Abstract: A catheter for collecting fluid such as blood from a vessel such as a coronary sinus of a patient has an elongated, flexible tubular portion and an annular sealing member spaced from a distal end of the tubular member. A proximal end of the tubular member is adapted to be connected to a source of suction for applying suction to a collection lumen of the tubular member. The distal end is placed in a blood vessel with the sealing member spaced from opposing surface of the vessel in an absence of a suction applied to the collection lumen. Suction is applied to the collection lumen in an amount sufficient to draw blood from the vessel through the fluid inlet and into the collection lumen and further sufficient to urge the opposing surface of the vessel to migrate into sealing engagement with the sealing member.

Abstract: This document provides catheters (e.g., urinary catheters) having safety mechanisms that indicate when a distal end of the device enters an intended cavity (e.g., a human's bladder) and is properly positioned, thereby preventing inflation of a retention balloon in an unintended location (e.g., the urinary canal). For example, safety urinary catheters and methods for using and inserting such safety urinary catheters are provided.

Abstract: A catheter is described herein, having a catheter shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, a tip attached to the distal end, including first and second legs spaced apart to form a slot therebetween, the slot in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter shaft, and a bladder inflatable element positioned over an outer surface of at least one of the first and second legs.

Abstract: A urinary catheter with an improved retaining and activating feature is provided which is a safe device with reduced irritation and discomfort to a patient. The retaining mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the catheter assumes a “close” state for introduction and removal of the catheter into and from the urethral tract, and is transitioned into the “open” state when the catheter is in the bladder by mechanically manipulating the retaining mechanism through the activation mechanism. An actuating linkage wire connected between the retaining mechanism and activation mechanism controllably reciprocates in the channel of the catheter to transition the catheter between the “open” and “closed” states.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sterilized medical device including a non-polymerized blend including a silicone matrix material and a radiation resistant component.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and applying therapy or prophylaxis to wounds, in which irrigant fluid containing a physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. A biodegradable scaffold underlies the dressing on the wound bed to promote tissue growth. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing, an assembly comprising the dressing and scaffold, and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (110, 210) comprising a catheter (130, 230) and a receptacle (120, 220) is disclosed. The receptacle is arranged to accommodate at least part of said catheter and having at least one opening (123) for withdrawal of said catheter. Further, the receptacle is provided with an antimicrobial compound (301) at least in the vicinity of the opening and at least on the outer surface of the receptacle, said antimicrobial compound inhibiting microbes from being transferred to said catheter while being withdrawn through said at least one opening.

Abstract: There is provided a urination control device capable of autonomous urination by adjusting the intravesical pressure with the abdominal pressure in starting the urination to prevent urinary incontinence, variously designing the intravesical pressure in opening and closing and gaining the stability and accuracy of the operation while ensuring the control of urination by secure closing and opening operation, and preventing infection and contamination by employing a simple structure and safe constituent materials and being applied to both men and women while improving QOL of the patients.

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 50 A to about 90 A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5 A to about 49 A. 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: A urinary catheter for measuring the pressure in the bladder of a living being comprises a gas-filled measurement balloon for sensing bladder pressure which is arranged on the catheter body distally from a blocking balloon. The catheter body is locally reinforced in the region of the measurement balloon by a reinforcement ring in order to avoid effects of a local deformation of the catheter body on the measurement result. Similarly to conventional Foley catheters, the blocking balloon primarily prevents the urinary catheter from being withdrawn too far from the bladder, which is undesirable. Owing to a suitably selected distance d, which is preferably 3 cm or less, between the measurement balloon and the blocking balloon, the latter is protected from becoming trapped between a fold in the bladder.

