EP3615125A1 - Systeme, kits und verfahren zur erzeugung von negativem druck zur erhöhung der nierenfunktion - Google Patents

Systeme, kits und verfahren zur erzeugung von negativem druck zur erhöhung der nierenfunktion

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Publication number
EP3615125A1
EP3615125A1 EP18791301.7A EP18791301A EP3615125A1 EP 3615125 A1 EP3615125 A1 EP 3615125A1 EP 18791301 A EP18791301 A EP 18791301A EP 3615125 A1 EP3615125 A1 EP 3615125A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bladder
catheter
patient
ureteral
fluid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP18791301.7A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3615125A4 (de
Inventor
John R. Ii Erbey
Jacob L. UPPERCO
David E. Orr
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Strataca Systems Ltd
Original Assignee
Strataca Systems Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US15/687,083 external-priority patent/US10926062B2/en
Priority claimed from US15/687,064 external-priority patent/US10765834B2/en
Application filed by Strataca Systems Ltd filed Critical Strataca Systems Ltd
Publication of EP3615125A1 publication Critical patent/EP3615125A1/de
Publication of EP3615125A4 publication Critical patent/EP3615125A4/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
    • A61M25/0017—Catheters; Hollow probes specially adapted for long-term hygiene care, e.g. urethral or indwelling catheters to prevent infections
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M27/00—Drainage appliance for wounds or the like, i.e. wound drains, implanted drains
    • A61M27/002—Implant devices for drainage of body fluids from one part of the body to another
    • A61M27/008—Implant devices for drainage of body fluids from one part of the body to another pre-shaped, for use in the urethral or ureteral tract
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/04—Hollow or tubular parts of organs, e.g. bladders, tracheae, bronchi or bile ducts
    • A61F2002/047—Urethrae
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/71—Suction drainage systems
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/71—Suction drainage systems
    • A61M1/73—Suction drainage systems comprising sensors or indicators for physical values
    • A61M1/732—Visual indicating means for vacuum pressure
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/71—Suction drainage systems
    • A61M1/78—Means for preventing overflow or contamination of the pumping systems
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/84—Drainage tubes; Aspiration tips
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/84—Drainage tubes; Aspiration tips
    • A61M1/87—Details of the aspiration tip, not otherwise provided for
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2210/00—Anatomical parts of the body
    • A61M2210/10—Trunk
    • A61M2210/1078—Urinary tract
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2210/00—Anatomical parts of the body
    • A61M2210/10—Trunk
    • A61M2210/1078—Urinary tract
    • A61M2210/1082—Kidney
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2210/00—Anatomical parts of the body
    • A61M2210/10—Trunk
    • A61M2210/1078—Urinary tract
    • A61M2210/1085—Bladder
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
    • A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
    • A61M25/02—Holding devices, e.g. on the body
    • A61M25/04—Holding devices, e.g. on the body in the body, e.g. expansible

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to methods and devices for treating impaired renal function across a variety of disease states and, in particular, to methods for removing fluid (e.g., urine) from a patient by using, for example, a combination of ureteral stent(s) and/or ureteral catheter(s) and a bladder catheter by applying negative pressure through the bladder catheter.
  • fluid e.g., urine
  • the renal or urinary system includes a pair of kidneys, each kidney being connected by a ureter to the bladder, and a urethra for draining fluid or urine produced by the kidneys from the bladder.
  • the kidneys perform several vital functions for the human body including, for example, filtering the blood to eliminate waste in the form of urine.
  • the kidneys also regulate electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium and calcium) and metabolites, blood volume, blood pressure, blood pH, fluid volume, production of red blood cells, and bone metabolism. Adequate understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the kidneys is useful for understanding the impact that altered hemodynamics other fluid overload conditions have on their function.
  • the two kidneys are located retroperitoneally in the abdominal cavity.
  • the kidneys are bean-shaped encapsulated organs.
  • Urine is formed by nephrons, the functional unit of the kidney, and then flows through a system of converging tubules called collecting ducts.
  • the collecting ducts join together to form minor calyces, then major calyces, which ultimately join near the concave portion of the kidney (renal pelvis).
  • a major function of the renal pelvis is to direct urine flow to the ureter.
  • Urine flows from the renal pelvis into the ureter, a tube-like structure that carries the urine from the kidneys into the bladder.
  • the outer layer of the kidney is called the cortex, and is a rigid fibrous encapsulation.
  • the interior of the kidney is called the medulla.
  • the medulla structures are arranged in pyramids.
  • Each kidney is made up of approximately one million nephrons.
  • Each nephron includes the glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, and tubules.
  • the tubules include the proximal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle, the distal convoluted tubule, and the collecting duct.
  • the nephrons contained in the cortex layer of the kidney are distinct from the anatomy of those contained in the medulla. The principal difference is the length of the loop of Henle. Medullary nephrons contain a longer loop of Henle, which, under normal circumstances, allows greater regulation of water and sodium reabsorption than in the cortex nephrons.
  • the glomerulus is the beginning of the nephron, and is responsible for the initial filtration of blood.
  • Afferent arterioles pass blood into the glomerular capillaries, where hydrostatic pressure pushes water and solutes into Bowman's capsule.
  • Net filtration pressure is expressed as the hydrostatic pressure in the afferent arteriole minus the hydrostatic pressure in Bowman's space minus the osmotic pressure in the efferent arteriole.
  • Equation 1 The magnitude of this net filtration pressure defined by Equation 1 determines how much ultra-filtrate is formed in Bowman's space and delivered to the tubules. The remaining blood exits the glomerulus via the efferent arteriole. Normal glomerular filtration, or delivery of ultra-filtrate into the tubules, is about 90 ml/min/1.73m 2 .
  • the glomerulus has a three-layer filtration structure, which includes the vascular endothelium, a glomerular basement membrane, and podocytes. Normally, large proteins such as albumin and red blood cells, are not filtered into Bowman's space. However, elevated glomerular pressures and mesangial expansion create surface area changes on the basement membrane and larger fenestrations between the podocytes allowing larger proteins to pass into Bowman's space.
  • Ultra-filtrate collected in Bowman's space is delivered first to the proximal convoluted tubule. Re-absorption and secretion of water and solutes in the tubules is performed by a mix of active transport channels and passive pressure gradients.
  • the proximal convoluted tubules normally reabsorb a majority of the sodium chloride and water, and nearly all glucose and amino acids that were filtered by the glomerulus.
  • the loop of Henle has two components that are designed to concentrate wastes in the urine. The descending limb is highly water permeable and reabsorbs most of the remaining water.
  • the ascending limb reabsorbs 25% of the remaining sodium chloride, creating a concentrated urine, for example, in terms of urea and creatinine.
  • the distal convoluted tubule normally reabsorbs a small proportion of sodium chloride, and the osmotic gradient creates conditions for the water to follow.
  • Venous congestion can lead to a prerenal form of acute kidney injury (AKI).
  • Prerenal AKI is due to a loss of perfusion (or loss of blood flow) through the kidney.
  • Many clinicians focus on the lack of flow into the kidney due to shock.
  • a lack of blood flow out of the organ due to venous congestion can be a clinically important sustaining injury. See Damman K, Importance of venous congestion for worsening renal function in advanced decompensated heart failure, JACC 17:589-96, 2009 (hereinafter "Damman").
  • Prerenal AKI occurs across a wide variety of diagnoses requiring critical care admissions. The most prominent admissions are for sepsis and Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF). Additional admissions include cardiovascular surgery, general surgery, cirrhosis, trauma, burns, and pancreatitis. While there is wide clinical variability in the presentation of these disease states, a common denominator is an elevated central venous pressure. In the case of ADHF, the elevated central venous pressure caused by heart failure leads to pulmonary edema, and, subsequently, dyspnea in turn precipitating the admission. In the case of sepsis, the elevated central venous pressure is largely a result of aggressive fluid resuscitation. Whether the primary insult was low perfusion due to hypovolemia or sodium and fluid retention, the sustaining injury is the venous congestion resulting in inadequate perfusion.
  • Hypertension is another widely recognized state that creates perturbations within the active and passive transport systems of the kidney(s). Hypertension directly impacts afferent arteriole pressure and results in a proportional increase in net filtration pressure within the glomerulus. The increased filtration fraction also elevates the peritubular capillary pressure, which stimulates sodium and water re- absorption. See Verbrugge.
  • the kidney is an encapsulated organ, it is sensitive to pressure changes in the medullary pyramids. The elevated renal venous pressure creates congestion that leads to a rise in the interstitial pressures. The elevated interstitial pressures exert forces upon both the glomerulus and tubules. See Verbrugge.
  • a method for removing fluid (e.g., urine) from a patient comprising: deploying a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter into a ureter of a patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient; deploying a bladder catheter into the bladder of the patient, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and applying negative pressure to the proximal end of the bladder catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient to remove fluid from the patient.
  • fluid e.g., urine
  • a system for removing fluid from a patient comprising: a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter for maintaining patency of fluid flow between at least one of a kidney and a bladder of the patient; a bladder catheter comprising a drainage lumen for draining fluid from the bladder of the patient; and a pump in fluid communication with a distal end of the drainage lumen, the pump comprising a controller configured to actuate the pump to apply negative pressure to the proximal end of the catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient to remove fluid from the patient.
  • a kit for removing fluid from a patient comprising: a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter comprising a drainage channel for facilitating flow of fluid from the ureter and/or kidney through the drainage channel of the ureteral stent towards the bladder of the patient; and a pump comprising a controller configured to induce a negative pressure in at least one of the ureter, kidney or bladder of the patient to draw urine through a drainage lumen of a catheter deployed in the patient's bladder.
  • a kit comprising: a plurality of disposable bladder catheters, each bladder catheter comprising a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and a retention portion extending radially outward from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, and being configured to be extended into a deployed position in which a diameter of the retention portion is greater than a diameter of the drainage lumen portion; instructions for deploying the bladder catheter; and instructions for connecting the proximal end of the bladder catheter to a pump and for operating the pump to draw urine through the drainage lumen of the bladder catheter.
  • a method for preserving renal function by application of negative pressure to decrease interstitial pressure within tubules of the medullar region to facilitate urine output and to prevent venous congestion-induced nephron hypoxia in the medulla of the kidney comprising: deploying a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter into a ureter of a patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient; deploying a bladder catheter into the bladder of the patient, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and applying negative pressure to the proximal end of the bladder catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient for a predetermined period of time to remove fluid from the patient.
  • a method for removing fluid from a patient comprising: deploying a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter into a ureter of a patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient; deploying a bladder catheter into the bladder of the patient, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and applying negative pressure to the proximal end of the bladder catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient to remove fluid from the patient.
  • Clause 2 The method of clause 1, further comprising deploying a second ureteral stent or second ureteral catheter into a second ureter of the patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a second kidney and the bladder of the patient.
  • the ureteral catheter comprises a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, a distal end configured to be positioned in at least one of the patient's ureter, renal pelvis or kidney, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and a retention portion extending radially outward from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, and being configured to be extended into a deployed position in which a diameter of the retention portion is greater than a diameter of the drainage lumen portion.
  • Clause 4 The method of any of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the ureteral catheter comprises a tube defining a drainage lumen and comprising a helical retention portion comprising a helical arrangement with multiple coils when deployed and a plurality of drainage ports.
  • Clause 5 The method of clause 4, wherein deploying the ureteral catheter comprises expanding the helical retention portion at a fluid collection position in at least one of the patient's ureter, renal pelvis or kidney for receiving urine or fluid from the kidney.
  • the ureteral catheter comprises: a drainage lumen comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion configured to be positioned in at least one of a portion of a patient's ureter adjacent to the renal pelvis, renal pelvis or kidney, the distal portion comprising a coiled retention portion, the coiled retention portion comprising: at least a first coil having a first diameter; at least a second coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter; and one or more perforations on a sidewall of the coiled retention portion of the distal portion of the drainage lumen for permitting fluid flow into the drainage lumen, wherein the proximal portion of the drainage lumen is essentially free of or free of perforations.
  • the second coil is closer to an end of the distal portion of the drainage lumen than is the first coil. In some embodiments, the second coil is closer to an end of the proximal portion of the drainage
  • Clause 7 The method of any of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the ureteral stent comprises an elongated body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and at least one drainage channel that extends along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient.
  • Clause 11 The method of clause 7, wherein the at least one drainage channel is partially open along at least a longitudinal portion thereof.
  • Clause 12 The method of clause 7, wherein the at least one drainage channel is closed along at least a longitudinal portion thereof.
  • Clause 13 The method of clause 7, wherein the at least one drainage channel is closed along the longitudinal length thereof.
  • the ureteral stent comprises: an elongated body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines a transformable bore that extends along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end; wherein the transformable bore comprises: (a) a default orientation comprising an open bore defining a longitudinally open channel; and (b) a second orientation comprising an at least essentially closed bore or closed bore defining a longitudinally essentially closed drainage channel along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, wherein the transformable bore is moveable from the default orientation to the second orientation upon radial compression forces being applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of the body.
  • at least two fins project radially away from the outer surface of the body.
  • Clause 20 The method of clause 19, wherein the diameter is reduced by up to about 40% upon the transformable bore moving from the default orientation to the second orientation.
  • Clause 21 The method of clause 18, wherein the elongated body further comprises at least two fins comprise a flexible material that is soft to medium soft based on the Shore hardness scale, and wherein the body comprises a flexible material that is medium hard to hard based on the Shore hardness scale.
  • Clause 22 The method of clause 21, wherein the at least two fins have a durometer between about 15 A to about 40 A and the body has a durometer between about 80A to about 90 A.
  • Clause 23 The method of clause 18, wherein the the elongated body further comprises at least two fins and the body comprises a flexible material that is medium soft to medium hard based on the Shore hardness scale.
  • Clause 24 The method of clause 23, wherein the at least two fins and the body have a durometer between about 40 A to about 70 A.
  • Clause 25 The method of clause 18, wherein the elongated body further comprises at least two fins and the body comprises a flexible material that is medium hard to hard based on the Shore hardness scale.
  • Clause 26 The method of clause 25, wherein the at least two fins and the body have a durometer between about 85 A to about 90 A.
  • Clause 27 The method of any of clauses 18 to 26, wherein the default orientation and the second orientation support fluid flow around the outer surface of the stent in addition to through the transformable bore.
  • Clause 28 The method of clause 18, wherein the at least two fins extend longitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end.
  • Clause 29 The method of any of clauses 18 to 28, wherein the outer surface of the body has a diameter of about 0.036 inches.
  • Clause 30 The method of any of clauses 18 to 29, wherein the inner surface of the body has a diameter of about 0.024 inches.
  • each of the at least two fins has a tip that is about 0.040 inches from the longitudinal axis.
  • Clause 32 The method of any of clauses 18 to 31, wherein the radial compression forces are provided by at least one of normal ureter physiology, abnormal ureter physiology, or application of any external force.
  • the ureteral stent purposefully adapts to a dynamic ureteral environment
  • the ureteral stent comprising: an elongated body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines a transformable bore that extends along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end; wherein the transformable bore comprises: (a) a default orientation comprising an open bore defining a longitudinally open channel; and (b) a second orientation comprising an at least essentially closed bore defining a longitudinally essentially closed channel, wherein the transformable bore is moveable from the default orientation to the second orientation upon radial compression forces being applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of the body, wherein the inner surface of the body has a diameter which is reduced upon the transformable bore moving from the default orientation to the second orientation, wherein the diameter is reducible up to the
  • Clause 35 The method of clause 34, wherein the diameter is reduced by up to about 40% upon the transformable bore moving from the default orientation to the second orientation.
  • Clause 36 The method of any of clauses 34 or 35, wherein the body comprises a flexible material that is medium hard to hard based on the Shore hardness scale.
  • Clause 37 The method of clause 36, wherein the body has a durometer between about 80 A to about 90 A.
  • Clause 38 The method of clause 36, wherein the body has a durometer between about 85 A to about 90 A.
  • Clause 39 The method of any of clauses 34 or 36, wherein the body comprises a flexible material that is medium soft to medium hard based on the Shore hardness scale.
  • Clause 40 The method of clause 39, wherein body has a durometer between about 40 A to about 70 A.
  • Clause 42 The method of any of clauses 1 to 41, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and a retention portion extending radially outward from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, and being configured to be extended into a deployed position in which a diameter of the retention portion is greater than a diameter of the drainage lumen portion.
  • Clause 43 The method of any of clauses 1 to 42, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a tube defining a drainage lumen and comprising a helical retention portion comprising a helical arrangement with multiple coils when deployed and a plurality of drainage ports.
  • Clause 44 The method of clause 43, wherein deploying the bladder catheter comprises expanding the helical retention portion at a fluid collection position in the patient's bladder for receiving urine which passes through the ureter and/or ureteral stent and enters the bladder.
  • Clause 45 The method of any of clauses 1 to 44, wherein the ureteral stent or ureteral catheter is deployed and remains in the patient's body for at least 24 hours.
  • Clause 46 The method of any of clauses 1 to 45, wherein the ureteral stent or ureteral catheter is deployed and remains in the patient's body for at least 30 days or longer.
  • Clause 47 The method of any of clauses 1 to 46, wherein the bladder catheter is replaced more often that the ureteral stent or ureteral catheter.
  • Clause 48 The method of any of clauses 1 to 47, wherein multiple bladder catheters are sequentially placed and removed during the indwell time for a single ureteral stent or ureteral catheter.
  • Clause 49 The method of clause 2, wherein multiple bladder catheters are placed and removed during the indwell time for a single set of ureteral stents or ureteral catheters.
  • Clause 50 The method of any of clauses 1 to 49, wherein an urologist or other physician places the ureteral stent(s) or ureteral catheter(s) in the patient.
  • Clause 51 The method of any of clauses 1 to 49, wherein a physician, nurse, caregiver or patient places the bladder catheter(s) in the patient at home or in any healthcare setting.
  • Clause 52 The method of any of clauses 1 to 51, wherein negative pressure is applied each evening for a predetermined number of evenings, and optionally the bladder catheter is replaced each evening before application of negative pressure.
  • Clause 53 The method of any of clauses 1 to 52, wherein removing excess fluid from the patient is provided as one of a treatment for systemic fluid volume management associated with chronic edematous, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and/or acute heart failure.
  • Clause 54 The method of clause 53, further comprising: periodically measuring the patient's weight; and if the measured weight is less than a predetermined threshold value, ceasing the application of the negative pressure to the urinary tract.
  • Clause 55 The method of clause 54, wherein the predetermined threshold value is a dry weight of the patient.
  • a system for removing fluid from a patient comprising: a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter for maintaining patency of fluid flow between at least one of a kidney and a bladder of the patient; a bladder catheter comprising a drainage lumen for draining fluid from the bladder of the patient; and a pump in fluid communication with a distal end of the drainage lumen, the pump comprising a controller configured to actuate the pump to apply negative pressure to the proximal end of the catheter to induce negative pressure in at least a portion of the urinary tract of the patient to remove fluid from the patient
  • Clause 57 The system of clause 56, further comprising one or more physiological sensors associated with the patient, the physiological sensors being configured to provide information representative of at least one physical parameter to the controller.
  • Clause 58 The system of clause 57, wherein the one or more physiological sensors comprise an analyte and/or capacitance sensor associated with an extracorporeal blood system associated with the patient.
  • Clause 61 The system of any of clauses 56 to 60, wherein the pump provides a sensitivity of about 10 mmHg or less.
  • Clause 62 The system of any of clauses 56 to 61, wherein the controller is configured to cause the pump to alternate between providing negative pressure and providing positive pressure.
  • Clause 63 The system of clause 62, wherein the negative pressure is provided within a range of about 0.1 mmHg to about 150 mmHg, and wherein the positive pressure is provided within a range of about 5 mmHg to about 20 mmHg.
  • Clause 64 The system of clause 56, wherein excess fluid is provided to the patient during a fluid resuscitation procedure.
  • kits for removing fluid from a patient comprising: a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter comprising a drainage channel for facilitating flow of fluid from the ureter and/or kidney through the drainage channel of the ureteral stent or ureteral catheter towards the bladder of the patient; and a pump comprising a controller configured to induce a negative pressure in at least one of the ureter, kidney or bladder of the patient to draw fluid through a drainage lumen of a catheter deployed in the patient's bladder.
