to the urinary track upon catheter removal. This invention shows vent means to reduce cavitation damage can be plastic “trimmer lines” used in lawn trimmers also called “weed eaters”.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved catheter, in particular, a Foley catheter. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a catheter with three lumens. The largest lumen is the drainage lumen. The side balloon lumen has a removable one-way female Luer valve threaded onto the distal end of the side balloon lumen. The removable Luer valve allows a user to drain the balloon by passive equilibrium to atmospheric pressure by removing the valve from the lumen. Alternately, the lumen can be drained by syringe. The temperature sensor lumen contains a sensor lead with a Teflon(R) outside jacket that allows the lead to more easily slide within the lumen when the lumen is stretched or retracts. The sensor lead is also preferably fixed only to the distal end of the lumen so the lead will not stretch with the lumen, but would move freely within the lumen.

Abstract: A catheter with a balloon element is provided with ribs under the balloon element so as to prevent the balloon from being attached to the shaft of the catheter to an extent where the balloon is difficult to inflate. The number of ribs can be any number above 3, but 6 to 16 ribs are preferred.

Abstract: Packaging including a coiled and optionally prelubricated catheter, its distal end insertable into the urethra, a slidable hygienic sheath, a proximal catheter end for voiding urine from the distal end through the assembly to the proximal end. Mutually rotatable elements providing for withdrawal of the catheter from its coiled state to an extended state, and retraction of the catheter back to its coiled state. Methods of extending the catheter, inserting it into the urethra, and voiding urine through the catheter, without requiring complete removal from the catheter packaging. A kit including automatic extrusion of the catheter's distal end upon package opening, and a water pouch for hydrophilic lubrication, and sanitary wipes for reducing the likelihood of infection. A catheter within a flexible and optionally coiled tube, a slidable hygienic sheath covering a catheter's distal end that can move along the length of the catheter during insertion.

Abstract: A valve having a valve body with a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, and an inclined sliding surface having a longitudinal slot therein. The valve also includes a tubular member with walls defining a passageway extending through the valve body from the first end to the second end; and a slidable member mounted on the valve body and moveable between a first position and a second position. The slidable member is adapted to urge walls of the tubular member towards mutual contact when moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide an atraumatic urinary catheter. The atraumatic urinary catheter has a first tubule, a second tubule and a third tubule. The first tubule is provided with a first channel and a second channel. The first channel is wide and extended from a proximal end to a distal end of the first tubule and the first channel is open in both ends. The second tubule comprises a third channel, which is connected to a bladder cavity. The third tubule placed on the first tubule and the second tubule as a cover, to form a catheter's balloon. In order to avoid balloon explosion, the sterile water in the balloon is drained by the self-retaining mechanism of the catheter to prevent an irritation and tissue traumatization.

Abstract: A device for the in situ clearing of blockages in a tube includes a controller and a clearing member. The controller can have a housing and an actuator for generating repetitive motion. The clearing member can be releasably coupled to the controller and suitable for insertion in the tube. The tube can be at least partially disposed within a living being. The controller can be located external to the living being. The clearing member can have a first end releasably coupled to the actuator, at least one flexible section which permits axial displacement of the clearing member, and a second end suitable for repetitively engaging and disrupting the blockage. The flexible section permits the clearing member to repetitively engage and disrupt the blockage within one of a straight and a curved portion of the artificial tube.

Abstract: A wetting apparatus for medical devices that can be inserted in the human body has a film pouch comprising a first chamber for accommodating the medical device and a second chamber in which a wetting agent is disposed, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are separated from one another by a clamp attached to the outside of the film pouch. The wetting apparatus is an improvement on known devices, and facilitates a liquid-tight seal and ensures easy handling. To this end, the clamp comprises two interlocking strips between which the film pouch is enclosed, wherein one of the strips includes a groove that forms an undercut and the second strip forms a rib complementary to the groove.

Abstract: A cannula has a body with a proximal end and a distal end and a tip on the distal end. The tip has an outer wall defining a lumen opening at the end of the tip and extending to the proximal end of the cannula. The tip further comprises one or more ribs extending into the lumen to support the outer wall from kinking when the cannula is flexed. The outer wall has a inner surface defining the lumen and a plurality of non-circular apertures formed in the tip extending into the lumen. The apertures having a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis aligned in relation to a circumference of the outer wall to prevent puckering or buckling when the tip is bent. This alignment is also designed to support the outer wall from kinking when the tip is bent.

Abstract: A device and method for the removal and disposal of transected hair from the body of a patient in an operating room or other sterile location. The hand-held device is single-use, latex-free, sterile-packaged, non-conductive, fully disposable and comprises a hollow handle with a projecting wand ending in an enlarged distal tip. The other end of the hollow handle opposite the enlarged distal tip is connected to a vacuum source, such as the one readily available in most operating rooms, via flexible tubing. When the wand and the enlarged distal tip are passed over transected hair, the hair is suctioned into the hand-held device. The hand-held device includes a particulate filter to prevent the suctioned hair from entering the vacuum system, one or more internal circumferential ribs to create a turbulent flow within the handle, a reservoir to collect transected hair, and venturi apertures to regulate the suction pressure.

Abstract: A tray (100) for accommodating a coiled medical device, such as a catheter assembly (700), includes a first compartment (101), a second compartment (102), and a third compartment (103). The catheter assembly (700) and devices associated with a catheterization procedure, such as syringes (701,702) containing sterile water and lubricating jelly and a specimen container (703) can be disposed within the tray. Printed instructions (1001) can be included with the tray (100). One or more layers of wrap material (2200) can be folded about the tray (100) to enclose the tray (100) and other items, such as an additional layer of wrap material (2701), packaged liquid hand sanitizer (2401), and packaged gloves (2402). When a health care services provider (3101) unfolds the wrap material, the same can be used to create a sterile field beneath a patient (3201).