Abstract: An urethral sealing device comprising first and second body portions selectively attacheable to one another to form a unitary element including a first catheter lumen extending therethrough between proximal and distal ends of the unitary element wherein, when the sealing device is in an operative position, the distal end is positioned within a urinary bladder and a sealing element extending radially outward from the unitary element so that, when the sealing device is in the operative position, the sealing element engages one of a wall of the urethra and a wall of the urinary bladder around an orifice at which the urethra opens into the urinary bladder to seal the urethra.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, in one aspect, a medical apparatus having a nasogastric tube with hypopharyngeal suctioning capability. In one embodiment, the medical apparatus has a flexible nasogastric tube for insertion through a patient's nose. The nasogastric tube has a first end defining a first opening, a distal, second end that defines a second opening, and a length sufficient to allow the second opening to be positioned in a patient's stomach. The medical apparatus also has a flexible oropharyngeal tube for insertion through a patient's mouth. The oropharyngeal tube has a first end and a distal, second end that defines a suction intake. The oropharyngeal tube has a length that is less than the length of the nasogastric tube and which allows the suction intake to be positioned in a patient's hypopharynx region. In another embodiment of the invention, the medical apparatus has a laryngeal mask with hypopharyngeal suctioning capability.

Abstract: Improved anastomosis devices having structural upgrades to increase ease of use while simultaneously increasing patent safety. The anastomosis device can include an introducer member having an introducer rod and an introducer cap to provide additional support to a catheter portion of the anastomosis device such that damage associated with installation of the catheter, deployment of tissue approximating structures and/or removal of the catheter can be minimized. The anastomosis device can further include a valve cap designed to constrain and reinforce a thin-walled section of a proximal funnel portion of the anastomosis device such that ballooning of the thin-walled section under the influence of a pressurized inflation fluid can be avoided during inflation as well as a time of tissue approximation and tissue healing.

Abstract: While waiting for prostate-size-reducing drugs or herbs to have an effect, it's often necessary to have a catheter, like the Foley, inserted into the bladder. Urine passing through such collects in a plastic bag which must be drained, regularly, and is awkward to carry and difficult to disguise under clothing. In lieu of a Foley, full-length self-cathetering is less awkward, but the recurring process can irritate the urethra and prostate, and increase the chance of getting cystitis. The present new catheter type has a barb-like tip to retain such inside the bladder. A urine drainage inlet is located less than an inch below the barb. The easy drainage of urine is facilitated simply by pushing the catheter upward until the inlet opening is inside the bladder. Because the required insertion distance is much reduced, there's less likelihood of there being irritation of the organs, and less likelihood of getting cystitis.

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: The various embodiments herein provide a capsular urinary catheter to manage urinary incontinence or retention in patients to prevent the Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections in patients. The urinary catheter comprising a first end adapted to be inserted into the patient's body, a second end adapted to be releasably attached to a fluid collection reservoir, a body defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, a vaginal condom segment attached to the exterior surface, a capsular segment defining a capsule in the interior surface and three one way valves arranged inside the capsular segment. Each one way valve includes at least two plates which gets separated due to a force exerted by a fluid movement, thereby causing the passage of a fluid from the first end towards the second end and prevents a fluid reflux to the body of the patients.

Abstract: A stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medical device, a stent selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft, and a coupling mechanism for selectively coupling the stent to the elongate shaft by inserting a tab on one of the stent or the elongate shaft into an opening in the other of the stent or the elongate shaft. The tab may be deflected from a first position to a second position to disengage the tab from the opening.

Abstract: An anastomosis surgical device comprising an elongate body having a drainage aperture at a distal end for communication with a proximal end of the elongate body, tissue approximating structure extendable from the elongate body and spaced proximally from the drainage aperture along the length of the elongate body. The device further includes an actuating mechanism extending from the proximal end of the elongate body and comprising at least one tissue approximating structure control mechanism, and a protective enclosure surrounding at least a portion of the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A bladder catheter for transurethral introduction into the urinary bladder by the urethrae, includes an elastic catheter shank with a fillable balloon element secured thereto and connected to a filling channel incorporated into the wall of the catheter shank. The balloon element and the catheter shank are made of polyurethane, a polyurethane-polyvinylchloride mixture or similar polyurethane-based material.

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).

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprising: a catheter having on at least part of its surface a hydrophilic surface layer intended to produce a low-friction surface character of the catheter by treatment with a wetting fluid prior to use of the catheter; a wetting fluid pouch comprising first and second layers of flexible material joined by a seal to form a sealed closure accommodating said wetting fluid; a receptacle forming a cavity for accommodation of said catheter and said wetting fluid pouch, said wetting fluid pouch being openable by compression of said wetting fluid pouch, thereby enabling the wetting fluid to be discharged into the receptacle, wherein at least one of said first and second layers of said wetting fluid pouch extends beyond the seal of the sealed closure to form an attachment area outside the sealed closure, wherein said wetting fluid pouch is attached to an inner surface of said receptacle, said attachment being provided solely between the receptacle and said attachment area.