  • Clause 66 The kit according to clause 65, further comprising a bladder catheter.
  • Clause 67 The kit according to clause 66, further comprising instructions for inserting a ureteral stent, a bladder catheter, and operating the pump to draw urine through a drainage lumen of a catheter deployed the patient' s bladder.
  • Clause 68 Clause 68.
  • a kit comprising: a plurality of disposable bladder catheters, each bladder catheter comprising a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and a retention portion extending radially outward from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, and being configured to be extended into a deployed position in which a diameter of the retention portion is greater than a diameter of the drainage lumen portion; instructions for deploying the bladder catheter; and instructions for connecting the proximal end of the bladder catheter to a pump and for operating the pump to draw fluid through the drainage lumen of the bladder catheter.
  • a method for preserving renal function by application of negative pressure to decrease interstitial pressure within tubules of the medullar region to facilitate urine output and to prevent venous congestion-induced nephron hypoxia in the medulla of the kidney comprising: deploying a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter into a ureter or kidney of a patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient; deploying a bladder catheter into the bladder of the patient, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and applying negative pressure to the proximal end of the bladder catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient for a predetermined period of time to remove fluid from the urinary tract of the patient.
  • FIG. 1A is a schematic drawing of an indwelling portion of a system comprising a ureteral stent and a bladder catheter deployed in a urinary tract of a patient, according to an example of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of an indwelling portion of a system comprising a ureteral catheter and a bladder catheter deployed in a urinary tract of a patient, according to an example of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a dimetric view of an example of a prior art transformable ureteral stent according to FIG. 1 of PCT Patent Application Publication WO 2017/019974, wherein the image on the left represents the uncompressed state of the stent and the image on the right represents the compressed state of the stent;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a prior art ureteral stent according to FIG.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a prior art ureteral stent according to FIG.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example of a prior art ureteral stent according to FIG. 7 of US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0183853 Al.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of another example of an indwelling portion of a system comprising a ureteral catheter and a bladder catheter deployed in a urinary tract of a patient, according to an example of the present invention
  • FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an exemplary catheter according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8B is a front view of the catheter of FIG. 8A;
  • FIG. 9A is a schematic drawing of an example of a retention portion for a catheter according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9B is a schematic drawing of another example of a retention portion for a catheter according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9C is a schematic drawing of another example of a retention portion for a catheter according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9D is a schematic drawing of another example of a retention portion for a catheter according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9E is a schematic drawing of another example of a retention portion for a catheter according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a front view of another example of a catheter according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the retention portion of the catheter of FIG. 10 enclosed by circle 10A according to an example of the present invention
  • FIG. 10B is a front view of the retention portion of FIG. 10A according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. IOC is a rear view of the retention portion of FIG. 10A according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10D is a top view of the retention portion of FIG. 10A according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10E is a cross sectional view of the retention portion of FIG. 10A taken along line 30E-30E according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing of a retention portion of a catheter in a constrained or linear position according to an example of the disclosure
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic drawing of another example of a retention portion of a catheter in a constrained or linear position according to an example of the disclosure
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing of another example of a retention portion of a ureteral catheter in a constrained or linear position according to an example of the disclosure
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic drawing of another example of a retention portion of a catheter in a constrained or linear position according to an example of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 15A is a graph showing a percentage of fluid flow through openings of an exemplary catheter as a function of position according to an example of the disclosure
  • FIG. 15B is a graph showing a percentage of fluid flow through openings of another exemplary catheter as a function of position according to an example of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 15C is a graph showing a percentage of fluid flow through openings of another exemplary catheter as a function of position according to an example of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing of a retention portion of a catheter showing stations for calculating fluid flow coefficients for a mass transfer balance evaluation according to an example of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 17 is a schematic drawing of an indwelling portion of a system deployed in a urinary tract of a patient, according to another example of the present invention
  • FIG. 18A is side elevational view of a retention portion of a catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 18B is cross-sectional view of the retention portion of the catheter of FIG. 18A taken along lines B-B of FIG. 18 A;
  • FIG. 18C is a top plan view of the retention portion of the catheter of FIG. 18A taken along lines C-C of Fig. 18A;
  • FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a retention portion of another ureteral catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 22B is a top plan view of the retention portion of the catheter of FIG. 22A taken along lines B-B of FIG. 22A;
  • FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 23B is a top plan view of the retention portion of the catheter of FIG. 23A taken along lines B-B of FIG. 23A;
  • FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 28A is a perspective view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 28B is a top plan view of the retention portion of the catheter of FIG. 28A;
  • FIG. 29A is a perspective view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 29B is a top plan view of the retention portion of the catheter of FIG. 29A;
  • FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the retention portion of the catheter of FIG. 30;
  • FIG. 32A is a perspective view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 32B is a top plan view of the retention portion of the catheter of FIG. 32A;
  • FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 35A is a perspective view of a retention portion of another catheter according to an example of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 35B is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the retention portion of the catheter of FIG. 35A taken along lines B-B of FIG. 35A;
  • FIG. 36 is a side elevational view showing a cut away cross- sectional view of the sheath surrounding a catheter according to an example of the present disclosure in a contracted configuration for insertion into a patient' s ureter
  • FIG.37A is a schematic drawing of another example of a retention portion for a catheter according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 37B is a schematic drawing of a cross-sectional view of a portion of the retention portion of FIG. 37A, taken along lines B-B of FIG. 37A;
  • FIG. 38A is a schematic drawing of another example of a retention portion for a catheter according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 38B is a schematic drawing of a portion of a cross-sectional view of the retention portion of FIG. 5A, taken along lines B-B of FIG. 38A;
  • FIG. 39 is a schematic drawing of another example of a retention portion for a catheter according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 40 is a schematic drawing of a cross section of another example of a retention portion for a catheter according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 41 is a schematic drawing of another example of a retention portion for a catheter according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 42A is a flow chart illustrating a process for insertion and deployment of a system according to an example of the present invention
  • FIG. 42B is a flow chart illustrating a process for applying negative pressure using a system according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 43 is a schematic drawing of a nephron and surrounding vasculature showing a position of the capillary bed and convoluted tubules.
  • FIG. 44 is a schematic drawing of a system for inducing negative pressure to the urinary tract of a patient according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 45A is a plan view of a pump for use with the system of FIG. 44 according to an example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 45B is a side elevation view of the pump of FIG. 45A;
  • FIG. 46 is a schematic drawing of an experimental set-up for evaluating negative pressure therapy in a swine model
  • FIG. 47 is a graph of creatinine clearance rates for tests conducted using the experimental set-up shown in FIG. 21;
  • FIG. 48A is a low magnification photomicrograph of kidney tissue from a congested kidney treated with negative pressure therapy
  • FIG. 48B is a high magnification photomicrograph of the kidney tissue shown in FIG. 48A;
  • FIG. 48C is a low magnification photomicrograph of kidney tissue from a congested and untreated (e.g., control) kidney;
  • FIG. 48D is a high magnification photomicrograph of the kidney tissue shown in FIG. 23C
  • FIG. 49 is a flow chart illustrating a process for reducing creatinine and/or protein levels of a patient according to an example of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 50 is a flow chart illustrating a process for treating a patient undergoing fluid resuscitation according to an example of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 51 is a graph of serum albumin relative to baseline for tests conduct on swine using the experimental method described herein.
  • proximal refers to the portion of the catheter device that is manipulated or contacted by a user and/or to a portion of an indwelling catheter nearest to the urinary tract access site.
  • distal refers to the opposite end of the catheter device that is configured to be inserted into a patient and/or to the portion of the device that is inserted farthest into the patient's urinary tract.
  • a range of "1 to 10" is intended to include any and all sub-ranges between and including the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and ending with a maximum value equal to or less than 10, and all subranges in between, e.g., 1 to 6.3, or 5.5 to 10, or 2.7 to 6.1.
  • the terms "communication” and "communicate” refer to the receipt or transfer of one or more signals, messages, commands, or other type of data.
  • one unit or component to be in communication with another unit or component means that the one unit or component is able to directly or indirectly receive data from and/or transmit data to the other unit or component. This can refer to a direct or indirect connection that can be wired and/or wireless in nature.
  • two units or components can be in communication with each other even though the data transmitted can be modified, processed, routed, and the like, between the first and second unit or component.
  • a first unit can be in communication with a second unit even though the first unit passively receives data, and does not actively transmit data to the second unit.
  • a first unit can be in communication with a second unit if an intermediary unit processes data from one unit and transmits processed data to the second unit. It will be appreciated that numerous other arrangements are possible.
  • ureter As used herein, "maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient” means establishing, increasing or maintaining flow of fluid, such as urine, from the kidneys through the ureter(s), ureteral stent(s) and/or ureteral catheter(s) to the bladder.
  • fluid means urine and any other fluid from the urinary tract.
  • the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for facilitating drainage of urine or waste from the bladder, ureter, and/or kidney(s) of a patient. In some examples, the present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for inducing a negative pressure in the bladder, ureter, and/or kidney(s) of a patient.
  • Fluid retention and venous congestion are also central problems in the progression of prerenal Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
  • AKI can be related to loss of perfusion or blood flow through the kidney(s).
  • the present invention facilitates improved renal hemodynamics and increases urine output for the purpose of relieving or reducing venous congestion.
  • treatment and/or inhibition of AKI positively impacts and/or reduces the occurrence of other conditions, for example, reduction or inhibition of worsening renal function in patients with NYHA Class III and/or Class IV heart failure.
  • the urinary tract comprises a patient's right kidney 2 and left kidney 4.
  • the kidneys 2, 4 are responsible for blood filtration and clearance of waste compounds from the body through urine.
  • Urine produced by the right kidney 2 and the left kidney 4 is drained into a patient's bladder 10 through tubules, namely a right ureter 6 and a left ureter 8.
  • urine may be conducted through the ureters 6, 8 by peristalsis of the ureter walls, as well as by gravity.
  • the ureters 6, 8 enter the bladder 10 through a ureter orifice or opening 16.
  • the bladder 10 is a flexible and substantially hollow structure adapted to collect urine until the urine is excreted from the body.
  • the bladder 10 is transitionable from an empty position (signified by reference line E) to a full position (signified by reference line F).
  • the bladder superior wall 70 can be positioned adjacent to and/or conform to the periphery 72 of the distal end 136 of the bladder catheter 56, 116.
  • urine is permitted to drain from the bladder 10 to a urethra 12 through a urethral sphincter or opening 18 located at a lower portion of the bladder 10.
  • Contraction of the bladder 10 can be responsive to stresses and pressure exerted on a trigone region 14 of the bladder 10, which is the triangular region extending between the ureteral openings 16 and the urethral opening 18.
  • the trigone region 14 is sensitive to stress and pressure, such that as the bladder 10 begins to fill, pressure on the trigone region 14 increases. When a threshold pressure on the trigone region 14 is exceeded, the bladder 10 begins to contract to expel collected urine through the urethra 12.
  • methods and systems 50, 100 are provided for removing fluid (such as urine) from a patient, the method comprising: deploying a ureteral stent 52, 54 (shown in FIG. 1) or ureteral catheter 112, 114 (shown in FIGS.
  • a bladder catheter 56, 116 into the bladder 10 of the patient, wherein the bladder catheter 56, 116 comprises a distal end 136 configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder 10, a drainage lumen portion 140 having a proximal end 117, and a sidewall 119 extending therebetween; and applying negative pressure to the proximal end 117 of the bladder catheter 56, 116 to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient to remove fluid from the patient.
  • the method further comprises deploying a second ureteral stent or second ureteral catheter into a second ureter or kidney of the patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a second kidney and the bladder of the patient.
  • a second ureteral stent or second ureteral catheter into a second ureter or kidney of the patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a second kidney and the bladder of the patient.
  • the urinary system is composed of highly pliable tissues that are easily deformed. Medical textbooks often depict the bladder as a thick muscular structure that can remain in a fixed shape regardless of the volume of urine contained within the bladder. However, in reality, the bladder is a soft deformable structure. The bladder shrinks to conform to the volume of urine contained in the bladder. An empty bladder more closely resembles a deflated latex balloon than a ball. In addition, the mucosal lining on the interior of the bladder is soft and susceptible to irritation and damage. It is desirable to avoid drawing the urinary system tissue into the orifices of the catheter to maintain adequate fluid flow therethrough and avoid injury to the surrounding tissue.
  • the ureters are small tube-like structures that can expand and contract to transport urine from the renal pelvis to the bladder.
  • This transport occurs in two ways: peristaltic activity and by a pressure gradient in an open system.
  • peristaltic activity a urine portion is pushed ahead of a contractile wave, which almost completely obliterates the lumen.
  • the wave pattern initiates in the renal pelvis area, propagates along the ureter, and terminates in the bladder.
  • Such a complete occlusion interrupts the fluid flow and can prevent negative pressure delivered in the bladder from reaching the renal pelvis without assistance.
  • the second type of transport by pressure gradient through a wide-open ureter, may be present during large urine flow.
  • the pressure head in the renal pelvis is not caused by contraction of the smooth muscles of the upper urinary tract, but rather is generated by the flow of urine, and therefore reflects arterial blood pressure. Kiil F., "Urinary Flow and Ureteral Peristalsis” in: Lutzeyer W., Melchior H. (eds) Urodynamics. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg (pp. 57-70) (1973).
  • the renal pelvis is at least as pliable as the bladder.
  • the thin wall of the renal pelvis can expand to accommodate multiple times the normal volume, for example as occurs in patients having hydronephrosis.
  • the tissues of the renal pelvis and bladder may be flexible enough to be drawn inwardly during delivery of negative pressure to somewhat conform to the shape and volume of the tool being used to deliver negative pressure.
  • a three dimensional shape that maintains a three dimensional void volume that can transmit the negative pressure to at least one calyx is believed to be helpful to delivery negative pressure to the nephrons.
  • the protection of these tissues from the openings that lead to the lumen of the tool is desirable.
  • the catheters discussed herein can be useful for delivering negative pressure, positive pressure, or can be used at ambient pressure, or any combination thereof.
  • examples of systems 100 including ureteral catheters 112, 114 configured to be positioned within the urinary tract of a patient are illustrated.
  • distal ends 120, 121 of the ureteral catheters 112, 114 can be configured to be deployed in at least one of the patient's ureters 2, 4; renal pelvis 20, 21 area of the kidneys 6, 8; or the kidneys 6, 8.
  • suitable ureteral catheters are disclosed in US Patent No. 9,744,331, US Patent Application Publication No. US 2017/0021128 Al, US Patent Application No. 15/687,064, and US Patent Application No. 15/687,083, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
  • the system 100 can comprise two separate ureteral catheters, such as a first catheter 112 disposed in or adjacent to the renal pelvis 20 of the right kidney 2 and a second catheter 114 disposed in or adjacent to the renal pelvis 21 of the left kidney 4.
  • the catheters can comprise two separate ureteral catheters, such as a first catheter 112 disposed in or adjacent to the renal pelvis 20 of the right kidney 2 and a second catheter 114 disposed in or adjacent to the renal pelvis 21 of the left kidney 4.
  • 112, 114 can be separate for their entire lengths, or can be held in proximity to one another by a clip, ring, clamp, or other type of connection mechanism (e.g., connector) to facilitate placement or removal of the catheters 112, 114. As shown in FIGS. 2, 7, 17, 27 and 44, the proximal end
  • each catheter 112, 114 is positioned within the bladder 10, or at the proximal end of the ureter near the bladder 10, such that the fluid or urine drains into the bladder.
  • catheters 112, 114 can merge or be connected together within the bladder to form a single drainage lumen that is drains into the bladder 10.
  • the catheters 112, 114 can be inserted through or enclosed within another catheter, tube, or sheath along portions or segments thereof to facilitate insertion and retraction of the catheters 112, 114 from the patient's body.
  • a bladder catheter 116 can be inserted over and/or along the same guidewire as the ureteral catheters 112, 114.
  • an exemplary ureteral catheter 112 can comprise at least one elongated body or tube 122, the interior of which defines or comprises one or more drainage channel(s) or lumen(s), such as drainage lumen 124.
  • the tube 122 size can range from about 1 Fr to about 9 Fr (French catheter scale).
  • the tube 122 can have an external diameter ranging from about 0.33 to about 3 mm, and an internal diameter ranging from about 0.165 to about 2.39 mm.
  • the tube 122 is 6 Fr and has an outer diameter of 2.0 + 0.1 mm.
  • the length of the tube 122 can range from about 30 cm to about 120 cm depending on the age (e.g., pediatric or adult) and gender of the patient.
  • the tube 122 can be formed from a flexible and/or deformable material to facilitate advancing and/or positioning the tube 122 in the bladder 10 and ureters 6, 8 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 7).
  • the catheter material should be flexible and soft enough to avoid or reduce irritation of the renal pelvis and ureter, but should be rigid enough that the tube 122 does not collapse when the renal pelvis or other portions of the urinary tract exert pressure on the exterior of the tube 122, or when the renal pelvis and/or ureter are drawn against the tube 122 during inducement of negative pressure.
  • the tube 122 or drainage lumen can be formed , at least in part, from one or more materials including copper, silver, gold, nickel-titanium alloy, stainless steel, titanium, and/or polymer such as biocompatible polymer(s), polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), latex, silicon coated latex, silicon, silicone, polyglycolide or poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), Polylactide (PLA), Poly(lactide-co-glycolide), Polyhydroxyalkanoates. Polycaprolactone and/or Poly(propylene fumarate).
  • the tube 122 is formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane.
  • the tube 1222 can also include or be impregnated with one or more of copper, silver, gold, nickel-titanium alloy, stainless steel, and titanium.
  • the tube 1222 is impregnated with or formed from a material viewable by fluoroscopic imaging.
  • the biocompatible polymer which forms the tube 1222 can be impregnated with barium sulfate or a similar radiopaque material. As such, the structure and position of the tube 1222 is visible to fluoroscopy.
  • At least a portion or all of the catheter 112, such as the tube 122, can be coated with a hydrophilic coating to facilitate insertion and/or removal, and/or to enhance comfort.
  • the coating is a hydrophobic and/or lubricious coating.
  • suitable coatings can comprise ComfortCoat® hydrophilic coating which is available from Koninklijke DSM N.V. or hydrophilic coatings comprising polyelectrolyte(s) such as are disclosed in United States Patent No. 8,512,795, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the tube 122 can comprise: a distal portion 118 (e.g., a portion of the tube 122 configured to be positioned in the ureter 6, 8 and renal pelvis 20, 21); a middle portion 126 (e.g., a portion of the tube 122 configured to extend from the distal portion through the ureteral openings 16 into the patient's bladder 10 and urethra 12); and a proximal portion 128 (e.g., a portion of the tube 122 extending into the bladder).
  • the combined length of the proximal portion 128 and the middle portion 126 of the tube 122 is about 54 + 2 cm.
  • the tube 122 terminates in the bladder 110. In that case, fluid drains from the proximal end of the ureteral catheter 112, 114 and is directed from the body through the additional indwelling bladder catheter.
  • any of the retention portions disclosed herein can be formed from the same material as the drainage lumen discussed above, and can be unitary with the drainage lumen, or the retention portion can be formed from a different material, such as those that are discussed above for the drainage lumen, and connected thereto.
  • the retention portion can be formed from any of the aforementioned materials, for example a polymer such as polyurethane, flexible polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), latex, silicone, silicon, polyglycolide or poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), Polylactide (PLA), Poly(lactide-co-glycolide), Polyhydroxyalkanoates. Polycaprolactone and/or Poly(propylene fumarate).
  • a polymer such as polyurethane, flexible polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), latex, silicone, silicon, polyglycolide or poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), Polylactide (PLA), Poly(lactide
  • the distal portion 118 of the ureteral catheter 112 comprises a retention portion 130 for maintaining the distal end 120 of the catheter 112 at a desired fluid collection position proximate to or within the renal pelvis 20, 21 of the kidney 2, 4.
  • the retention portion 130 is configured to be flexible and bendable to permit positioning of the retention portion 130 in the ureter and/or renal pelvis.
  • the retention portion 130 is desirably sufficiently bendable to absorb forces exerted on the catheter 112 and to prevent such forces from being translated to the ureters. For example, if the retention portion 130 is pulled in the proximal direction P (shown in FIG.
  • the retention portion 130 can be sufficiently flexible to begin to unwind or be straightened so that it can be drawn through the ureter. Similarly, when the retention portion 130 can be reinserted into the renal pelvis or other suitable region within the ureter, it can be biased to return to its deployed configuration.
  • the retention portion 130 is integral with the tube 122.
  • the retention portion 130 can be formed by imparting a bend or curl to the catheter body 122 that is sized and shaped to retain the catheter at a desired fluid collection location.
  • Suitable bends or coils can include a pigtail coil, corkscrew coil, and/or helical coil.
  • the retention portion 130 can comprise one or more radially and longitudinally extending helical coils configured to contact and passively retain the catheter 112 within the ureter 6, 8 proximate to or within the renal pelvis 20, 21.
  • the retention portion 130 is formed from a radially flared or tapered portion of the catheter body 122.
  • the retention portion 130 can further comprise a fluid collecting portion, as shown in FIGS. 4 A and 4B, such as a tapered or funnel-shaped inner surface 186.
  • the retention portion 130 can comprise a separate element connected to and extending from the catheter body or tube 122.
  • the retention portion 130 can further comprise one or more perforated sections, such as drainage holes or ports 132 (shown, for example, in FIGS. 9A-9E, 10A and 10E).
  • a drainage port can be located, for example, at the open distal end 120, 121 of the tube 122.
  • perforated sections and/or drainage ports 132 are disposed along the sidewall of the distal portion 118 of the catheter tube 122.
  • the drainage ports or holes can be used for assisting in fluid collection.
  • the retention portion 130 is solely a retention structure and fluid collection and/or imparting negative pressure is provided by structures at other locations on the catheter tube 122.
  • the drainage holes, ports or perforations are positioned such that tissue from the bladder does not directly contact the holes, ports or perforations.
  • exemplary retention portions 130 comprising a plurality of helical coils, such as one or more full coils 184 and one or more half or partial coils 183, are illustrated.
  • the retention portion 130 is capable of moving between a contracted position and the deployed position with the plurality of helical coils.
  • a substantially straight guidewire can be inserted through the retention portion 130 to maintain the retention portion 130 in a substantially straight contracted position.
  • the retention portion 130 can transition to its coiled configuration.
  • the coils 183, 184 extend radially and longitudinally from the distal portion 118 of the tube 122.
  • the retention portion 130 comprises two full coils 184 and one half coil 183.
  • the outer diameter of the full coils 184, shown by line Dl, can be about 18 + 2 mm.
  • the half coil 183 diameter D2 can be about 14 mm.
  • the coiled retention portion 130 has a height H of about 16 + 2 mm.
  • the retention portion 130 can further comprise the one or more drainage holes 132 (shown in FIGS. 9A-9E, 10A and 10E, for example) configured to draw fluid into an interior of the catheter tube 122.
  • the retention portion 130 can comprise six drainage holes, plus an additional hole at the distal tip 120 of the retention portion.
  • the diameter of each of the drainage holes 132 (shown in FIGS. 9A-9E, 10A and 10E, for example) can range from about 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm and, preferably, is about 0.83 + 0.01 mm.
  • the distance between adjacent drainage holes 132 specifically the linear distance between drainage holes 132 when the coils are straightened, can be about 22.5 + 2.5 mm.
  • the distal portion 118 of the drainage lumen proximal to the retention portion 130 defines a straight or curvilinear central axis L.
  • at least a half or first coil 183 and a full or second coil 184 of the retention portion 130 extend about an axis A of the retention portion 130.
  • the first coil 183 initiates or begins at a point where the tube 122 is bent at an angle a ranging from about 15 degrees to about 75 degrees from the central axis L, as indicated by angle a, and preferably about 45 degrees.
  • the axis A can be coextensive with the longitudinal central axis L.
  • the axis A prior to insertion in the body, the axis A extends from and is curved or angled, for example at angle ⁇ , relative to the central longitudinal axis L.
  • multiple coils 184 can have the same inner and/or outer diameter D and height H2.
  • the outer diameter Dl of the coils 184 may range between 10 mm and 30 mm.
  • the height H2 between coils 184 may be about 3 mm to 10 mm.
  • the retention portion 130 is configured to be inserted in the tapered portion of the renal pelvis.
  • the outer diameter Dl of the coils 184 can increase toward the distal end 120 of the tube 122, resulting in a helical structure having a tapered or partially tapered configuration.
  • the distal or maximum outer diameter Dl of the tapered helical portion ranges from about 10 mm to about 30 mm, which corresponds to the dimensions of the renal pelvis.
  • the height H2 of the retention portion 130 ranges from about 10 mm to about 30 mm.
  • the outer diameter Dl and/or height H2 of the coils 184 can vary in a regular or irregular fashion.
  • the outer diameter Dl of coils or height H2 between coils can increase or decrease by a regular amount (e.g., about 10% to about 25% between adjacent coils 184).
  • a regular amount e.g., about 10% to about 25% between adjacent coils 184.
  • an outer diameter D3 of a proximal-most coil or first coil 183 can be about 6 mm to 18 mm
  • an outer diameter D2 of a middle coil or second coil 185 can be about 8 mm to about 24 mm
  • an outer diameter Dl of a distal-most or third coil 187 can be between about 10 mm and about 30 mm.
  • the retention portion 130 can further comprise the drainage ports 132 or holes disposed on or through the sidewall of the catheter tube 122 on or adjacent to the retention portion 130 to permit urine waste to flow from the outside of the catheter tube 122 to the inside of the catheter tube 122.
  • the position and size of the drainage ports 132 can vary depending upon the desired flow rate and configuration of the retention portion.
  • the diameter of the drainage ports 132 can range from about 0.005 mm to about 1.0 mm.
  • the spacing between the drainage ports 132 can range from about 1.5 mm to about 5 mm.
  • the drainage ports 132 can be spaced in any arrangement, for example, linear or offset. In some examples, the drainage ports 132 can be non- circular, and can have a surface area of about .00002 to 0.79 mm 2 .
  • the drainage ports 132 are located around the entire periphery of the sidewall of the catheter tube 122 to increase an amount of fluid that can be drawn into the drainage lumen 124 (shown in FIGS. 2, 9A, and 9B).
  • the drainage ports 132 can be disposed essentially only or only on the radially inwardly facing side of the coils 184 to prevent occlusion or blockage of the drainage ports 132, and the outwardly facing side of the coils may be essentially free of drainage ports 132 or free of drainage ports 132.
  • mucosal tissue of the ureter and/or kidney may be drawn against the retention portion 130 and may occlude some drainage ports 132 on the outer periphery of the retention portion 130. Drainage ports 132 located on the radially inward side of the retention structure would not be appreciably occluded when such tissues contact the outer periphery of the retention portion 130. Further, risk of injury to the tissues from pinching or contact with the drainage ports 132 can be reduced or ameliorated.
  • the retention portion 130 comprises three coils 184 extending about the axis A.
  • the axis A is a curved arc extending from the central longitudinal axis L of the portion of the drainage lumen 181 proximal to the retention portion 130.
  • the curvature imparted to the retention portion 130 can be selected to correspond to the curvature of the renal pelvis, which comprises a cornucopia- shaped cavity.
  • the retention portion 130 can comprise two coils 184 extending about an angled axis A.
  • the angled axis A extends at an angle from a central longitudinal axis L, and is angled, as shown by angle ⁇ , relative to an axis generally perpendicular to the central axis L of the portion of the drainage lumen.
  • the angle ⁇ can range from about 15 to about 75 degrees (e.g., about 105 to about 165 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis L of the drainage lumen portion of the catheter 112).
  • FIG. 9E shows another example of a ureteral catheter 112.
  • the retention portion comprises three helical coils 184 extending about an axis A.
  • the axis A is angled, as shown by angle ⁇ , relative to the horizontal.
  • the angle ⁇ can range from about 15 to about 75 degrees (e.g., about 105 to about 165 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis L of the drainage lumen portion of the catheter 112).
  • the retention portion 1230 is integral with the tube 1222.
  • the retention portion 1230 can comprise a separate tubular member connected to and extending from the tube or drainage lumen 1224.
  • the retention portion comprises a plurality of radially extending coils.
  • the coils are configured in the shape of a funnel, and thereby form a funnel support.
  • Some examples of coil funnel supports are shown in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8A-10E.
  • the at least one sidewall of the funnel support comprises at least a first coil having a first diameter and a second coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter, wherein the maximum distance between a portion of a sidewall of the first coil and a portion of an adjacent sidewall of the second coil ranges from about 0 mm to about 10 mm.
  • the first diameter of the first coil ranges from about 1 mm to about 10 mm and the second diameter of the second coil ranges from about 5 mm to about 25 mm.
  • the diameter of the coils increases toward a distal end of the drainage lumen, resulting in a helical structure having a tapered or partially tapered configuration.
  • the second coil is closer to an end of the distal portion of the drainage lumen than is the first coil. In some embodiments, the second coil is closer to an end of the proximal portion of the drainage lumen than is the first coil.
  • the at least one sidewall of the funnel support comprises an inwardly facing side and an outwardly facing side, the inwardly facing side comprising at least one opening for permitting fluid flow into the drainage lumen, the outwardly facing side being essentially free of or free of openings, as discussed below.
  • the at least one opening has an area ranging from about 0.002 mm 2 to about 100 mm 2 .
  • the first coil comprises a sidewall comprising a radially inwardly facing side and a radially outwardly facing side, the radially inwardly facing side of the first coil comprising at least one opening for permitting fluid flow into the drainage lumen.
  • the first coil comprises a sidewall comprising a radially inwardly facing side and a radially outwardly facing side, the radially inwardly facing side of the first coil comprising at least two openings for permitting fluid flow into the drainage lumen.
  • the first coil comprises a sidewall comprising a radially inwardly facing side and a radially outwardly facing side, the radially outwardly facing side of the first coil being essentially free of or free of one or more openings.
  • the first coil comprises a sidewall comprising a radially inwardly facing side and a radially outwardly facing side, the radially inwardly facing side of the first coil comprising at least one opening for permitting fluid flow into the drainage lumen and the radially outwardly facing side being essentially free of or free of one or more openings.
  • the distal portion 1218 comprises an open distal end 1220 for drawing fluid into the drainage lumen 1224.
  • the distal portion 1218 of the ureteral catheter 1212 further comprises a retention portion 1230 for maintaining the distal portion 1218 of the drainage lumen or tube 1222 in the ureter and/or kidney.
  • the retention portion comprises a plurality of radially extending coils 1280, 1282, 1284.
  • the retention portion 1230 can be a flexible and bendable to permit positioning of the retention portion 1230 in the ureter, renal pelvis, and/or kidney.
  • the retention portion 1230 is desirably sufficiently bendable to absorb forces exerted on the catheter 1212 and to prevent such forces from being translated to the ureters. Further, if the retention portion 1230 is pulled in the proximal direction P (shown in FIGS. 9A-9E) toward the patient's bladder 10, the retention portion 1230 can be sufficiently flexible to begin to unwind or be straightened so that it can be drawn through the ureter 6, 8.
  • the retention portion 1230 is integral with the tube 1222.
  • the retention portion 1230 can comprise a separate tubular member connected to and extending from the tube or drainage lumen 1224.
  • the catheter 1212 comprises a radiopaque band 1234 (shown in FIG.
  • the radiopaque band 1234 is visible by fluoroscopic imaging during deployment of the catheter 1212. In particular, a user can monitor advancement of the band 1234 through the urinary tract by fluoroscopy to determine when the retention portion 1230 is in the renal pelvis and ready for deployment.
  • the retention portion 1230 comprises perforations, drainage ports, or openings 1232 in a sidewall of the tube 1222.
  • a position and size of the openings 1232 can vary depending upon a desired volumetric flow rate for each opening and size constraints of the retention portion 1230.
  • a diameter of the openings 1232 ranges from about 0.05 mm to about 2.5 mm and having an area of about 0.002 mm 2 to 5.00 mm .
  • Openings 1232 can be positioned extending along on a sidewall of the tube 1222 in any direction desired, such as longitudinal and/or axial. In some examples, spacing between the openings 1232 can range from about 1.5 mm to about 15 mm.
  • Openings 1232 are positioned so that they are not occluded by tissues of the ureters 6, 8 or kidney when negative pressure is applied to the drainage lumen 1224.
  • openings 1234 can be positioned on interior portions of coils or other structures of the retention portion 1230 to avoid occlusion of the openings 1232.
  • the middle portion 1226 and proximal portion 1228 of the tube 1222 can be essentially free of or free from perforations, ports, openings or openings to avoid occlusion of openings along those portions of the tube 1222.
  • a portion 1226, 1228 which is essentially free from perforations or openings includes substantially fewer openings than other portions of the tube 1222.
  • a total area of openings 1232 of the distal portion 1218 may be greater than or substantially greater than a total area of openings of the proximal portion 1226 and/or the distal portion 1228 of the tube 1222.
  • the openings 1232 are sized and spaced to improve fluid flow through the retention portion 1230.
  • the present inventors have discovered that when a negative pressure is applied to the drainage lumen 1224 of the catheter 1212 a majority of fluid is drawn into the drainage lumen 1224 through proximal-most perforations or openings 1232.
  • larger size or a greater number of openings can be provided towards the distal end of the retention portion 1230.
  • a total area of openings 1232 on a length of tube 1222 near a proximal end of the retention portion 1230 may be less than a total area of openings 1232 of a similar sized length of the tube 1222 located near the open distal end 1220 of the tube 1222.
  • the openings 1232 are generally a circular shape, through triangular, elliptical, square- shaped, diamond shaped, and any other opening shapes may also be used. Further, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, a shape of the openings 1232 may change as the tube 1222 transitions between an uncoiled or elongated position and a coiled or deployed position. It is noted that while the shape of the openings 1232 may change (e.g., the orifices may be circular in one position and slightly elongated in the other position), the area of the openings 1232 is substantially similar in the elongated or uncoiled position compared to the deployed or coiled position.
  • the drainage lumen 1224 defined by tube 1222 comprises: a distal portion 1218 (e.g., a portion of the tube 1222 configured to be positioned in the ureter 6, 8 and renal pelvis 20, 21 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 7 A)); a middle portion 1226 (e.g., a portion of the tube 1222 configured to extend from the distal portion through ureteral openings 16 into the patient's bladder 10 and urethra 12 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 7 A)); and a proximal portion 1228 (e.g., a portion of the tube 1222 extending from the urethra 12 to an external fluid collection container and/or pump 2000).
  • a distal portion 1218 e.g., a portion of the tube 1222 configured to be positioned in the ureter 6, 8 and renal pelvis 20, 21 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 7 A)
  • a middle portion 1226 e.g., a portion of the tube 1222 configured to extend from the
  • the combined length of the proximal portion 1228 and the middle portion 1226 of the tube 1222 is about 54 + 2 cm.
  • the middle portion 1226 and proximal portion 1228 of the tube 1222 includes distance markings 1236 (shown in FIG. 10) on a sidewall of the tube 1222 which can be used, during deployment of the catheter 1212, to determine how far the tube 1222 is inserted into the urinary tract of the patient.
  • an exemplary ureteral catheter 1212 comprises at least one elongated body or tube 1222, the interior of which defines or comprises one or more drainage channel(s) or lumen(s), such as drainage lumen 1224.
  • the tube 1222 size can range from about 1 Fr to about 9 Fr (French catheter scale).
  • the tube 1222 can have an external diameter ranging from about 0.33 to about 3.0 mm, and an internal diameter ranging from about 0.165 to about 2.39 mm.
  • the tube 1222 is 6 Fr and has an outer diameter of 2.0 + 0.1 mm.
  • the length of the tube 1222 can range from about 30 cm to about 120 cm depending on the age (e.g., pediatric or adult) and gender of the patient.
  • the tube 1222 can be formed from a flexible and/or deformable material to facilitate advancing and/or positioning the tube 1222 in the bladder 10 and ureters 6, 8 (shown in FIG. 7).
  • the tube 1222 can be formed from materials including biocompatible polymers, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) such as Teflon®, silicon coated latex, or silicon.
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the tube 1222 is formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane.
  • an exemplary retention portion 1230 comprises helical coils 1280, 1282, 1284.
  • the retention portion 1230 comprises a first or half coil 1280 and two full coils, such as a second coil 1282 and a third coil 1284.
  • the first coil comprises a half coil extending from 0 degrees to 180 degrees around a curvilinear central axis A of the retention portion 1230.
  • the curvilinear central axis A is substantially straight and co-extensive with a curvilinear central axis of the tube 1222.
  • the curvilinear central axis A of the retention portion 1230 can be curved giving the retention portion 1230 a cornucopia shape.
  • the first coil 1280 can have a diameter Dl of about 1 mm to 20 mm and preferably about 8 mm to 10 mm.
  • the second coil 1282 can be a full coil extending from 180 degrees to 540 degrees along the retention portion 1230 having a diameter D2 of about 5 mm to 50 mm, preferably about 10 mm to 20 mm, and more preferably about 14 mm + 2 mm.
  • the third coil 1284 can be a full coil extending between 540 degrees and 900 degrees and having a diameter D3 of between 5 mm and 60 mm, preferably about 10 mm to 30 mm, and more preferably about 18 mm + 2 mm.
  • multiple coils 1282, 1284 can have the same inner and/or outer diameter.
  • an outer diameter of the full coils 1282, 1284 can each be about 18 + 2 mm.
  • an overall height HI of the retention portion 1230 ranges from about 10 mm to about 30 mm and, preferably about 18 + 2 mm.
  • a height H2 of a gap between coils 1284, namely between the sidewall of the tube 1222 of the first coil 1280 and the adjacent sidewall of the tube 122 of the second coil 1282 is less than 3.0 mm, preferably between about 0.25 mm and 2.5 mm, and more preferably between about 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm.
  • the retention portion 1230 can further comprise a distal-most curved portion 1290.
  • the distal most portion 1290 of the retention portion 1230 which includes the open distal end 1220 of the tube 1222, can be bent inwardly relative to a curvature of the third coil 1284.
  • a curvilinear central axis XI shown in FIG. 10D
  • the distal-most portion 1290 can extend from the distal end 1220 of the tube 1222 towards the curvilinear central axis A of the retention portion 1230.
  • the retention portion 1230 is capable of moving between a contracted position, in which the retention portion 1230 is straight for insertion into the patient's urinary tract, and the deployed position, in which the retention portion 1230 comprises the helical coils 1280, 1282, 1284.
  • the tube 1222 is naturally biased toward the coiled configuration.
  • an uncoiled or substantially straight guidewire can be inserted through the retention portion 1230 to maintain the retention portion 1230 in its straight contracted position, as shown for example in FIGS. 11-14. When the guidewire is removed, the retention portion 1230 naturally transitions to its coiled position.
  • the openings 1232 are disposed essentially only or only on a radially inwardly facing side 1286 of the coils 1280, 1282, 1284 to prevent occlusion or blockage of the openings 1232.
  • a radially outwardly facing side 1288 of the coils 1280, 1282, 1284 may be essentially free of the openings 1232.
  • a total area of openings 1232 on the inwardly facing side 1286 of the retention portion 1230 can be substantially greater than a total area of openings 1232 on the radially outwardly facing side 1288 of the retention portion 1230.
  • mucosal tissue of the ureter and/or kidney may be drawn against the retention portion 1230 and may occlude some openings 1232 on the outer periphery of the retention portion 1230.
  • openings 1232 located on the radially inward side 1286 of the retention portion 1230 are not appreciably occluded when such tissues contacts the outer periphery of the retention portion 1230. Therefore, risk of injury to the tissues from pinching or contact with the drainage openings 1232 can be reduced or eliminated.
  • the first coil 1280 can be free or essentially free from openings.
  • a total area of openings on the first coil 1280 can be less than or substantially less than a total area of openings of the full coils 1282, 1284.
  • Examples of various arrangements of openings or openings 1332, which could be used for a coiled retention portion (such as coiled retention portion 1230 shown in FIGS. 10A-10E), are illustrated in FIGS 11-14. As shown in FIGS. 11-14, a retention portion is depicted in its uncoiled or straight position, as occurs when a guidewire is inserted through the drainage lumen.