Abstract: An improved catheter design and related methods providing for a sensor disposed within a sensor lumen to provide detection and warning of instruments placed within the proximity of various anatomical structures. The sensor lumen can extend axially the length of a drainage lumen. The sensor or sensors should be able to provide detection warnings for the entire region. The sensor will activate a visual sensor, for example, an LED, an audible sensor, for example, a siren, or similar type alert notification systems. The detecting and indicating means can generate an indicator signal indicative of the presence and/or absence of the instrument in the lumen, and generally provides feedback to the surgeon.

Abstract: An anastomosis device providing increased functionality, reliability and safety through the use of designs addressing potential puncture of an inflation balloon being used to hold and approximate tissue. The anastomosis device can include bladder retention structures configured to engage and retain tissue without pointed or sharpened surfaces that can rupture the inflation balloon. The anastomosis device can include a reinforced or otherwise protected inflation balloon to resist puncturing by a bladder retention structure. The anastomosis device can include a catheter wall profile selected to physically prevent bladder retention structures from being forcibly bent back so as to avoid potential contact with and puncture of the inflation balloon. The anastomosis device can include a catheter funnel with an internal spring for preventing kinking of the catheter lumen while providing for flexibility and stretch of the funnel to absorb pulling or shock force which can rupture the inflation balloon.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit for preparing a medical catheter from catheter sections which are short relative to the length of the catheter. The catheter is divided into two or more sections configurable into two configurations. In one configuration, the sections are joined to form a catheter of a greater length than the length of each individual section. In the other configuration, the length of the catheter is reduced. The invention also relates to a method of producing a catheter section by injection molding.

Abstract: This invention provides a modified catheter biomaterial that provides both immediate, and long-term microbiocidal effects on otherwise antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms. The material, which exhibits good mechanical performance characteristics for medical devices, is composed of a hydrophobic polyurethane (PU), a hydrophilic polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), a soluble silver salt and a sparsely-soluble silver salt. The hydrophobic polyurethane provides the good physical properties, the PEVA the hydrophilicity necessary to allow some water ingress into the catheter, the soluble silver salt for an immediate burst effect, and the sparsely-soluble silver salt for sustained-release over many months postimplantation.

Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. The appliance generally comprises a 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. The wound treatment appliance may also include a vacuum (including a suction bulb) system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay. In yet other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance may also include a suction drain, wound packing material to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into the wound packing material, a collection chamber to collect and store exudate from the wound, or combinations thereof. Finally, methods are provided for using various embodiments of the wound treatment appliance.

Abstract: A stent is designed to be placed in a lumen of a patient and extend therethrough. The stent includes a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a distal retention structure and the proximal end includes a plurality of radially extending flexible segments to prevent migration of the stent through the lumen. At least one radially extending flexible segment at the proximal end is able to assume an outwardly everted configuration. The stent of the invention, due to its dimensions, shape, and rigidity, minimizes the force of contact and abrasion to sensitive areas of the patient's body, such as the trigone region of the bladder and the ureteral-vesical junction.

Abstract: A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a manner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed comprising a catheter and a receptacle enclosing said catheter. The receptacle has a first part and a second part, which parts are foldable over each other. Further, at least one sticky adhesive area is arranged on the surface of one of the parts of the receptacle in such a way that the sticky adhesive area is covered by the other part when the receptacle is in a folded disposition, and exposed to the environment when the receptacle is in an unfolded disposition.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A Foley catheter with a retention balloon includes an elongated inflation tube so that the inflation port used to inflate and deflate the balloon may be maneuvered away from the drainage port of the Foley catheter. If the Foley catheter was placed using a urethral access sheath, the elongated inflation tube allows the surgeon to easily remove the access sheath from the patient.