  • FIG. 11 An exemplary retention portion 1330 is illustrated in FIG. 11.
  • the retention portion 1330 is referred to herein as being divided into a plurality of sections or perforated sections, such as a proximal-most or first section 1310, a second section 1312, a third, section 1314, a fourth section 1316, a fifth section 1318, and a distal-most or sixth section 1320.
  • sections refers to a discrete length of the tube 1322 within the retention portion 1330. In some examples, sections are equal in length.
  • sections can have the same length, and other sections can have a different length. In other examples, each section has a different length.
  • sections can have a length L1-L6 of between about 5 mm and about 35 mm, and preferably between about 5 mm and 15 mm.
  • each section comprises one or more openings.
  • each section each comprises a single opening 1332.
  • the first section 1310 includes a single opening 1332 and other sections comprise multiple openings 1332.
  • different sections comprise one or more openings 1332, each of the opening(s) having a different shape or different total area.
  • the first or half coil 1280 which extends from 0 to about 180 degrees of the retention portion 1230 can be free from or essentially free from openings.
  • the second coil 1282 can include the first section 1310 extending between about 180 and 360 degrees.
  • the second coil 1282 can also include the second and third sections 1312, 1314 positioned between about 360 degrees and 540 degrees of the retention portion 1230.
  • the third coil 1284 can include the fourth and fifth sections 1316, 1318 positioned between about 540 degrees and 900 degrees of the retention portion 1230.
  • the openings 1332 can be sized such that a total area of openings of the first section 1310 is less than a total area of openings of the adjacent second section 1312.
  • the retention portion 1330 further comprises a third section 1314
  • openings of a third section 1314 can have a total area that is greater than the total area of the openings of the first section 1310 or the second section 1312.
  • Openings of the forth 1316, fifth 1318, and sixth 1320 sections may also have a gradually increasing total area and/or number of openings to improve fluid flow through the tube 1222.
  • the retention portion 1230 of the tube includes five sections 1310, 1312, 1314, 1316, each of which includes a single opening 1332, 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340.
  • the retention portion 1230 also includes a sixth section 1320 which includes the open distal end 1220 of the tube 1222.
  • the opening 1232 of the first section 1310 has the smallest total area.
  • a total area of the opening 1332 of the first section can be between about 0.002 mm 2 and about 2.5 mm 2 , or between about 0.01 mm 2 and 1.0 mm 2 , or between about 0.1 mm 2 and 0.5 mm 2 .
  • the opening 1332 is about 55 mm from the distal end 1220 of the catheter, has a diameter of 0.48 mm, and an area of 0.18 mm 2 .
  • a total area of an openings 1334 of the second section 1312 is greater than the total area of openings 1232 of the first section 1310 and can range in size from about 0.01 mm 2 and 1.0 mm 2 .
  • the third 1336, fourth 1338, and fifth 1350 openings can also range in size from about 0.01 mm 2 and 1.0 mm 2 .
  • the second opening 1334 is about 45 mm from the distal end of the catheter 1220, has a diameter of about 0.58 mm, and an area of about 0.27 mm 2 .
  • the third opening 1336 can be about 35 mm from the distal end of the catheter 1220 and have a diameter of about 0.66 mm.
  • the fourth opening 1338 can be about 25 mm from the distal end 1220 and have a diameter of about 0.76 mm.
  • the fifth opening 1340 can be about 15 mm from the distal end 1220 of the catheter and have a diameter of about 0.889 mm.
  • the open distal end 1220 of the tube 1222 has the largest opening having an area of between about 0.5 mm 2 to about 5.0 mm 2 or more.
  • the open distal end 1220 has a diameter of about 0.97 mm and an area of about 0.74 mm 2 .
  • openings 1332 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340 can be positioned and sized so that a volumetric flow rate of fluid passing through the first opening 1332 more closely corresponds to a volumetric flow rate of openings of more distal sections, when negative pressure is applied to the drainage lumen 1224 of the catheter 1212. As described above, if each opening were the same area, then, when negative pressure is applied to the drainage lumen 1224, the volumetric flow rate of fluid passing through the proximal-most of first opening 1332 would be substantially greater than a volumetric flow rate of fluid passing through openings 1334 closer to the distal end 1220 of the retention portion 1330.
  • the pressure differential between the interior of the drainage lumen 1224 and external to the drainage lumen 1224 is greater in the region of the proximal-most opening and decreases at each opening moving towards the distal end of the tube.
  • sizes and positions of the openings 1332 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340 can be selected so that a volumetric flow rate for fluid which flows into openings 1334 of the second section 1312 is at least about 30% of a volumetric flow rate of fluid which flows into the opening(s) 1332 of the first section 1310.
  • a volumetric flow rate for fluid flowing into the proximal- most or first section 1310 is less than about 60% of a total volumetric flow rate for fluid flowing through the proximal portion of the drainage lumen 1224.
  • a volumetric flow rate for fluid flowing into openings 1332, 1334 of the two proximal-most sections is can be less than about 90% of a volumetric flow rate of fluid flowing through the proximal portion of the drainage lumen 1224 when a negative pressure, for example a negative pressure of about -45 mmHg, is applied to the proximal end of the drainage lumen.
  • volumetric flow rate and distribution for a catheter or tube comprising a plurality of openings or perforations can be directly measured or calculated in a variety of different ways.
  • volumetric flow rate means actual measurement of the volumetric flow rate downstream and adjacent to each opening or using a method for "Calculated Volumetric Flow Rate” described below.
  • actual measurement of the dispersed fluid volume over time can be used to determine the volumetric flow rate through each opening 1332, 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340.
  • a multi-chamber vessel comprising individual chambers sized to receive sections 1310, 1312, 1314, 1316, 1318, 1320 of the retention portion 1330 could be sealed around and enclose the retention portion 1330.
  • Each opening 1332, 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340 could be sealed in one of the chambers.
  • An amount of fluid volume drawn from the respective chamber into the tube 3222 through each opening 1332, 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340 could be measured to determine an amount of fluid volume drawn into each opening over time when a negative pressure is applied.
  • the cumulative amount of fluid volume collected in the tube 3222 by a negative pressure pump system would be equivalent to the sum of fluid drawn into each opening 1332, 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340.
  • volumetric fluid flow rate through different openings 1332 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340 can be calculated mathematically using equations for modeling fluid flow through a tubular body.
  • volumetric flow rate of fluid passing through openings 1332 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340 and into the drainage lumen 1224 can be calculated based on a mass transfer shell balance evaluation, as described in detail below in connection with the Mathematical Examples and FIGS. 15A-15C. Steps for deriving mass balance equations and for calculating a flow distribution between or volumetric flow rates for the openings 1332 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340 are also described in detail below in connection with FIGS. 15A-15C.
  • FIG. 12 Another exemplary retention portion 2230 with openings 2332 2334, 2336, 2338, 2340 is illustrated in FIG. 12.
  • the retention portion 2230 comprises numerous smaller perforations or openings 2332 2334, 2336, 2338, 2340.
  • Each of the openings 2332 2334, 2336, 2338, 234 can have a substantially identical cross-sectional area.
  • the retention portion 2330 comprises six sections 2310, 2312, 2314, 2316, 2318, 2320, such as are described above, wherein each section comprises a plurality of the openings 2332 2334, 2336, 2338, 2340. In the example shown in FIG.
  • a number of openings 2332, 2334, 2336, 2338, 2340 per section increases towards the distal end 1220 of the tube 1222, such that a total area of openings 1332 in each section increases compared to a proximally adjacent section.
  • openings 2332 of the first section 2310 are arranged along a first virtual line VI, which is substantially parallel to a curvilinear central axis XI of the retention portion 2230. Openings 2334, 2336, 2338, 2340 of the second 2312, third 2314, fourth 2316, and fifth 2318 sections, respectively, are positioned on the sidewall of the tube 2222 in a gradually increasing number of rows, such that openings 2334, 2336, 2338, 2340 of these section also line up around a circumference of the tube 2222.
  • the openings 2334 of the second section 2312 are positioned such that a second virtual line V2 extending around a circumference of the sidewall of the tube 2222 contacts at least a portion of multiple openings 2334.
  • the second section 2312 can comprise two or more rows of perforations or openings 2334, in which each opening 2334 has an equal cross- sectional area.
  • at least one of the rows of the second section 2312 can be aligned along a third virtual line V3, which is parallel with the curvilinear central axis XI of the tube 2222, but is not coextensive with the first virtual line VI.
  • the third section 2314 can comprise five rows of perforations or openings 2336, in which each opening 2336 has an equal cross- sectional area; the fourth section 2316 can comprise seven rows of perforations or opening 2338; and the fifth section 2318 can comprise nine rows of perforations or openings 2340.
  • the sixth section 2320 comprises a single opening, namely the open distal end 2220 of the tube 2222. In the example of FIG. 12, each of the openings has the same area, although the area of one or more openings can be different if desired.
  • FIG. 13 Another exemplary retention portion 3230 with openings 3332 3334, 3336, 3338, 3340 is illustrated in FIG. 13.
  • the retention portion 3230 of FIG. 13 includes a plurality of similarly sized perforations or openings 3332, 3334, 3336, 3338, 3340.
  • the retention portion 3230 can be divided into six sections 3310, 3312, 3314, 3316, 3318, 3320, each of which comprises at least one opening.
  • the proximal-most or first section 3310 includes one opening 3332.
  • the second section 3312 includes two openings 3334 aligned along the virtual line V2 extending around a circumference of the sidewall of the tube 3222.
  • the third section 3314 comprises a grouping of three openings 3336, positioned at vertices of a virtual triangle.
  • the fourth section 3316 comprises a grouping of four openings 3338 positioned at corners of a virtual square.
  • the fifth section 3318 comprises ten openings 3340 positioned to form a diamond shape on the sidewall of the tube 3222.
  • the sixth section 3320 comprises a single opening, namely the open distal end 3220 of the tube 3222. The area of each opening can range from about 0.001 mm 2 and about 2.5 mm 2 .
  • FIG. 14 Another exemplary retention portion 4230 with openings 4332 4334, 4336, 4338, 4340 is illustrated in FIG. 14.
  • the openings 4332 4334, 4336, 4338, 4340 of the retention portion 4330 have different shapes and sizes.
  • the first section 4310 includes a single circular opening 4332.
  • the second section 4312 has a circular opening 4334 with a larger cross sectional area than the opening 4332 of the first section 4310.
  • the third section 4314 comprises three triangular shaped openings 4336.
  • the fourth section 4316 comprises a large circular opening 4338.
  • the fifth section 4318 comprises a diamond shaped opening 4340.
  • the sixth section 4320 comprises the open distal end 4220 of the tube 4222.
  • each opening in each section can be independently selected, for example the first section 4310 can have one or more diamond-shaped openings or other shapes.
  • the area of each opening can range from about 0.001 mm 2 and about 2.5 mm 2 . Examples
  • a volumetric flow rate for a proximal portion of the drainage lumen describes a rate of flow for a total amount of fluid passing through the catheter.
  • a volumetric flow rate for an opening refers to a volume of fluid which passes through the opening and into the drainage lumen per unit time.
  • flow is described as a percentage of total fluid flow or of a total volumetric flow rate for a proximal portion of the drainage lumen.
  • an opening having a flow distribution of 100% means that all fluid entering the drainage lumen passed through the opening.
  • An opening having a distribution of 0% would indicate that none of the fluid in the drainage lumen entered the drainage lumen through that opening.
  • Calculated Volumetric Flow Rate is determined by a volumetric mass balance equation in which a sum total of volumetric flow through all perforations or openings 1232 of the five sections of the retention portion (referred to herein as volumetric flow Q 2 to Q 6 ) and through the open distal end 1220 (referred to herein as volumetric flow Qi) equals the total volumetric flow (QiOtai) exiting the proximal end of the tube 1222 at a distance of 10 cm to 60 cm away from the last proximal opening, as shown in Equation 2.
  • a Modified Loss Coefficient ( ⁇ ') for each of the sections is based on three types of loss coefficients within the catheter model, namely: an Inlet Loss Coefficient taking into account a pressure loss resulting at a pipe inlet (e.g., the openings and open distal end of the tube 1222); a Friction Loss Coefficient which takes into account pressure loss resulting from friction between the fluid and pipe wall; and a Flow Junction Loss Coefficient taking into account pressure loss resulting from the interaction of two flows coming together.
  • the Inlet Loss Coefficient is dependent on a shape of the orifice or opening. For example, a tapered or nozzle shaped orifice would increase flow rate into the drainage lumen 1224. In a similar manner, a sharp-edged orifice would have different flow properties than an orifice with less defined edges. For purposes of the following calculations, it is assumed that the openings 1232 are side orifice openings and the open distal end 1220 of the tube 1222 is a sharp-edged opening. The cross sectional area of each opening is considered constant through the tube sidewalk
  • Friction Loss Coefficient approximates pressure loss resulting from friction between the fluid and the adjacent inner wall of the tube 1222. Friction loss is defined according to the following equations:
  • the Flow Junction Loss Coefficients are derived from loss coefficients for combining flow at a branch angle of 90 degrees. Values for the loss coefficients were obtained from Charts 13.10 and 13.11 of Miller DS, Internal Flow Systems, 1990, incorporated by reference herein.
  • the charts use the ratio of the inlet orifice area (referred to as Al in the charts) to the pipe cross- sectional area (referred to as A3 in the charts) and the ratio of the inlet orifice volumetric flow rate (Ql in the charts) to the resulting combined pipe volumetric flow rate (Q3 in the charts). For example, for an area ratio of 0.6 between an area of the opening and an area of the drainage lumen, the following Flow Junction Loss Coefficients (KB and K23) would be used.
  • the modified loss coefficient ( ⁇ ') is equal to:
  • a second path to Station B is through the opening(s) 1334 of the fifth section 1318 (shown in FIGS. 11- 14) of the retention portion 1330.
  • the modified loss coefficients of both Path 1 and Path 2 must equate to ensure the volumetric flow rates (Qi and Q 2 ) reflect the balanced distribution within the manifold at Station B.
  • the volumetric flow rates are adjusted until equal modified loss coefficients for both paths is achieved.
  • the volumetric flow rates can be adjusted because they represent a fractional portion of a total volumetric flow rate (Q' Total), which is assumed to be unity for the purpose of this step-by- step solution.
  • K C ' K B ' + K 2 _ 3 X (Q 1 + Q 2 ) 2 + K 2 _ X (Q 1 + Q 2 + Q 3 ) 2 (Equation 6.2)
  • Kc K3-1 X (3 ⁇ 4 x + K3-2 X «2i + Q2 + Qs) 2 (Equation 7.2)
  • the modified loss coefficients of both Path 1 and Path 2 must equate to ensure the volumetric flow rates (Qi, Q 2 , and Q3) reflect the balanced distribution within the manifold up to Station C.
  • Qi, Q 2 , and Q3 reflect the balanced distribution within the manifold up to Station C.
  • the step-by- step solution process proceeds through each station as demonstrated until calculating the modified loss coefficient for the final station, Station F in this case.
  • the Total Loss Coefficient (K) for the manifold can then be calculated using an actual Qibtai (volumetric flow rate through a proximal portion of the drainage lumen) determined through experimental measurement.
  • Example 1 illustrates a distribution of fluid flow for a retention member tube with different sized openings, which corresponds to the embodiment of the retention member 1330 shown in FIG. 11.
  • the proximal most opening (Q6) had a diameter of 0.48 mm
  • the distal-most opening (Q5) on the sidewall of the tube had a diameter of 0.88 mm
  • the open distal end (Q6) of the tube had a diameter of 0.97 mm.
  • Each of the openings was circular.
  • KFRICTION f*(L/D) (Dependent on the length between orifices)
  • Part 1-1 I n l et l° ss coe f x ( ⁇ / ⁇ x Q'i) 2
  • Part 1-3 Through flow junction loss to station 2 x (Q'i + Q' 2 ) 2
  • Part 2-1 Orifice loss coef x (A T /A 2 x Q'2) 2
  • Part 2-2 Branch flow junction loss to station 2 x (Q'i + Q'2) 2
  • Part 2-4 Through flow junction loss to station 3 x (Q'i + Q'2 + Q'3) 2
  • Part 3-1 Orifice loss coef x (A T /A 3 x Q'3) 2
  • Part 3-3 Catheter friction loss x (Q'i + Q' 2 + Q'3) 2
  • Part 3-4 Through flow junction loss to station 4 x (Q'i + Q'2 + Q'3 + Q'4) 2
  • Part 4-1 Orifice loss coef x (A T /A 4 x Q'4) 2
  • Part 4-2 Branch flow junction loss to station 4 x (Q'i + Q'2 + Q'3 + Q'4) 2
  • Part 5-1 Orifice loss coef x (A T /A 5 x Q'5) 2
  • Part 5-2 Branch flow junction loss to station 5 x (Q'i + Q'2 + Q'3 + Q' 4 + Q'5) 2
  • Part 5-3 Catheter friction loss x (Q'i + Q' 2 + Q'3 + Q' 4 + Q'5) 2
  • Part 5-4 Through flow junction loss to station 6 x (Q'i + Q'2 + Q'3 + Q' 4 + Q'5 + ⁇ ' ⁇ ) 2
  • Path 6 Path to Station F through sidewall opening (path 6)
  • Part 6-1 Orifice loss coef x ( ⁇ / ⁇ x Q'e) 2
  • Part 6-2 Branch flow junction loss to station 6 x (Q'i + Q'2 + Q'3 + Q' 4 + Q'5 + ⁇ ' ⁇ ) 2
  • K' 1765.5 [00260]
  • the calculated K' values were multiplied by actual total volumetric flow rate (QiOtai) to determine the flow through each perforation and distal end hole.
  • calculated results could be presented as a percentage of total flow or a flow distribution as shown in Table 3.
  • Table 3 the Percentage of Flow Distribution (% Flow Distribution) through the proximal most opening (Q6) was 56.1%.
  • Flow through the two proximal-most openings (Q6 and Q5) was 84.6%.
  • each opening has the same diameter and area. As shown in Table 4 and FIG. 15A, in that case, flow distribution through the proximal-most opening is 86.2% of total flow through the tube. Flow distribution through the second opening is 11.9%. Therefore, in this example, it was calculated that 98.1% of fluid passing through the drainage lumen entered the lumen through the two proximal-most openings. Compared to Example 1, Example 2 has increased flow through the proximal end of the tube. Therefore, Example 1 provides a wider flow distribution in which a greater percentage of fluid enters the drainage lumen through openings other than the proximal-most opening. As such, fluid can be more efficiently collected through multiple openings reducing fluid backup and improving distribution of negative pressure through the renal pelvis and/or kidneys. Table 4:
  • Example 2 also illustrates flow distribution for openings having the same diameter. However, as shown in Table 5, the openings are closer together (10 mm vs. 22 mm). As shown in Table 5 and FIG. 15B, 80.9% of fluid passing through the drainage lumen entered the drainage lumen through the proximal most opening (Q6). 96.3% of fluid in the drainage lumen entered the drainage lumen through the two proximal-most openings (Q5 and Q6).
  • the ureteral catheter 5000, 5001 comprises: a drainage lumen 5002, 5003 for draining fluid such as urine from at least one of a patient' s kidney 2, 4, renal pelvis 20, 21 or in the ureter 6, 8 adjacent to the renal pelvis 20, 21.
  • the drainage lumen 5002, 5003 comprises a distal portion 5004, 5005 configured to be positioned in a patient's kidney 2, 4, renal pelvis 20, 21 and/or in the ureter 6, 8 adjacent to the renal pelvis 20, 21 and a proximal portion 5006, 5007 through which fluid 5008 is drained to the bladder 10 or outside of the body of the patient.
  • the distal portion 5004, 5005 comprises an open distal end 5010, 5011 for drawing fluid into the drainage lumen 5002, 5003.
  • the distal portion 5004, 5005 of the ureteral catheter 5000, 5001 further comprises a retention portion 5012, 5013 for maintaining the distal portion 5004, 5005 of the drainage lumen or tube 5002, 5003 in the ureter and/or kidney.
  • the retention portion 5012, 5013 can be flexible and/or bendable to permit positioning of the retention portion 5012, 5013 in the ureter, renal pelvis, and/or kidney.
  • the retention portion 5012, 5013 is desirably sufficiently bendable to absorb forces exerted on the catheter 5000, 5001 and to prevent such forces from being translated to the ureters.
  • the retention portion 5012, 5013 can be sufficiently flexible to begin to unwind, straightened or collapsed so that it can be drawn through the ureter 6, 8.
  • the retention portion comprises a funnel support.
  • the funnel support comprises at least one sidewalk
  • the at least one sidewall of the funnel support comprises a first diameter and a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter.
  • the second diameter of the funnel support is closer to an end of the distal portion of the drainage lumen than the first diameter.
  • the proximal portion of the drainage lumen or drainage tube is essentially free of or free of openings. While not intending to be bound by any theory, it is believed that when negative pressure is applied at the proximal end of the proximal portion of the drainage lumen, that openings in the proximal portion of the drainage lumen or drainage tube may be undesirable as such openings may diminish the negative pressure at the distal portion of the ureteral catheter and thereby diminish the draw or flow of fluid or urine from the kidney and renal pelvis of the kidney. It is desirable that the flow of fluid from the ureter and/or kidney is not prevented by occlusion of the ureter and/or kidney by the catheter.
  • ureter tissue may be drawn against or into openings along the proximal portion of the drainage lumen, which may irritate the tissues.
  • FIGS. 2 and 7-10E Some examples of ureteral catheters comprising a retention portion comprising a funnel support according to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 2 and 7-10E, 17-41.
  • the funnel support is formed by a coil of tubing.
  • FIGS. 17-41 other examples of the funnel support are shown.
  • Each of these funnel supports according to the present invention will be discussed in detail below.
  • the distal portion 5004 comprises a retention portion 5012 comprising a funnel support 5014.
  • the funnel support 5014 comprises at least one sidewall 5016.
  • the at least one sidewall 5016 of the funnel support 5014 comprises a first (outer) diameter D4 and a second (outer) diameter D5, the first outer diameter D4 being less than the second outer diameter D5.
  • the second outer diameter D5 of the funnel support 5014 is closer to the distal end 5010 of the distal portion 5004 of the drainage lumen 5002 than is the first outer diameter D4.
  • first outer diameter D4 can range from about 0.33 mm to 4 mm (about 1 Fr to about 12 Fr (French catheter scale)), or about 2.0 + 0.1 mm.
  • second outer diameter D5 is greater than first outer diameter D4 and can range from about 1 mm to about 60 mm, or about 10 mm to 30 mm, or about 18 mm + 2 mm.
  • the at least one sidewall 5016 of the funnel support 5014 can further comprise a third diameter D7 (shown in FIG. 18B), the third diameter D7 being less than the second outer diameter D5.
  • the third diameter D7 of the funnel support 5014 is closer to the distal end 5010 of the distal portion 5004 of the drainage lumen 5002 than is the second diameter D5.
  • the third diameter D7 is discussed in greater detail below regarding the lip.
  • the third diameter D7 can range from about 0.99 mm to about 59 mm, or about 5 mm to about 25 mm.
  • the at least one sidewall 5016 of the funnel support 5014 comprises a first (inner) diameter D6.
  • the first inner diameter D6 is closer to the proximal end 5017 of the funnel support 5014 than is the third diameter D7.
  • the first inner diameter D6 is less than the third diameter D7.
  • the first inner diameter D6 can range from about 0.05 mm to 3.9 mm, or about 1.25 + 0.75 mm.
  • an overall height H5 of the sidewall 5016 along a central axis 5018 of the retention portion 5012 can range from about 1 mm to about 25 mm. In some examples, the height H5 of the sidewall can vary at different portions of the sidewall, for example if the sidewall has an undulating edge or rounded edges such as is shown in FIG. 24. In some examples, the undulation can range from about 0.01 mm to about 5 mm or more, if desired. [00273] In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 2, 7-10E, and 17-41, the funnel support 5014 can have a generally conical shape.
  • the angle 5020 between the outer wall 5022 near the proximal end 5017 of the funnel support 5014 and the drainage lumen 5002 adjacent to the base portion 5024 of the funnel support 5014 can range from about 100 degrees to about 180 degrees, or about 100 degrees to about 160 degrees, or about 120 degrees to about 130 degrees.
  • the angle 5020 may vary at different positions about the circumference of the funnel support 5014, such as is shown in Fig. 22A, in which the angle 5020 ranges from about 140 degrees to about 180 degrees.
  • the edge or lip 5026 of the distal end 5010 of the at least one sidewall 5016 can be rounded, square, or any shape desired.
  • the shape defined by the edge 5026 can be, for example, circular (as shown in FIGS. 18C and 23B), elliptical (as shown in FIG. 22B), lobes (as shown in FIGS. 28B, 29B and 31), square, rectangular, or any shape desired.
  • a funnel support 5300 wherein the at least one sidewall 5302 comprises a plurality of lobe-shaped longitudinal folds 5304 along the length L7 of the sidewall 5302.
  • the number of folds 5304 can range from 2 to about 20, or about 6, as shown.
  • the folds 5304 can be formed from one or more flexible materials, such as silicone, polymer, solid material, fabric, or a permeable mesh to provide the desired lobe shape.
  • the folds 5304 can have a generally rounded shape as shown in cross-sectional view 5 IB.
  • the depth D10 of each fold 5304 at the distal end 5306 of the funnel support 5300 can be the same or vary, and can range from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.
  • one or more folds 5304 can comprise at least one longitudinal support member 5308.
  • the longitudinal support member(s) 5308 can span the entire length L7 or a portion of the length L7 of the funnel support 5300.
  • the longitudinal support members 5308 can be formed from a flexible yet partially rigid material, such as a temperature sensitive shape memory material, for example nitinol.
  • the thickness of the longitudinal support members 5308 can range from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm, as desired.
  • the nitinol frame can be covered with a suitable waterproof material such as silicon to form a tapered portion or funnel.
  • the folds 5304 are formed from various rigid or partially rigid sheets or materials bended or molded to form a funnel-shaped retention portion.
  • the distal end or edge 5400 of the folds 5402 can comprise at least one edge support member 5404.
  • the edge support member(s) 5404 can span the entire circumference 5406 or one or more portions of the circumference 5406 of the distal edge 5400 of the funnel support 5408.
  • the edge support member(s) 5404 can be formed from a flexible yet partially rigid material, such as a temperature sensitive shape memory material, for example nitinol.
  • the thickness of the edge support member(s) 5404 can range from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm, as desired.
  • the distal end 5010 of the drainage lumen 5002 can have an inwardly facing lip 5026 oriented towards the center of the funnel support 5014, for example of about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm, to inhibit irritating the kidney tissue.
  • the funnel support 5014 can comprise a third diameter D7 less than the second diameter D5, the third diameter D7 being closer to an end 5010 of the distal portion 5004 of the drainage lumen 5002 than the second diameter D5.
  • the outer surface 5028 of the lip 5026 can be rounded, a square edge, or any shape desired. The lip 5026 may assist in providing additional support to the renal pelvis and internal kidney tissues.
  • the edge 5200 of the distal end 5202 of the at least one sidewall 5204 can be shaped.
  • the edge 5200 can comprise a plurality of generally rounded edges 5206 or scallops, for example about 4 to about 20 or more rounded edges.
  • the rounded edges 5206 can provide more surface area than a straight edge to help support the tissue of the renal pelvis or kidney and inhibit occlusion.
  • the edge 5200 can have any shape desired, but preferably is essentially free of or free of sharp edges to avoid injuring tissue.
  • the funnel support 5014 comprises a base portion 5024 adjacent to the distal portion 5004 of the drainage lumen 5002.
  • the base portion 5024 comprises at least one interior opening 5030 aligned with an interior lumen 5032 of the drainage lumen 5002 of the proximal portion 5006 of the drainage lumen 5002 for permitting fluid flow into the interior lumen 5032 of the proximal portion 5006 of the drainage lumen 5002.
  • the cross-section of the opening 5030 is circular, although the shape may vary, such as ellipsoid, triangular, square, etc.
  • a central axis 5018 of the funnel support 5014 is offset with respect to a central axis 5034 of the proximal portion 5006 of the drainage lumen 5002.
  • the offset distance X from the central axis 5018 of the funnel support 5014 with respect to the central axis 5034 of the proximal portion 5006 can range from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm.
  • the at least one interior opening 5030 of the base portion 5024 has a diameter D8 (shown, for example, in FIGS. 18C and 23B) ranging from about 0.05 mm to about 4 mm. In some examples, the diameter D8 of the interior opening 5030 of the base portion 5024 is about equal to the first inner diameter D6 of the adjacent proximal portion 5006 of the drainage lumen.
  • the ratio of the height H5 of the at least one sidewall 5016 funnel support 5014 to the second outer diameter D5 of the at least one sidewall 5016 of the funnel support 5014 ranges from about 1:25 to about 5: 1.
  • the at least one interior opening 5030 of the base portion 5024 has a diameter D8 ranging from about 0.05 mm to about 4 mm, the height H5 of the at least one sidewall 5016 of the funnel support 5014 ranges from about 1 mm to about 25 mm, and the second outer diameter D5 of the funnel support 5014 ranges from about 5 mm to about 25 mm.
  • the thickness Tl (shown in FIG. 18B, for example) of the at least one sidewall 5016 of the funnel support 5014 can range from about 0.01 mm to about 1.9 mm, or about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm.
  • the thickness Tl can be generally uniform throughout the at least one sidewall 5016, or it may vary as desired.
  • the thickness Tl of the at least one sidewall 5016 can be less or greater near the distal end 5010 of the distal portion 5004 of the drainage lumen 5002 than at the base portion 5024 of the funnel support 5014.
  • the sidewall 5016 can be straight (as shown in FIGS. 18A and 20), convex (as shown in FIG. 19), concave (as shown in FIG. 21), or any combination thereof.
  • the curvature of the sidewall 5016 can be approximated from the radius of curvature R from the point Q such that a circle centered at Q meets the curve and has the same slope and curvature as the curve.
  • the radius of curvature ranges from about 2 mm to about 12 mm.
  • the funnel support 5014 has a generally hemispherical shape, as shown in FIG. 19.
  • the at least one sidewall 5016 of the funnel support 5014 is formed from a balloon 5100, for example as shown in FIGS. 35 A, 35 B, 38A and 38B.
  • the balloon 5100 can have any shape that provides a funnel support to inhibit occlusion of the ureter, renal pelvis, and/or the rest of the kidney. As shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B, the balloon 5100 has the shape of a funnel.
  • the balloon can be inflated after insertion or deflated before removal by adding or removing gas or air through the gas port(s) 5102.
  • the gas port(s) 5102 can simply be contiguous with the interior 5104 of the balloon 5100, e.g., the balloon 5100 can be adjacent to the interior 5106 or encase the exterior 5108 of an adjacent portion of the proximal portion 5006 of the drainage lumen 5002.
  • the diameter D9 of the sidewall 5110 of the balloon 5100 can range from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, and can vary along its length such that the sidewall has a uniform diameter, tapers toward the distal end 5112 or tapers toward the proximal end 5114 of the funnel support 5116.
  • the outer diameter D10 of the distal end 5112 of the funnel support 5116 can range from about 5 mm to about 25 mm.
  • the at least one sidewall 5016 of the funnel support 5014 is continuous along the height H5 of the at least one sidewall 5016, for example as shown in FIGS. 18A, 19, 20, and 21.
  • the at least one sidewall 5016 of the funnel support 5014 comprises a solid wall, for example the sidewall 5016 is not permeable through the sidewall after 24 hours of contact with a fluid such as urine on one side.
  • the at least one sidewall of the funnel support is discontinuous along the height or the body of the at least one sidewall.
  • discontinuous means that the at least one sidewall comprises at least one opening for permitting the flow of fluid or urine therethrough into the drainage lumen, for example by gravity or negative pressure.
  • the opening can be a conventional opening through the sidewall, or openings within a mesh material, or openings within a permeable fabric.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the opening can be circular or non-circular, such as rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal, ellipsoid, as desired.
  • an "opening" is a gap between adjacent coils in a retention portion of a catheter comprising a coiled tube or conduit.
  • opening means a continuous void space or channel through the sidewall from the outside to the inside of the sidewall, or vice versa.
  • each of the at least one opening(s) can have an area which can be the same or different and can range from about 0.002 mm 2 to about 100 mm 2 , or about 0.002 mm 2 to about 10 mm 2 .
  • area or “surface area” or “cross-sectional area” of an opening means the smallest or minimum planar area defined by a perimeter of the opening.
  • the opening is circular and has a diameter of about 0.36 mm (area of 0.1 mm 2 ) at the outside of the sidewall, but a diameter of only 0.05 mm (area of 0.002 mm 2 ) at some point within the sidewall or on the opposite side of the sidewall, then the "area” would be 0.002 mm 2 since that is the minimum or smallest planar area for flow through the opening in the sidewall.
  • the opening is square or rectangular, the "area” would be the length times the width of the planar area.
  • the "area” can be determined by conventional mathematical calculations well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the "area" of an irregular shaped opening is found by fitting shapes to fill the planar area of the opening, calculating the area of each shape and adding together the area of each shape.
  • At least a portion of the sidewall comprises at least one (one or more) openings.
  • the central axis of the opening(s) can be generally perpendicular to the planar outer surface of the sidewall, or the opening(s) can be angled with respect to the planar outer surface of the sidewalls.
  • the dimensions of the bore of the opening may be uniform throughout its depth, or the width may vary along the depth, either increasing, decreasing, or alternating in width through the opening from the exterior surface of the sidewall to the interior surface of the sidewall.
  • At least a portion of the sidewall comprises at least one (one or more) openings.
  • the opening(s) can be positioned anywhere along the sidewall.
  • the openings can be uniformly positioned throughout the sidewall, or positioned in specified regions of the sidewall, such as closer to the distal end of the sidewall or closer to the proximal end of the sidewall, or in vertical or horizontal or random groupings along the length or circumference of the sidewall.
  • openings in the proximal portion of the funnel support that are directly adjacent to the ureter, renal pelvis and/or other kidney tissue may be undesirable as such openings may diminish the negative pressure at the distal portion of the ureteral catheter and thereby diminish the draw or flow of fluid or urine from the kidney and renal pelvis of the kidney, as well as perhaps irritate the tissue.
  • the number of openings can vary from 1 to 1000 or more, as desired. For example, in FIG. 27, six openings (three on each side) are shown. As discussed above, in some examples, each of the at least one opening(s) can have an area which can be the same or different and can range from about 0.002 mm 2 to about 50 mm 2 , or about 0.002 mm 2 to about 10 mm 2 .
  • the openings 5500 can be positioned closer the distal end 5502 of the sidewall 5504. In some examples, the opening(s) are positioned in the distal half 5506 of the sidewall towards the distal end 5502. In some examples, the openings 5500 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the distal half 5506 or even closer to the distal end 5502 of the sidewall 5504.
  • the openings 5600 are positioned near the proximal end 5602 of an inner sidewall 5604, and do not directly contact the tissue since there is an outer sidewall 5606 between the opening 5600 and the tissue.
  • one or more opening(s) 5600 can be positioned near the distal end of the inner sidewall, as desired.
  • the inner sidewall 5604 and outer sidewall 5606 can be connected by one or more supports 5608 or ridges connecting the outside 5610 of the inner sidewall 5604 to the inside 5612 of the outer sidewall 5606.
  • the at least one sidewall 5700, 5800 of the funnel support 5702, 5802 comprises mesh 5704, 5804.
  • the mesh 5704, 5804 comprises a plurality of openings 5706, 5806 therethrough for permitting fluid flow into the drainage lumen 5708, 5808.
  • the maximum area of an opening can be less than about 100 mm 2 , or less than about 1 mm 2 , or about 0.002 mm 2 to about 1 mm 2 , or about 0.002 mm 2 to about 0.05 mm 2 .
  • the mesh 5704, 5804 can be formed from any suitable metallic or polymeric material such as are discussed above.
  • the funnel support further comprises a cover portion over the distal end of the funnel support.
  • This cover portion can be formed as an integral part of the funnel support or connected to the distal end of the funnel support.
  • the funnel support 5802 comprises a cover portion 5810 across the distal end 5812 of the funnel support 5802 and projecting from the distal end 5812 of the funnel support 5802.
  • the cover portion 5810 can have any shape desired, such as flat, convex, concave, undulating, and combinations thereof.
  • the cover portion 5810 can be formed from mesh or any polymeric solid material as discussed above. The cover portion 5810 can assist in supporting the pliant tissue in the kidney region to facilitate urine production.
  • the funnel support comprises a porous material, for example as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40.
  • FIGS. 39 and 40 and suitable porous materials are discussed in detail below.
  • the porous material itself is the funnel support.
  • the funnel support is a wedge of porous material.
  • the porous material is in the shape of a funnel.
  • the porous material 5900 is positioned within the interior 5902 of the sidewall 5904.
  • the funnel support 6000 comprises a porous liner 6002 positioned adjacent to the interior 6004 of the sidewall 6006.
  • the thickness T2 of the porous liner 6002 can range from about 0.5 mm to about 12.5 mm, for example.
  • the area of the openings within the porous material can be about 0.002 mm 2 to about 100 mm 2 , or less.
  • a retention portion 130 of a ureteral catheter 112 comprises a catheter tube 122 having a widened and/or tapered distal end portion which, in some examples, is configured to be positioned in the patient's renal pelvis and/or kidney.
  • the retention portion 130 can be a funnel-shaped structure comprising an outer surface 185 configured to be positioned against the ureter and/or kidney wall and comprising an inner surface 186 configured to direct fluid toward a drainage lumen 124 of the catheter 112.
  • the retention portion 130 can comprise a proximal end 188 adjacent to the distal end of the drainage lumen 124 and having a first diameter Dl and a distal end 190 having a second diameter D2 that is greater than the first diameter Dl when the retention portion 130 is in its deployed position.
  • the retention portion 130 is transitionable from a collapsed or compressed position to the deployed position.
  • the retention portion 130 can be biased radially outward such that when the retention portion 130 is advanced to its fluid collecting position, the retention portion 130 (e.g., the funnel portion) expands radially outward to the deployed state.
  • the retention portion 130 of the ureteral catheter 112 can be made from a variety of suitable materials that are capable of transitioning from the collapsed state to the deployed state.
  • the retention portion 130 comprises a framework of tines or elongated members formed from a temperature sensitive shape memory material, such as nitinol.
  • the nitinol frame can be covered with a suitable waterproof material such as silicon to form a tapered portion or funnel. In that case, fluid is permitted to flow down the inner surface 186 of the retention portion 130 and into the drainage lumen 124.
  • the retention portion 130 is formed from various rigid or partially rigid sheets or materials bended or molded to form a funnel-shaped retention portion as illustrated in FIGS. 37 A and 37B.
  • the retention portion of the ureteral catheter 112 can include one or more mechanical stimulation devices 191 for providing stimulation to nerves and muscle fibers in adjacent tissues of the ureter(s) and renal pelvis.
  • the mechanical stimulation devices 191 can include linear or annular actuators embedded in or mounted adjacent to portions of the sidewall of the catheter tube 122 and configured to emit low levels of vibration.
  • mechanical stimulation can be provided to portions of the ureters and/or renal pelvis to supplement or modify therapeutic effects obtained by application of negative pressure. While not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that such stimulation affects adjacent tissues by, for example, stimulating nerves and/or actuating peristaltic muscles associated with the ureter(s) and/or renal pelvis. Stimulation of nerves and activation of muscles may produce changes in pressure gradients or pressure levels in surrounding tissues and organs which may contribute to or, in some cases, enhance therapeutic benefits of negative pressure therapy.
  • a retention portion 330 of a ureteral catheter 312 comprises a catheter tube 322 having a distal portion 318 formed in a helical structure 332 and an inflatable element or balloon 350 positioned proximal to the helical structure 332 to provide an additional degree of retention in the renal pelvis and/or fluid collection location.
  • a balloon 350 can be inflated to pressure sufficient to retain the balloon in the renal pelvis or ureter, but low enough to avoid distending or damaging these structures. Suitable inflation pressures are known to those skilled in the art and are readily discernible by trial and error.