Abstract: Problems associated with prostate enlargement can be negated by using the present valved catheter. Such can be inserted and removed by the user. The catheter is retained in place by a flexible, foldable tee bar attached to the valve plug, which in turn is attached to a stretchy Nylon line. To actuate the valve, the plug can be pulled out of the upper catheter simply by pulling on the distal end of the catheter, allowing urine to drain. When the user has an erection, the penis engulfs the entire valved catheter. That helps to assure that reproductive functions will not be affected.

Abstract: Systems and methods that serve to drain a bodily fluid are provided The medical device includes a lumen connecting between the proximal end and the distal end The lumen is preferably adapted to drain fluid from the distal end to the proximal end The device may also include a pressure sensitive valve adapted for insertion and placement in the lumen The pressure-sensitive valve may be pressure sensitive wherein, when pressure at the inflow port rises to a predetermined threshold, the pressure-sensitive valve opens The lumen may also be configured whereby, when pressure at the inflow port drops to a second predetermined threshold, the pressure-sensitive valve closes In some embodiments, the valve may be unidirectional and not sensitive to any substantial pressure threshold but may open at any substantially non-zero pressure applied in the appropriate direction.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to a catheter cap which seals a reservoir of a catheter introducer. The catheter cap secures over an introducer tip to prevent airflow into the introducer tip. The catheter cap utilizes an elongated stem to block a distal opening of the reservoir to further prevent airflow. A lip of the catheter cap may further engage an insertion stop point of the catheter introducer to secure the catheter cap. The catheter cap ensures proper lubrication of the introducer tip and the catheter during insertion of the catheter into the urethra of a user.

Abstract: A telescopic device comprising a first tubular element and an extension member displaceably arranged in an axial direction within the first tubular element, between at least, a first axial position wherein the extension member is displaceable within the first tubular element, where the first tubular element comprises a first coupling means and the extension member comprises a second coupling means, and in a second axial position where the first and second coupling means cooperate with each other for limiting the displacement of said extension member in at least one longitudinal direction, where the first and/or the second coupling means are provided with at least one protrusion in a radial direction of a longitudinal axis of the first tubular element and/or the extension member.

Abstract: A device and a related method for urinary catheterisation is provided. The device comprises a catheter having an elongate body provided with a distal tip, a proximal end and one or more channels extending therethrough. A guidewire for guiding the catheter upon insertion extends through one of said one or more channels. In addition, there is a lubrication port at or towards the proximal end of the elongate body for introduction of a guidewire lubrication fluid into the channel having the guidewire extending therethrough. Also provided is a device and related method for urinary stricture dilatation, as well as kits for urinary catheterisation and urinary stricture dilatation.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating on at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube which may be surrounded by a sleeve. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package with 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. The catheter assembly is ready to use due to exposure of the hydrophilic coating to a vapor produced by the vapor donating liquid.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided. The catheter assembly includes a urinary catheter adapted for insertion into a urethra and a catheter package sized to receive the urinary catheter. The urinary catheter is configured to project from the catheter package to accommodate insertion into the urethra.

Abstract: A gripping device for a catheter assembly is disclosed providing enhanced gripping power for the operator of the catheter assembly. The gripping device is situated at the proximal portion of the catheter assembly and the proximal terminus of an external catheter sheath is attached near or to the body of the gripping device.

Abstract: A connecting device for a catheter assembly is disclosed allowing a user to connect a catheter assembly to an adhesive pad which is then capable of anchoring the catheter assembly to a patient's leg. The connecting device may have an introducer body with an extension body and an attachment mechanism. The connecting device can be rotated along with or within a collar in a circular manner in order to facilitate the making of the connection with the adhesive pad. Additionally, the connecting device may contain an enlarged portion to enhance operability.

Abstract: A catheter assembly with a catheter and a package for a catheter are provided. The package and catheter is provided with a seal that restricts passage of fluid between the package and the catheter. The assembly allows the catheter to be used without complete removal from the package. During urination, the assembly prevents the flow of urine from the outlet of the catheter and back through the package in a direction towards the user of the catheter. The seal allows the catheter to be dispensed from the package while the sealing is maintained and the assembly thus allows non-contaminated insertion and use of the catheter while the catheter is partly maintained in the package.