  • the helical structure 332 can be imparted by bending the catheter tube 322 to form one or more coils 334.
  • the coils 334 can have a constant or variable diameter and height as described above.
  • the catheter tube 322 further comprises a plurality of drainage ports 336 disposed on the sidewall of the catheter tube 322 to allow urine to be drawn into the drainage lumen 324 of the catheter tube 322 and to be directed from the body through the drainage lumen 324, for example on the inwardly facing and/or outwardly facing sides of the coil 334.
  • the inflatable element or balloon 350 can comprise an annular balloon-like structure having, for example, a generally heart-shaped cross section and comprising a surface or cover 352 defining a cavity 353.
  • the cavity 353 is in fluid communication with an inflation lumen 354 extending parallel to the drainage lumen 324 defined by the catheter tube 322.
  • the balloon 350 can be configured to be inserted in the tapered portion of the renal pelvis and inflated such that an outer surface 356 thereof contacts and rests against an inner surface of the ureter and/or renal pelvis.
  • the inflatable element or balloon 350 can comprise a tapered inner surface 358 extending longitudinally and radially inward towards the catheter tube 322.
  • the inner surface 358 can be configured to direct urine toward the catheter tube 322 to be drawn into the drainage lumen 324.
  • the inner surface 358 can also be positioned to prevent fluid from pooling in the ureter, such as around the periphery of the inflatable element or balloon 350.
  • the inflatable retention portion or balloon 350 is desirably sized to fit within the renal pelvis and can have a diameter ranging from about 10 mm to about 30 mm.
  • an assembly 400 including a ureteral catheter 412 comprising a retention portion 410 is illustrated.
  • the retention portion 410 is formed from a porous and/or sponge-like material that is attached to a distal end 421 of a catheter tube 422.
  • the porous material can be configured to channel and/or absorb urine and direct the urine toward a drainage lumen 424 of the catheter tube 422.
  • the retention portion 410 can be a porous wedge shaped- structure configured for insertion and retention in the patient's renal pelvis.
  • the porous material comprises a plurality of holes and/or channels. Fluid can be drawn through the channels and holes, for example, by gravity or upon inducement of negative pressure through the catheter 412.
  • fluid can enter the wedge-shaped retention portion 410 through the holes and/or channels and is drawn toward a distal opening 420 of the drainage lumen 424, for example, by capillary action, peristalsis, or as a result of the inducement of negative pressure in the holes and/or channels.
  • the retention portion 410 comprises a hollow, funnel structure formed from the porous spongelike material. As shown by arrow A, fluid is directed down an inner surface 426 of the funnel structure into the drainage lumen 424 defined by the catheter tube 422. Also, fluid can enter the funnel structure of the retention portion 410 through holes and channels in the porous sponge-like material of a sidewall 428.
  • suitable porous materials can include open-celled polyurethane foams, such as polyurethane ether.
  • Suitable porous materials can also include laminates of woven or non-woven layers comprising, for example, polyurethane, silicone, polyvinyl alcohol, cotton, or polyester, with or without antimicrobial additives such as silver, and with or without additives for modifying material properties such as hydrogels, hydrocolloids, acrylic, or silicone.
  • a retention portion 500 of a ureteral catheter 512 comprises an expandable cage 530.
  • the expandable cage 530 comprises one or more longitudinally and radially extending hollow tubes 522.
  • the tubes 522 can be formed from an elastic, shape memory material such as nitinol.
  • the cage 530 is configured to transition from a contracted state, for insertion through the patient' s urinary tract, to a deployed state for positioning in the patient's ureters and/or kidney.
  • the hollow tubes 522 comprise a plurality of drainage ports 534 which can be positioned on the tubes, for example, on radially inward facing sides thereof.
  • the ports 534 are configured to permit fluid to flow or be drawn through the ports 534 and into the respective tubes 522.
  • the fluid drains through the hollow tubes 522 into a drainage lumen 524 defined by a catheter body 526 of the ureteral catheter 512.
  • fluid can flow along the path indicated by the arrows 532 in FIG. 41.
  • portions of the ureter wall and/or renal pelvis may be drawn against the outward facing surfaces of the hollow tubes 522.
  • the drainage ports 534 are positioned and configured so as not to be appreciably occluded by ureteral structures upon application of negative pressure to the ureters and/or kidney.
  • the ureteral catheter comprising a funnel support can be deployed into a patient' s urinary tract, and more specifically in the renal pelvis region/kidney using a conduit through the urethra and into the bladder.
  • the funnel support 6100 is in a collapsed state (shown in FIG. 36) and sheathed in a ureteral sheath 6102.
  • the medical professional would insert a cystoscope into the urethra to provide a channel for tools to enter the bladder.
  • the ureteral orifice would be visualized and guide wire would be inserted through the cystoscope and ureter until the tip of the guide wire reaches the renal pelvis.
  • the cystoscope likely would be removed, and a "pusher tube” would be fed over the guide wire up to the renal pelvis.
  • the guidewire would be removed while the "pusher tube” stays in place to act as deployment sheath.
  • the ureteral catheter would be inserted through the pusher tube / sheath and the catheter tip would be actuated once it extends beyond the end of the pusher tube / sheath.
  • the funnel support would expand radially to assume the deployed position.
  • the ureteral stent 52, 54 comprises an elongated body comprising a proximal end 62, a distal end 58, a longitudinal axis, and at least one drainage channel that extends along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient.
  • the ureteral stent further comprises a pigtail coil or loop(s) on at least one of the proximal end or the distal end.
  • the body of the ureteral stent further comprises at least one perforation on a sidewall thereof.
  • ureteral stents 52, 54 that can be useful in the present systems and methods include CONTOURTM ureteral stents, CONTOUR VLTM ureteral stents, POLARISTM Loop ureteral stents, POLARISTM Ultra ureteral stents, PERCUFLEXTM ureteral stents, PERCUFLEXTM Plus ureteral stents, STRETCHTM VL Flexima ureteral stents, each of which are commercially available from Boston Scientific Corporation of Natick, Massachusetts.
  • the CONTOURTM and CONTOUR VLTM ureteral stents are constructed with soft PercuflexTM Material that becomes soft at body temperature and is designed for a 365-day indwelling time.
  • Variable length coils on distal and proximal ends allow for one stent to fit various ureteral lengths.
  • the fixed length stent can be 6F - 8F with lengths ranging from 20cm - 30cm, and the variable length stent can be 4.8F - 7F with lengths of 22 - 30cm.
  • ureteral stents include INLAY ® ureteral stents, INLAY ® OPTIMA ® ureteral stents, BARDEX ® double pigtail ureteral stents, and FLUORO-4TM silicone ureteral stent , each of which are commercially available from C.R. Bard, Inc. of Murray Hill, NJ. See “Ureteral Stents", http://www.bardmedical.com/products/kidney-stone-management/ureteral-stents/ (January 21, 2018), hereby incorporated by reference herein.
  • the stents 52, 54 can be deployed in one or both of the patient's kidneys or kidney area (renal pelvis or ureters adjacent to the renal pelvis), as desired. Typically, these stents are deployed by inserting a stent having a nitinol wire therethrough through the urethra and bladder up to the kidney, then withdrawing the nitinol wire from the stent, which permits the stent to assume a deployed configuration. Many of the above stents have a planar loop 58, 60 on the distal end (to be deployed in the kidney), and some also have a planar loop 62, 64 on the proximal end of the stent which is deployed in the bladder.
  • the stent When the nitinol wire is removed, the stent assumes the pre-stressed planar loop shape at the distal and/or proximal ends. To remove the stent, a nitinol wire is inserted to straighten the stent and the stent is withdrawn from the ureter and urethra.
  • ureteral stents 52, 54 are disclosed in PCT Patent Application Publication WO 2017/019974, which is incorporated by reference herein. In some examples, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-7 of WO 2017/019974 and in FIG. 3 herein (same as FIG.
  • the ureteral stent 100 can comprise: an elongated body 101 comprising a proximal end 102, a distal end 104, a longitudinal axis 106, an outer surface 108, and an inner surface 110, wherein the inner surface 110 defines a transformable bore 111 that extends along the longitudinal axis 106 from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104; and at least two fins 112 projecting radially away from the outer surface 108 of the body 101; wherein the transformable bore 111 comprises: (a) a default orientation 113A (shown on the left in FIG.
  • the 100 has a diameter D which is reduced upon the transformable bore 111 moving from the default orientation 113 A to the second orientation 113B, wherein the diameter is reducible up to the point above where urine flow through the transformable bore 111 would be reduced.
  • the diameter D is reduced by up to about 40% upon the transformable bore 111 moving from the default orientation 113 A to the second orientation 113B.
  • the diameter D in the default orientation 113A can range from about 0.75 to about 5.5 mm, or about 1.3 mm or about 1.4 mm.
  • the diameter D in the second orientation 113B can range from about 0.4 to about 4 mm, or about 0.9 mm.
  • one or more fins 112 comprise a flexible material that is soft to medium soft based on the Shore hardness scale.
  • the body 101 comprises a flexible material that is medium hard to hard based on the Shore hardness scale.
  • one or more fins have a durometer between about 15 A to about 40 A.
  • one or more fins 112 and the body 101 comprise a flexible material that is medium soft to medium hard based on the Shore hardness scale, for example having a durometer between about 40 A to about 70 A.
  • one or more fins 112 and the body 101 comprise a flexible material that is medium hard to hard based on the Shore hardness scale, for example having a durometer between about 85 A to about 90 A.
  • the default orientation 113A and the second orientation 113B support fluid or urine flow around the outer surface 108 of the stent 100 in addition to through the transformable bore 111.
  • one or more fins 112 extend longitudinally from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104.
  • the stent has two, three or four fins.
  • the outer surface 108 of the body has an outer diameter in the default orientation 113A ranging from about 0.8 mm to about 6 mm, or about 3 mm. In some examples, the outer surface 108 of the body has an outer diameter in the second orientation 113B ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm, or about 1 mm. In some examples, one or more fins have a width or tip ranging from about 0.25 mm to about 1.5 mm, or about 1 mm, projecting from the outer surface 108 of the body in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • the radial compression forces are provided by at least one of normal ureter physiology, abnormal ureter physiology, or application of any external force.
  • the ureteral stent 100 purposefully adapts to a dynamic ureteral environment, the ureteral stent 100 comprising: an elongated body 101 comprising a proximal end 102, a distal end 104, a longitudinal axis 106, an outer surface 108, and an inner surface 110, wherein the inner surface 110 defines a transformable bore 111 that extends along the longitudinal axis 106 from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104; wherein the transformable bore 111 comprises: (a) a default orientation 113A comprising an open bore 114 defining a longitudinally open channel 116; and (b) a second orientation 113B comprising an at least essentially closed bore 118 defining a longitudinally essentially closed channel 120, wherein the transformable bore is moveable
  • the ureteral stent comprises an elongated, body 10 comprising a proximal end 12, a distal end 14 (not shown) , a longitudinal axis 15, and at least one drainage channel (for example, 26, 28, 30 in FIG. 4; 32, 34, 36 and 38 in FIG. 5; and 48 in FIG.
  • the at least one drainage channel is partially open along at least a longitudinal portion thereof. In some examples, the at least one drainage channel is closed along at least a longitudinal portion thereof. In some examples, the at least one drainage channel is closed along the longitudinal length thereof. In some examples, the ureteral stent is radially compressible. In some examples, the ureteral stent is radially compressible to narrow the at least one drainage channel. In some examples, the elongated body 10 comprises at least one external fin 40 along the longitudinal axis 15 of the elongated body 10. In some examples, the elongated body comprises one to four drainage channels. The diameter of the drainage channel can be the same as described above.
  • a system for removing fluid from the urinary tract of a patient comprising: a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter for maintaining patency of fluid flow between at least one of a kidney and a bladder of the patient; a bladder catheter comprising a drainage lumen for draining fluid from the bladder of the patient; and a pump in fluid communication with a distal end of the drainage lumen, the pump comprising a controller configured to actuate the pump to apply negative pressure to the proximal end of the catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient to remove fluid from the urinary tract of the patient.
  • the system 1100 comprises one or two ureteral catheters 1212 (or alternatively ureteral stents shown in FIG. 1) connected to a fluid pump 2000 for generating the negative pressure. More specifically, the patient' s urinary tract comprises the patient's right kidney 2 and left kidney 4. The kidneys 2, 4 are responsible for blood filtration and clearance of waste compounds from the body through urine.
  • Urine produced by the right kidney 2 and the left kidney 4 is drained into a patient's bladder 10 through tubules, namely a right ureter 6 and a left ureter 8, which are connected to the kidneys at the renal pelvis 20, 21. Urine may be conducted through the ureters 6, 8 by peristalsis of the ureter walls, as well as by gravity.
  • the ureters 6, 8 enter the bladder 10 through a ureter orifice or opening 16.
  • the bladder 10 is a flexible and substantially hollow structure adapted to collect urine until the urine is excreted from the body.
  • the bladder 10 is transitionable from an empty position (signified by reference line E) to a full position (signified by reference line F).
  • a urethral sphincter or opening 18 located at a lower portion of the bladder 10.
  • Contraction of the bladder 10 can be responsive to stresses and pressure exerted on a trigone region 14 of the bladder 10, which is the triangular region extending between the ureteral openings 16 and the urethral opening 18.
  • the trigone region 14 is sensitive to stress and pressure, such that as the bladder 10 begins to fill, pressure on the trigone region 14 increases. When a threshold pressure on the trigone region 14 is exceeded, the bladder 10 begins to contract to expel collected urine through the urethra 12.
  • a proximal portion of the bladder catheter is connected to a source of negative pressure, such as a fluid pump 2000.
  • the shape and size of the connector can be selected based on the type of pump 2000 being used.
  • the connector can be manufactured with a distinctive configuration so that it can only be connected to a particular pump type, which is deemed to be safe for inducing negative pressure in a patient's bladder, ureter, or kidneys.
  • the connector can be a more generic configuration adapted for attachment to a variety of different types of fluid pumps.
  • System 1100 is but one example of a negative pressure system for inducing negative pressure that can be used with the bladder catheters disclosed herein.
  • the system 100 comprises a bladder catheter 116.
  • the distal ends 120, 121 of the ureteral catheters 112, 114 can drain directly into the bladder, and the fluid can drain through the bladder catheter 116, and optionally along the sides of the bladder catheter tube.
  • the bladder catheter 116 comprises a deployable seal and/or anchor 136 for anchoring, retaining, and/or providing passive fixation for indwelling portions of the urine collection assembly 100 and, in some examples, to prevent premature and/or untended removal of assembly components during use.
  • the anchor 136 is configured to be located adjacent to the lower wall of the patient's bladder 10 (shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 7A, 17) to prevent patient motion and/or forces applied to indwelling catheters 112, 114, 116 from translating to the ureters.
  • the bladder catheter 116 comprises an interior of which defines a drainage lumen 140 configured to conduct urine from the bladder 10 to an external urine collection container 712 (shown in FIG. 44).
  • the bladder catheter 116 tube size can range from about 8 Fr to about 24 Fr.
  • the bladder catheter 116 can have an external tube diameter ranging from about 2.7 to about 8 mm.
  • the bladder catheter 116 can have an internal diameter ranging from about 2.16 to about 10 mm.
  • the bladder catheter 116 can be available in different lengths to accommodate anatomical differences for gender and/or patient size. For example, the average female urethra length is only a few inches, so the length of a tube 138 can be rather short.
  • the average urethra length for males is longer due to the penis and can be variable. It is possible that woman can use bladder catheters 116 with longer length tubes 138 provided that the excess tubing does not increase difficulty in manipulating and/or preventing contamination of sterile portions of the catheter 116.
  • a sterile and indwelling portion of the bladder catheter 116 can range from about 1 inch to 3 inches (for women) to about 20 inches for men.
  • the total length of the bladder catheter 116 including sterile and non-sterile portions can be from one to several feet.
  • the catheter tube 138 can comprise one or more drainage ports 142 configured to be positioned in the bladder 10 for drawing urine into the drainage lumen 140.
  • the drainage lumen 140 may be pressurized to a negative pressure to assist in fluid collection.
  • the deployable seal and/or anchor 136 is disposed at or adjacent to a distal end 148 of the bladder catheter 116.
  • the deployable anchor 136 is configured to transition between a contracted state for insertion into the bladder 10 through the urethra 12 and urethral opening 18 and a deployed state.
  • the anchor 136 is configured to be deployed in and seated adjacent to a lower portion of the bladder 10 and/or against the urethral opening 18.
  • the anchor 136 can be positioned adjacent to the urethral opening 18 to enhance suction of a negative pressure applied to the bladder 10 or to partially, substantially, or entirely seal the bladder 10 to ensure that urine in the bladder 10 is directed through the drainage lumen 140 and to prevent leakage to the urethra 12.
  • the anchor 136 can have a diameter of about 10 mm to about 100 mm) in the deployed state.
  • the bladder catheter can comprise a mesh as a bladder anchor, such as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the bladder catheter 116 can comprise a coil as a bladder anchor, such as is shown in FIG. 7.
  • the bladder catheter 116 can comprise a mesh funnel as a bladder anchor, such as is shown in FIG. 7 A.
  • the bladder catheter 116 can comprise a funnel as a bladder anchor, such as is shown in FIG. 17.
  • an expandable cage can anchor the bladder catheter in the bladder.
  • the expandable cage comprises a plurality of flexible members or tines extending longitudinally and radially outward from a catheter body of a bladder catheter which, in some examples, can be similar to those discussed above with respect to the retention portion of the ureteral catheter of FIG. 41.
  • the members can be formed from a suitable elastic and shape memory material such as nitinol. In a deployed position, the members or tines are imparted with a sufficient curvature to define a spherical or ellipsoid central cavity.
  • the cage is attached to an open distal open end of the catheter tube or body, to allow access to a drainage lumen defined by the tube or body.
  • the cage is sized for positioning within the lower portion of the bladder and can define a diameter and length ranging from 1.0 cm to 2.3 cm, and preferably about 1.9 cm (0.75 in).
  • the cage further comprises a shield or cover over distal portions of the cage to prevent or reduce the likelihood that tissue, namely, the distal wall of the bladder, will be caught or pinched as a result of contact with the cage or member. More specifically, as the bladder contracts, the inner distal wall of the bladder comes into contact with the distal side of the cage.
  • the cover prevents the tissue from being pinched or caught, may reduce patient discomfort, and protect the device during use.
  • the cover can be formed at least in part from a porous and/or permeable biocompatible material, such as a woven polymer mesh. In some examples, the cover encloses all or substantially all of the cavity.
  • the cover covers only about the distal 2/3, about the distal half, or about the distal third portion or any amount, of the cage 210.
  • the cage and cover are transitionable from a contracted position, in which the members are contracted tightly together around a central portion and/or around the bladder catheter 116 to permit insertion through a catheter or sheath to the deployed position.
  • the cage in the case of a cage constructed from a shape memory material, the cage can be configured to transition to the deployed position when it is warmed to a sufficient temperature, such as body temperature (e.g., 37°C).
  • the cage In the deployed position, the cage has a diameter D that is preferably wider than the urethral opening, and prevents patient motion from translating through the ureteral catheters 112, 114 to the ureters.
  • the open arrangement of the members 212 or tines does not obstruct or occlude the distal opening 248 and/or drainage ports of the bladder catheter 216, making manipulation of the catheters 112, 114 easier to perform.
  • the bladder catheter is connected to the vacuum source, such as pump assembly 710 by, for example, flexible tubing 166 defining a fluid flow path.
  • the assembly 100 further comprises sensors 174 for monitoring physical parameters or fluid characteristics of fluid or urine being collected from the ureters 6, 8 and/or bladder 10.
  • information obtained from the sensors 174 can be transmitted to a central data collection module or processor and used, for example, to control operation of an external device, such as the pump 710 (shown in FIG. 44).
  • the sensors 174 can be integrally formed with one or more of the catheters 112, 114, 116 such as, for example, embedded in a wall of the catheter body or tube and in fluid communication with drainage lumens 124, 140.
  • one or more of the sensors 174 can be positioned in a fluid collection container 712 (shown in FIG. 44) or in internal circuitry of an external device, such as the pump 710.