Abstract: The present invention provides a urethral catheter 200 adapted for anastomosis following radical prostatectomy, comprising an inflated activating balloon 60 adapted for concurrently (i) pressing said-bladder neck 140 to saidurethra stub 120; (ii) effectively stretching suture 90; (iii) activating locks 80 that non-reversibly catch saidsutures 90; and (iv) cutting saiddistal portion thereof.

Abstract: A catheter structure equipped with an adjustable self locating device comprises a flexible tube which has one end intended to be introduced into the cavity to be evacuated and provided with a hole. A duct associated with the flexible tube connects a diametral chamber to means for supplying and controlled discharging of a pressurised fluid. The diametral chamber consists of a circular rim portion concentric with the flexible tube and defined by a membrane which forms a single surface zone of said flexible tube without diametral chamber, in which said hole is formed.

Abstract: A cavity (3) such as the urethra of a patient is lined by providing a lining device that comprises an eversible chamber (12) and a liner (16) connected thereto. Fluid pressure is applied to the chamber (12) to cause the chamber (12) to evert and advance into the cavity (3) such that the chamber (12) carries the liner (16) into the cavity. A vacuum is then applied to the chamber (12) to cause it to deflate. A part, such as a catheter or cable, can then be inserted into the cavity through the liner (16). If the cavity is the urethra of a patient, the liner shields the catheter from the distal part (1) of the urethra which is colonised with bacteria, and therefore reduces the risk of a urinary tract infection.

Abstract: An indwelling balloon catheter for an endoscope is provided with a flexible tube including a first lumen and a second lumen, the first lumen and the second lumen being arranged in parallel with each other and extending in an axial direction of the flexible tube over an entire length thereof, and a connector provided with a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe which protrude from a body of the connector, protruded portions of the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe being configured to be removably inserted into the first lumen and the second lumen, respectively. A cross sectional shape of the first lumen is a non-circular shape, a cross sectional shape of the first connecting pipe corresponding to the cross sectional shape of the first lumen. The first connecting pipe protrudes longer from the connector than the second connecting pipe.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for a catheterization process, particularly useful for self-performed catheterizations. A catheter is enclosed in a sheath made from a gas-permeable material. This sheath maximizes gas permeability to prevent air build-up at the distal end of the sheath, resulting in easy self-catheterization for even those with limited manual dexterity.

Abstract: The present application relates to a urinary catheter movement system for use with a urinary catheter located within an interior volume of a urinary catheter pouch. The system can include a catheter movement controller configured to selectively control longitudinal movement of the catheter relative to a port in the pouch. The system further can include a gripper assembly configured for gripping the catheter located within the interior volume of the urinary catheter pouch.

Abstract: A medical article, such as a catheter, is formed from a blend of polyurethane and synthetic polyisoprene (SPIR). The blended medical article is preferably selected and prepared to be relatively rigid at room temperature and relatively flexible at body temperature. An intermittent catheter made from the blend provides a degree of stiffness for its insertion into the patient at room temperature. The catheter becomes softer, and therefore more comfortable, at warmer temperatures (e.g., body temperature) which reduce discomfort after insertion. Optionally, the catheter or a portion thereof can have a hydrophilic coating as to avoid the need for external lubricants. Advantageously, the blended catheter can meet the stiffness, tensile strength, and coefficient of friction requirements of intermittent catheterization applications while avoiding the risk of toxic or allergic reactions in sensitive users.

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: According to an aspect of the invention, urological medical devices are provided, which comprise a prostatically beneficial agent selected from alpha-adrenergic blockers, antispasmodic agents, anticholinergic/antimuscarinic agents, calcium channel blockers, anti-inflammatory agents, hormone affecting agents, anti-cancer agents, and combinations thereof, among others. The urological medical devices are adapted for implantation or insertion into a subject's urinary tract, whereupon at least a portion of the prostatically beneficial agent is released into the subject's prostatic urethra. The release profile of the prostatically beneficial agent is effective to treat a prostatic disorder, for example, benign prostate hypertrophy, prostate cancer or prostatitis, among others. Other aspects of the invention are directed to treating prostatic disorders.