  • Exemplary sensors 174 that can be used with the urine collection assembly 100 can comprise one or more of the following sensor types.
  • the catheter assembly 100 can comprise a conductance sensor or electrode that samples conductivity of urine.
  • the normal conductance of human urine is about 5-10 mS/m. Urine having a conductance outside of the expected range can indicate that the patient is experiencing a physiological problem, which requires further treatment or analysis.
  • the catheter assembly 100 can also comprise a flow meter for measuring a flow rate of urine through the catheter(s) 112, 114, 116. Flow rate can be used to determine a total volume of fluid excreted from the body.
  • the catheter(s) 112, 114, 116 can also comprise a thermometer for measuring urine temperature.
  • Urine temperature can be used to collaborate the conductance sensor. Urine temperature can also be used for monitoring purposes, as urine temperature outside of a physiologically normal range can be indicative of certain physiological conditions.
  • the sensors 174 can be urine analyte sensors configured to measure a concentration of creatinine and/or proteins in urine.
  • various conductivity sensors and optical spectrometry sensors may be used for determining analyte concentration in urine. Sensors based on color change reagent test strips may also be used for this purpose.
  • FIG. 42A an example of steps for positioning a system in a patient's body and, optionally, for inducing negative pressure in a patient's urinary tract, such as bladder, ureter and/or kidney,s are illustrated.
  • a medical professional or caregiver inserts a flexible or rigid cystoscope through the patient's urethra and into the bladder to obtain visualization of the ureteral orifices or openings.
  • a guidewire is advanced through the urethra, bladder, ureteral opening, ureter, and to a desired fluid collection position, such as the renal pelvis of the kidney.
  • a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter of the present invention (examples of which are discussed in detail above) is inserted over the guidewire to the fluid collection position, as shown at box 614.
  • the location of the ureteral stent or ureteral catheter can be confirmed by fluoroscopy, as shown at box 616.
  • the retention portion of the ureteral catheter can be deployed.
  • the guidewire can be removed from the catheter, thereby allowing the distal end and/or retention portion to transition to a deployed position.
  • the deployed distal end portion of the catheter does not entirely occlude the ureter and/or renal pelvis, such that urine is permitted to pass outside the catheter and through the ureters into the bladder. Since moving the catheter can exert forces against urinary tract tissues, avoiding complete blockage of the ureters avoids application of force to the ureter sidewalls, which may cause injury. [00335] After the ureteral stent or ureteral catheter is in place and deployed, the same guidewire can be used to position a second ureteral stent or second ureteral catheter in the other ureter and/or kidney using the same insertion and positioning methods described herein.
  • the cystoscope can be used to obtain visualization of the other ureteral opening in the bladder, and the guidewire can be advanced through the visualized ureteral opening to a fluid collection position in the other ureter.
  • a second ureteral stent or second ureteral catheter can be drawn alongside the guidewire and deployed in the manner described herein.
  • the cystoscope and guidewire can be removed from the body.
  • the cystoscope can be reinserted into the bladder over the first ureteral catheter.
  • the cystoscope is used, in the manner described above, to obtain visualization of the ureteral opening and to assist in advancing a second guidewire to the second ureter and/or kidney for positioning of the second ureteral stent or second ureteral catheter.
  • the guidewire and cystoscope are removed.
  • the cystoscope and/or guidewire can remain in the bladder to assist with placement of the bladder catheter.
  • the medical professional, caregiver or patient can insert a distal end of a bladder catheter in a collapsed or contracted state through the urethra of the patient and into the bladder.
  • the bladder catheter can be a bladder catheter of the present invention as discussed in detail above.
  • an anchor connected to and/or associated with the bladder catheter is expanded to a deployed position.
  • the bladder catheter is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder without using a guidewire and/or cystoscope.
  • the bladder catheter is inserted over the same guidewire used to position the ureteral stents or catheters.
  • the ureteral stent or ureteral catheter is deployed and remains in the patient's body for at least 24 hours or longer. In some examples, the ureteral stent or ureteral catheter is deployed and remains in the patient's body for at least 30 days or longer. In some examples, the ureteral stent(s) or ureteral catheter(s) can be replaced periodically, for example every week or every month, to extend the length of therapy.
  • the bladder catheter is replaced more often that the ureteral stent or ureteral catheter.
  • multiple bladder catheters are placed and removed sequentially during the indwell time for a single ureteral stent or ureteral catheter.
  • a physician, nurse, caregiver or patient can place the bladder catheter(s) in the patient at home or in any healthcare setting.
  • Multiple bladder catheters can be provided to the healthcare professional, patient or caregiver in a kit, optionally with instructions for placement, replacement and optional connection of the bladder catheter(s) to the negative pressure source or drainage to a container, as needed.
  • negative pressure is applied each evening for a predetermined number of evenings (such as for 1 to 30 evenings or more).
  • the bladder catheter can be replaced each evening before application of negative pressure.
  • the urine is permitted to drain by gravity or peristalsis from the urethra.
  • a negative pressure is induced in the bladder catheter to facilitate drainage of the urine. While not intending to be bound by any theory, it is believed that a portion of the negative pressure applied to the proximal end of the bladder catheter is transmitted to the ureter(s), renal pelvis or other portions of the kidney(s) to facilitate drainage of the fluid or urine from the kidney.
  • steps for using the system for inducement of negative pressure in the ureter(s) and/or kidney(s) are illustrated.
  • the external proximal end of the bladder catheter is connected to a fluid collection or pump assembly.
  • the bladder catheter can be connected to a pump for inducing negative pressure at the patient's bladder, renal pelvis and/or kidney.
  • negative pressure is applied to the renal pelvis and/or kidney and/or bladder through the drainage lumen of the bladder catheter, as shown at box 626.
  • the negative pressure is intended to counter congestion mediated interstitial hydrostatic pressures due to elevated intra-abdominal pressure and consequential or elevated renal venous pressure or renal lymphatic pressure.
  • the applied negative pressure is therefore capable of increasing flow of filtrate through the medullary tubules and of decreasing water and sodium re-absorption.
  • urine is drawn into the bladder catheter at the drainage port(s) at the distal end thereof, through the drainage lumen of the bladder catheter, and to a fluid collection container for disposal.
  • sensors disposed in the fluid collection system can provide a number of measurements about the urine that can be used to assess physical parameters, such as the volume of urine collected, as well as information about the physical condition of the patient and composition of the urine produced.
  • the information obtained by the sensors is processed, as shown at box 632, by a processor associated with the pump and/or with another patient monitoring device and, at box 634, is displayed to the user via a visual display of an associated feedback device.
  • a system 700 for inducing negative pressure to a patient' s bladder, ureter(s), renal pelvis and/or kidney(s) will now be described.
  • the system 700 can comprise the ureteral stent(s) and/or ureteral catheter(s), bladder catheter or the system 100 described hereinabove.
  • the bladder catheter 116 of the system 100 is connected to one or more fluid collection containers 712 for collecting urine drawn from the bladder.
  • the fluid collection container 712 connected to the bladder catheter 116 can be in fluid communication with an external fluid pump 710 for generating negative pressure in the bladder, ureter(s) and/or kidney(s) through the bladder catheter 116 and/or ureteral catheter(s) 112, 114.
  • negative pressure can be provided for overcoming interstitial pressure and forming urine in the kidney or nephron.
  • a connection between the fluid collection container 712 and pump 710 can comprise a fluid lock or fluid barrier to prevent air from entering the bladder, renal pelvis or kidney in case of incidental therapeutic or non- therapeutic pressure changes.
  • inflow and outflow ports of the fluid container can be positioned below a fluid level in the container.
  • external portions of the tubing extending between the fluid collection container 712 and the pump 710 can include one or more filters to prevent urine and/or particulates from entering the pump 710.
  • the system 700 further comprises a controller 714, such as a microprocessor, electronically coupled to the pump 710 and having or associated with computer readable memory 716.
  • the memory 716 comprises instructions that, when executed, cause the controller 714 to receive information from sensors 174 located on or associated with portions of the assembly 100. Information about a condition of the patient can be determined based on information from the sensors 174. Information from the sensors 174 can also be used to determine and implement operating parameters for the pump 710.
  • the controller 714 is incorporated in a separate and remote electronic device in communication with the pump 710, such as a dedicated electronic device, computer, tablet PC, or smart phone.
  • the controller 714 can be included in the pump 710 and, for example, can control both a user interface for manually operating the pump 710, as well as system functions such as receiving and processing information from the sensors 174.
  • the controller 714 is configured to receive information from the one or more sensors 174 and to store the information in the associated computer-readable memory 716.
  • the controller 714 can be configured to receive information from the sensor 174 at a predetermined rate, such as once every second, and to determine a conductance based on the received information.
  • the algorithm for calculating conductance can also include other sensor measurements, such as urine temperature, to obtain a more robust determination of conductance.
  • the controller 714 can also be configured to calculate patient physical statistics or diagnostic indicators that illustrate changes in the patient's condition over time.
  • the system 700 can be configured to identify an amount of total sodium excreted.
  • the total sodium excreted may be based, for example, on a combination of flow rate and conductance over a period of time.
  • the system 700 can further comprise a feedback device 720, such as a visual display or audio system, for providing information to the user.
  • the feedback device 720 can be integrally formed with the pump 710.
  • the feedback device 720 can be a separate dedicated or a multipurpose electronic device, such as a computer, laptop computer, tablet PC, smart phone, or other handheld electronic devices.
  • the feedback device 720 is configured to receive the calculated or determined measurements from the controller 714 and to present the received information to a user via the feedback device 720.
  • the feedback device 720 may be configured to display current negative pressure (in mmHg) being applied to the urinary tract.
  • the feedback device 720 is configured to display current flow rate of urine, temperature, current conductance in mS/m of urine, total urine produced during the session, total sodium excreted during the session, other physical parameters, or any combination thereof.
  • the feedback device 720 further comprises a user interface module or component that allows the user to control operation of the pump 710. For example, the user can engage or turn off the pump 710 via the user interface. The user can also adjust pressure applied by the pump 710 to achieve a greater magnitude or rate of sodium excretion and fluid removal.
  • the feedback device 720 and/or pump 710 further comprise a data transmitter 722 for sending information from the device 720 and/or pump 710 to other electronic devices or computer networks.
  • the data transmitter 722 can utilize a short-range or long-range data communications protocol.
  • An example of a short-range data transmission protocol is Bluetooth®.
  • Long-range data transmission networks include, for example, Wi-Fi or cellular networks.
  • the data transmitter 722 can send information to a patient's physician or caregiver to inform the physician or caregiver about the patient's current condition. Alternatively, or in addition, information can be sent from the data transmitter 722 to existing databases or information storage locations, such as, for example, to include the recorded information in a patient' s electronic health record (EHR).
  • EHR electronic health record
  • the system 700 can further comprise one or more patient monitoring sensors 724.
  • Patient monitoring sensors 724 can include invasive and non-invasive sensors for measuring information about the patient's physical parameters, such as urine composition, as discussed in detail above, blood composition (e.g., hematocrit ratio, analyte concentration, protein concentration, creatinine concentration) and/or blood flow (e.g., blood pressure, blood flow velocity).
  • Hematocrit is a ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the total volume of blood. Normal hematocrit is about 25% to 40%, and preferably about 35% and 40% (e.g., 35% to 40% red blood cells by volume and 60% to 65% plasma).
  • Non-invasive patient monitoring sensors 724 can include pulse oximetry sensors, blood pressure sensors, heart rate sensors, and respiration sensors (e.g., a capnography sensor). Invasive patient monitoring sensors 724 can include invasive blood pressure sensors, glucose sensors, blood velocity sensors, hemoglobin sensors, hematocrit sensors, protein sensors, creatinine sensors, and others. In still other examples, sensors may be associated with an extracorporeal blood system or circuit and configured to measure parameters of blood passing through tubing of the extracorporeal system. For example, analyte sensors, such as capacitance sensors or optical spectroscopy sensors, may be associated with tubing of the extracorporeal blood system to measure parameter values of the patient's blood as it passes through the tubing. The patient monitoring sensors 724 can be in wired or wireless communication with the pump 710 and/or controller 714.
  • the controller 714 is configured to cause the pump 710 to provide treatment for a patient based information obtained from the urine analyte sensor 174 and/or patient monitoring sensors 724, such as blood monitoring sensors.
  • pump 710 operating parameters can be adjusted based on changes in the patient's blood hematocrit ratio, blood protein concertation, creatinine concentration, urine output volume, urine protein concentration (e.g., albumin), and other parameters.
  • the controller 714 can be configured to receive information about a blood hematocrit ratio or creatinine concentration of the patient from the patient monitoring sensors 724 and/or analyte sensors 174.
  • the controller 714 can be configured to adjust operating parameters of the pump 710 based on the blood and/or urine measurements. In other examples, hematocrit ratio may be measured from blood samples periodically obtained from the patient. Results of the tests can be manually or automatically provided to the controller 714 for processing and analysis.
  • measured hematocrit values for the patient can be compared to predetermined threshold or clinically acceptable values for the general population. Generally, hematocrit levels for females are lower than for males. In other examples, measured hematocrit values can be compared to patient baseline values obtained prior to a surgical procedure. When the measured hematocrit value is increased to within the acceptable range, the pump 710 may be turned off ceasing application of negative pressure to the ureter or kidneys. In a similar manner, the intensity of negative pressure can be adjusted based on measured parameter values. For example, as the patient's measured parameters begin to approach the acceptable range, intensity of negative pressure being applied to the ureter and kidneys can be reduced.
  • the intensity of negative pressure can be increased in order to produce a positive physiological result.
  • the pump 710 may be configured to begin by providing a low level of negative pressure (e.g., between about 0.1 mmHg and 10 mmHg). The negative pressure may be incrementally increased until a positive trend in patient creatinine level is observed. However, generally, negative pressure provided by the pump 710 will not exceed about 50 mmHg. [00355] With reference to FIGS. 45A and 45B, an exemplary pump 710 for use with the system is illustrated.
  • the pump 710 is a micro-pump configured to draw fluid from the catheter(s) 112, 114 (shown, for example, in FIG. 1) and having a sensitivity or accuracy of about 10 mmHg or less.
  • the pump 710 is capable of providing a range of flow of urine between 0.05 ml/min and 3 ml/min for extended periods of time, for example, for about 8 hours to about 24 hours per day, for one (1) to about 30 days or longer. At 0.2 ml/min, it is anticipated that about 300 mL of urine per day is collected by the system 700.
  • the pump 710 can be configured to provide a negative pressure to the bladder of the patient, the negative pressure ranging from about 0.1 mmHg and about 150 mmHg, or about 0.1 mmHg to about 50 mmHg, or about 5 mmHg to about 20 mmHg (gauge pressure at the pump 710).
  • a micro-pump manufactured by Langer Inc. Model BT100-2J
  • Diaphragm aspirator pumps, as well as other types of commercially available pumps, can also be used for this purpose.
  • Peristaltic pumps can also be used with the system 700.
  • a piston pump, vacuum bottle, or manual vacuum source can be used for providing negative pressure.
  • the system can be connected to a wall suction source, as is available in a hospital, through a vacuum regulator for reducing negative pressure to therapeutically appropriate levels.
  • the pump assembly can be positioned within the patient's urinary tract, for example within the bladder.
  • the pump assembly can comprise a pump module and a control module coupled to the pump module, the control module being configured to direct motion of the pump module.
  • At least one (one or more) of the pump module, the control module, or the power supply may be positioned within the patient's urinary tract.
  • the pump module can comprise at least one pump element positioned within the fluid flow channel to draw fluid through the channel.
  • the pump 710 is configured for extended use and, thus, is capable of maintaining precise suction for extended periods of time, for example, for about 8 hours to about 24 hours per day, or for 1 to about 30 days or longer, except for replacement time of bladder catheters.
  • the pump 710 is configured to be manually operated and, in that case, includes a control panel 718 that allows a user to set a desired suction value.
  • the pump 710 can also include a controller or processor, which can be the same controller that operates the system 700 or can be a separate processor dedicated for operation of the pump 710. In either case, the processor is configured for both receiving instructions for manual operation of the pump and for automatically operating the pump 710 according to predetermined operating parameters. Alternatively, or in addition, operation of the pump 710 can be controlled by the processor based on feedback received from the plurality of sensors associated with the catheter.
  • the processor is configured to cause the pump 710 to operate intermittently.
  • the pump 710 may be configured to emit pulses of negative pressure followed by periods in which no negative pressure is provided.
  • the pump 710 can be configured to alternate between providing negative pressure and positive pressure to produce an alternating flush and pump effect.
  • a positive pressure of about 0.1 mmHg to 20 mmHg, and preferably about 5 mmHg to 20 mmHg can be provided followed by a negative pressure ranging from about 0.1 mmHg to 50 mmHg.
  • the treatment method comprises deploying a ureteral stent or a urinary tract catheter, such as a ureteral catheter, in the ureter and/or kidney of a patient such that flow of urine from the ureter and/or kidney, as shown at box 910.
  • the catheter may be placed to avoid occluding the ureter and/or kidney.
  • a fluid collecting portion of the stent or catheter may be positioned in the renal pelvis of the patient's kidney.
  • a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter may be positioned in each of the patient's kidneys.
  • a urine collection catheter may be deployed in the bladder or ureter, as shown in box 911.
  • the ureteral catheter comprises one or more of any of the retention portions described herein.
  • the ureteral catheter can comprise a tube defining a drainage lumen comprising a helical retention portion and a plurality of drainage ports.
  • the catheter can include a funnel-shaped fluid collection and retention portion or a pigtail coil.
  • a ureteral stent having, for example, a pigtail coil, can be deployed.
  • the method further comprises applying negative pressure to at least one of the bladder, the ureter and/or kidney through the bladder catheter to induce or facilitate production of fluid or urine in the kidney(s) and to extract the fluid or urine from the patient.
  • negative pressure is applied for a period of time sufficient to reduce the patient's blood creatinine levels by a clinically significant amount.
  • Negative pressure may continue to be applied for a predetermined period of time.
  • a user may be instructed to operate the pump for the duration of a surgical procedure or for a time period selected based on physiological characteristics of the patient.
  • patient condition may be monitored to determine when sufficient treatment has been provided.
  • the method may further comprise monitoring the patient to determine when to cease applying negative pressure to the patient' s bladder, ureter and/or kidneys.
  • a patient's hematocrit level is measured.
  • patient monitoring devices may be used to periodically obtain hematocrit values.
  • blood samples may be drawn periodically to directly measure hematocrit.
  • concentration and/or volume of urine expelled from the body through the bladder catheter may also be monitored to determine a rate at which urine is being produced by the kidneys.
  • expelled urine output may be monitored to determine protein concentration and/or creatinine clearance rate for the patient.
  • Reduced creatinine and protein concentration in urine may be indicative of over- dilution and/or depressed renal function.
  • Measured values can be compared to the predetermined threshold values to assess whether negative pressure therapy is improving patient condition, and should be modified or discontinued. For example, as discussed herein, a desirable range for patient hematocrit may be between 25% and 40%.
  • patient body weight may be measured and compared to a dry body weight. Changes in measured patient body weight demonstrate that fluid is being removed from the body. As such, a return to dry body weight represents that hemodilution has been appropriately managed and the patient is not over- diluted.
  • a user may cause the pump to cease providing negative pressure therapy when a positive result is identified.
  • patient blood parameters may be monitored to assess effectiveness of the negative pressure being applied to the patient's kidneys.
  • a capacitance or analyte sensor may be placed in fluid communication with tubing of an extracorporeal blood management system. The sensor may be used to measure information representative of blood protein, oxygen, creatinine, and/or hematocrit levels. Measured blood parameter values may be measured continuously or periodically and compared to various threshold or clinically acceptable values. Negative pressure may continue to be applied to the patient's bladder, kidney or ureter until a measured parameter value falls within a clinically acceptable range. Once a measured values fails within the threshold or clinically acceptable range, as shown at box 916, application of negative pressure may cease.
  • a method of removing excess fluid from a patient for systemic fluid volume management associated with chronic edematous, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and/or acute heart failure is provided.
  • a fluid resuscitation procedure such as coronary graft bypass surgery
  • solutions such as saline solutions and/or starch solutions, are introduced to the patient's bloodstream by a suitable fluid delivery process, such as an intravenous drip.
  • a suitable fluid delivery process such as an intravenous drip.
  • a patient may be supplied with between 5 and 10 times a normal daily intake of fluid.
  • Fluid replacement or fluid resuscitation can be provided to replace bodily fluids lost through sweating, bleeding, dehydration, and similar processes.
  • fluid resuscitation is provided to help maintain a patient' s fluid balance and blood pressure within an appropriate rate.
  • Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a known complication of coronary artery graft bypass surgery. AKI is associated with a prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity and mortality, even for patients who do not progress to renal failure. See Kim, et al., Relationship between a perioperative intravenous fluid administration strategy and acute kidney injury following off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: an observational study, Critical Care 19:350 (1995).
  • Introducing fluid to blood also reduces hematocrit levels which has been shown to further increase mortality and morbidity.
  • Research has also demonstrated that introducing saline solution to a patient may depress renal functional and/or inhibit natural fluid management processes. As such, appropriate monitoring and control of renal function may produce improved outcomes and, in particular, may reduce postoperative instances of AKI.
  • FIG. 50 A method of treating a patient for removing excess fluid is illustrated in FIG. 50.
  • the method comprises deploying a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter in the ureter and/or kidney of a patient such that flow of urine from the ureter and/or kidney is not prevented by occlusion of the ureter and/or kidney.
  • a distal end of the ureteral stent or fluid collecting portion of the catheter may be positioned in the renal pelvis.
  • the catheter may be deployed in the kidney or ureter.
  • the catheter can comprise one or more of the ureter catheters described herein.
  • the catheter can comprise a tube defining a drainage lumen and comprising a helical retention portion and a plurality of drainage ports.
  • the catheter can include a pigtail coil.
  • a bladder catheter can be deployed in the patient' s bladder.
  • the bladder catheter may be positioned to at least partially seal the urethra opening to prevent passage of urine from the body through the urethra.
  • the bladder catheter can, for example, include an anchor for maintaining the distal end of the catheter in the bladder. As described herein, other arrangements of coils and helices, funnel, etc. may be used to obtain proper positioning of the bladder catheter.
  • the bladder catheter can be configured to collect fluid which entered the patient's bladder prior to placement of the ureteral catheter(s), as well as fluid collected from the ureters, ureteral stents, and/or ureteral catheters during treatment.
  • the bladder catheter may also collect urine which flows past the fluid collection portion(s) of the ureteral catheter and enters the bladder.
  • a proximal portion of the ureteral catheter may be positioned in a drainage lumen of the bladder catheter.
  • the bladder catheter may be advanced into the bladder using the same guidewire used for positioning of the ureteral catheter(s).
  • negative pressure may be provided to the bladder through the drainage lumen of the bladder catheter. In other examples, negative pressure may only be applied to the bladder catheter(s). In that case, the ureteral catheter drains into the bladder by gravity.
  • negative pressure is applied to the bladder, ureter and/or kidney through the bladder catheter.
  • negative pressure can be applied for a period of time sufficient to extract urine comprising a portion of the fluid provided to the patient during the fluid resuscitation procedure.
  • negative pressure can be provided by an external pump connected to a proximal end or port of the bladder catheter.
  • the pump can be operated continually or periodically dependent on therapeutic requirements of the patient. In some cases, the pump may alternate between applying negative pressure and positive pressure.
  • Negative pressure may continue to be applied for a predetermined period of time.
  • a user may be instructed to operate the pump for the duration of a surgical procedure or for a time period selected based on physiological characteristics of the patient.
  • patient condition may be monitored to determine when a sufficient amount of fluid has been drawn from the patient.
  • fluid expelled from the body may be collected and a total volume of obtained fluid may be monitored.
  • the pump can continue to operate until a predetermined fluid volume has been collected from the ureteral and/or bladder catheters.
  • the predetermined fluid volume may be based, for example, on a volume of fluid provided to the patient prior to and during the surgical procedure.
  • application of negative pressure to the bladder, ureter and/or kidneys is stopped when the collected total volume of fluid exceeds the predetermined fluid volume.
  • operation of the pump can be determined based on measured physiological parameters of the patient, such as measured creatinine clearance, blood creatinine level, or hematocrit ratio.
  • urine collected form the patient may be analyzed by one or more sensors associated with the catheter and/or pump.
  • the sensor can be a capacitance sensor, analyte sensor, optical sensor, or similar device configured to measure urine analyte concentration.
  • a patient' s blood creatinine or hematocrit level could be analyzed based on information obtain from the patient monitoring sensors discussed hereinabove.
  • a capacitance sensor may be placed in an existing extracorporeal blood system.
  • Information obtained by the capacitance sensor may be analyzed to determine a patient's hematocrit ratio.
  • the measured hematocrit ratio may be compared to certain expected or therapeutically acceptable values.
  • the pump may continue to apply negative pressure to the patient' s ureter and/or kidney until measured values within the therapeutically acceptable range are obtained. Once a therapeutically acceptable value is obtained, application of negative pressure may be stopped as shown at box 1018.
  • patient body weight may be measured to assess whether fluid is being removed from the patient by the applied negative pressure therapy.
  • a patient's measured body weight (including fluid introduced during a fluid resuscitation procedure) can be compared to a patient's dry body weight.
  • dry weights is defined as normal body weight measured when a patient is not over-diluted. For example, a patient who is not experiencing one or more of: elevated blood pressure, lightheadedness or cramping, swelling of legs, feet, arms, hands, or around the eyes, and who is breathing comfortably, likely does not have excess fluid.
  • a weight measured when the patient is not experiencing such symptoms can be a dry body weight.
  • Patient weight can be measured periodically until the measured weight approaches the dry body weight. When the measured weight approaches (e.g., is within between 5% and 10% of dry body weight), as shown at box 1018, application of negative pressure can be stopped.
  • the aforementioned details of treatment using the systems of the present invention can be used to treat a variety of conditions that can benefit from increased urine or fluid output or removal.
  • a method for preserving renal function by application of negative pressure to decrease interstitial pressure within tubules of the medullar region to facilitate urine output and to prevent venous congestion-induced nephron hypoxia in the medulla of the kidney is provided.
  • the method comprises: deploying a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter into a ureter or kidney of a patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient; deploying a bladder catheter into the bladder of the patient, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and applying negative pressure to the proximal end of the catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient for a predetermined period of time to remove fluid from the urinary tract of the patient.
  • a method for treatment of acute kidney injury due to venous congestion comprises: deploying a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter into a ureter or kidney of a patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient; deploying a bladder catheter into the bladder of the patient, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient' s bladder, a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and applying negative pressure to the proximal end of the catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient for a predetermined period of time to remove fluid from the urinary tract of the patient, thereby reducing venous congestion in the kidney to treat acute kidney injury.
  • a method for treatment of New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III and/or Class IV heart failure through reduction of venous congestion in the kidney(s) comprises: deploying a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter into a ureter or kidney of a patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient; deploying a bladder catheter into the bladder of the patient, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and applying negative pressure to the proximal end of the catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient for a predetermined period of time to remove fluid from the urinary tract of the patient to treat volume overload in NYHA Class III and/or Class IV heart failure.
  • NYHA New York Heart Association
  • a method for treatment of Stage 4 and/or Stage 5 chronic kidney disease through reduction of venous congestion in the kidney(s) comprises: deploying a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter into a ureter or kidney of a patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient; deploying a bladder catheter into the bladder of the patient, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and applying negative pressure to the proximal end of the catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient to remove fluid from the urinary tract of the patient to reduce venous congestion in the kidney(s).
  • a kit for removing fluid from the urinary tract of a patient.
  • the kit comprises: a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter comprising a drainage channel for facilitating flow of fluid from the ureter and/or kidney through the drainage channel of the ureteral stent or ureteral catheter towards the bladder of the patient; and a pump comprising a controller configured to induce a negative pressure in at least one of the ureter, kidney or bladder of the patient to draw urine through a drainage lumen of a catheter deployed in the patient's bladder.
  • the kit further comprises at least one bladder catheter.
  • the kit further comprises instructions for one or more of the following: inserting/deploying the ureteral stent(s) and/or ureteral catheter(s), inserting/deploying the bladder catheter, and operating the pump to draw urine through a drainage lumen of the bladder catheter deployed the patient's bladder.
  • another kit comprises: a plurality of disposable bladder catheters, each bladder catheter comprising a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and a retention portion extending radially outward from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, and being configured to be extended into a deployed position in which a diameter of the retention portion is greater than a diameter of the drainage lumen portion; instructions for inserting/deploying the bladder catheter; and instructions for connecting the proximal end of the bladder catheter to a pump and for operating the pump to draw urine through the drainage lumen of the bladder catheter, for example by applying negative pressure to the proximal end of the bladder catheter.
  • Example 1 Inducement of negative pressure within the renal pelvis of farm swine was performed for the purpose of evaluating effects of negative pressure therapy on renal congestion in the kidney. An objective of these studies was to demonstrate whether a negative pressure delivered into the renal pelvis significantly increases urine output in a swine model of renal congestion.
  • Example 1 a pediatric Fogarty catheter, normally used in embolectomy or bronchoscopy applications, was used in the swine model solely for proof of principle for inducement of negative pressure in the renal pelvis. It is not suggested that a Fogarty catheter be used in humans in clinical settings to avoid injury of urinary tract tissues.
  • Example 2 the ureteral catheter 112 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and including a helical retention portion for mounting or maintaining a distal portion of the catheter in the renal pelvis or kidney, was used.
  • FIG. 21 Four farm swine 800 were used for purposes of evaluating effects of negative pressure therapy on renal congestion in the kidney.
  • pediatric Fogarty catheters 812, 814 were inserted to the renal pelvis region 820, 821 of each kidney 802, 804 of the four swine 800.
  • the catheters 812, 814 were deployed within the renal pelvis region by inflating an expandable balloon to a size sufficient to seal the renal pelvis and to maintain the position of the balloon within the renal pelvis.
  • the catheters 812, 814 extend from the renal pelvis 802, 804, through a bladder 810 and urethra 816, and to fluid collection containers external to the swine.
  • Urine output of two animals was collected for a 15 minute period to establish a baseline for urine output volume and rate.
  • Urine output of the right kidney 802 and the left kidney 804 were measured individually and found to vary considerably. Creatinine clearance values were also determined.
  • Renal congestion e.g., congestion or reduced blood flow in the veins of the kidney
  • IVC inferior vena cava
  • Pressure sensors were used to measure IVC pressure.
  • Normal IVC pressures were 1-4 mmHg.
  • the IVC pressures were elevated to between 15-25 mmHg.
  • Inflation of the balloon to approximately three quarters of IVC diameter resulted in a 50-85% reduction in urine output.
  • Full occlusion generated IVC pressures above 28 mmHg and was associated with at least a 95% reduction in urine output.
  • One kidney of each animal 800 was not treated and served as a control ("the control kidney 802").
  • the ureteral catheter 812 extending from the control kidney was connected to a fluid collection container 819 for determining fluid levels.
  • One kidney (“the treated kidney 804") of each animal was treated with negative pressure from a negative pressure source (e.g., a therapy pump 818 in combination with a regulator designed to more accurately control the low magnitude of negative pressures) connected to the ureteral catheter 814.
  • the pump 818 was an Air Cadet Vacuum Pump from Cole-Parmer Instrument Company (Model No. EW-07530-85).
  • the pump 818 was connected in series to the regulator.
  • the regulator was an V-800 Series Miniature Precision Vacuum Regulator - 1/8 NPT Ports (Model No. V-800- 10-W/K), manufactured by Airtrol Components Inc.
  • the pump 818 was actuated to induce negative pressure within the renal pelvis 820, 821 of the treated kidney according to the following protocol.
  • Four different pressure levels (-2, -10, -15, and -20 mmHg) were applied for 15 minutes each and the rate of urine produced and creatinine clearance were determined. Pressure levels were controlled and determined at the regulator.
  • the IVC balloon was inflated to increase the pressure by 15-20 mmHg.
  • the same four negative pressure levels were applied.
  • Urine output rate and creatinine clearance rate for the congested control kidney 802 and treated kidney 804 were obtained.
  • the animals 800 were subject to congestion by partial occlusion of the IVC for 90 minutes. Treatment was provided for 60 minutes of the 90 minute congestion period.
  • kidneys from one animal were subjected to gross examination then fixed in a 10% neutral buffered formalin. Following gross examination, histological sections were obtained, examined, and magnified images of the sections were captured. The sections were examined using an upright Olympus BX41 light microscope and images were captured using an Olympus DP25 digital camera. Specifically, photomicrograph images of the sampled tissues were obtained at low magnification (20x original magnification) and high magnification (lOOx original magnification). The obtained images were subjected to histological evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation was to examine the tissue histologically and to qualitatively characterize congestion and tubular degeneration for the obtained samples.
  • Urine output rates were highly variable. Three sources of variation in urine output rate were observed during the study. The inter-individual and hemodynamic variability were anticipated sources of variability known in the art. A third source of variation in urine output, upon information and belief believed to be previously unknown, was identified in the experiments discussed herein, namely, contralateral intra-individual variability in urine output.
  • Baseline urine output rates were 0.79 ml/min for one kidney and 1.07 ml/min for the other kidney (e.g., a 26% difference).
  • the urine output rate is a mean rate calculated from urine output rates for each animal.
  • FIGS . 48 A and 48B are low and high magnification photomicrographs of the left kidney (treated with negative pressure) of the animal. Based on the histological review, mild congestion in the blood vessels at the corticomedullary junction was identified, as indicated by the arrows. As shown in FIG. 48B, a single tubule with a hyaline cast (as identified by the asterisk) was identified.
  • FIGS . 48C and 48D are low and high resolution photomicrographs of the control kidney (right kidney). Based on the histological review, moderate congestion in the blood vessel at the corticomedullary junction was identified, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 48C. As shown in FIG. 48D, several tubules with hyaline casts were present in the tissue sample (as identified by asterisks in the image). Presence of a substantial number of hyaline casts is evidence of hypoxia.
  • the treated kidney was determined to have 1.5 times greater fluid volume in Bowman's space and 2 times greater fluid volume in tubule lumen. Increased fluid volume in Bowman's space and the tubule lumen corresponds to increased urine output. In addition, the treated kidney was determined to have 5 times less blood volume in capillaries compared to the control kidney. The increased volume in the treated kidney appears to be a result of (1) a decrease in individual capillary size compared to the control and (2) an increase in the number of capillaries without visible red blood cells in the treated kidney compared to the control kidney, an indicator of less congestion in the treated organ.
  • the number of renal tubules with intraluminal hyaline casts correlates with the degree of loss of renal function. Accordingly, the reduced number of tubules in the treated left kidney is believed to be physiologically significant. While not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that these results show that damage to the kidney can be prevented or inhibited by applying negative pressure to a ureteral catheter inserted into the renal pelvis to facilitate urine output.
  • the retention portion included two full coils and one proximal half coil.
  • the outer diameter of the full coils shown by line Dl in FIGS. 2A and 2B, was 18 + 2 mm.
  • the half coil diameter D2 was about 14 mm.
  • the retention portion of the deployed ureteral catheters included six drainage openings, plus an additional opening at the distal end of the catheter tube.
  • the diameter of each of the drainage openings was 0.83 + 0.01 mm.
  • the distance between adjacent drainage openings 132 specifically the linear distance between drainage openings when the coils were straightened, was 22.5 + 2.5 mm.
  • the ureteral catheters were positioned to extend from the renal pelvis of the swine, through the bladder, and urethra, and to fluid collection containers external to each swine. Following placement of the ureteral catheters, pressure sensors for measuring IVC pressure were placed in the IVC at a position distal to the renal veins.
  • An inflatable balloon catheter specifically a PTS® percutaneous balloon catheter (30 mm diameter by 5 cm length), manufactured by NuMED Inc. of Hopkinton, NY, was expanded in the IVC at a position proximal to the renal veins.
  • a thermodilution catheter specifically a Swan-Ganz thermodilution pulmonary artery catheter manufactured by Edwards Lifesciences Corp. of Irvine, CA, was then placed in the pulmonary artery for the purpose of measuring cardiac output.
  • the elevated congested IVC pressure was maintained and negative pressure diuresis treatment was provided for swine A and swine C.
  • the swine (A, C) were treated by applying a negative pressure of -25 mmHg through the ureteral catheters with a pump.
  • the pump was an Air Cadet Vacuum Pump from Cole-Parmer Instrument Company (Model No. EW-07530-85).
  • the pump was connected in series to a regulator.
  • the regulator was a V-800 Series Miniature Precision Vacuum Regulator - 1/8 NPT Ports (Model No. V-800-10-W/K), manufactured by Airtrol Components Inc.
  • the swine were observed for 120 minutes, as treatment was provided. Blood and urine collection were performed every 30 minutes, during the treatment period. Two of the swine (B, D) were treated as congested controls (e.g., negative pressure was not applied to the renal pelvis through the ureteral catheters), meaning that the two swine (B, D) did not receive negative pressure diuresis therapy.
  • NGAL Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin
  • KIM-1 Kidney Injury Molecule 1
  • Serum NGAL (ng/ml) 102 (60%) * 809 (84%) 126 (127%)
  • Serum NGAL (ng/ml) 197 (117%) 1104 (115%) 208 (209%)
  • Urinary KIM-1 (ng/ml) 260 (6326%) 28.7 (799%) 233 (20000%)
  • Animal A The animal weighed 50.6 kg and had a baseline urine output rate of 3.01 ml/min, a baseline serum creatinine of 0.8 mg/dl, and a measured CrCl of 261 ml/min. It is noted that these measurements, aside from serum creatinine, were uncharacteristically high relative to other animals studied. Congestion was associated with a 98% reduction in urine output rate (0.06 ml/min) and a >99% reduction in CrCl (1.0 ml/min). Treatment with negative pressure applied through the ureteral catheters was associated with urine output and CrCl of 17% and 12%, respectively, of baseline values, and 9x and >10x, respectively, of congestion values.
  • Levels of NGAL changed throughout the experiment, ranging from 68% of baseline during congestion to 258% of baseline after 90 minutes of therapy. The final value was 130% of baseline.
  • Levels of KIM-1 were 6 times and 4 times of baseline for the first two 30-minute windows after baseline assessment, before increasing to 68x, 52x, and 63x of baseline values, respectively, for the last three collection periods.
  • the 2-hour serum creatinine was 1.3 mg/dl. Histological examination revealed an overall congestion level, measured by blood volume in capillary space, of 2.4%. Histological examination also noted several tubules with intraluminal hyaline casts and some degree of tubular epithelial degeneration, a finding consistent with cellular damage.
  • Animal B The animal weighed 50.2 kg and had a baseline urine output rate of 2.62 ml/min and a measured CrCl of 172 ml/min (also higher than anticipated). Congestion was associated with an 80% reduction in urine output rate (0.5 ml/min) and an 83% reduction in CrCl (30 ml/min). At 50 minutes into the congestion (20 minutes after the congestion baseline period), the animal experienced an abrupt drop in mean arterial pressure and respiration rate, followed by tachycardia. The anesthesiologist administered a dose of phenylephrine (75 mg) to avert cardiogenic shock. Phenylephrine is indicated for intravenous administration when blood pressure drops below safe levels during anesthesia. However, since the experiment was testing the impact of congestion on renal physiology, administration of phenylephrine confounded the remainder of the experiment.
  • Animal C The animal weighed 39.8 kg and had a baseline urine output rate of 0.47 ml/min, a baseline serum creatinine of 3.2 mg/dl, and a measured CrCl of 5.4 ml/min. Congestion was associated with a 75% reduction in urine output (0.12 ml/min) and a 79% reduction in CrCl (1.6 ml/min). It was determined that baseline NGAL levels were >5x the upper limit of normal (ULN). Treatment with negative pressure applied to the renal pelvis through the ureteral catheters was associated with a normalization of urine output (101% of baseline) and a 341% improvement in CrCl (18.2 ml/min).
  • Levels of NGAL changed throughout the experiment, ranging from 84% of baseline during congestion to 47% to 84% of baseline between 30 and 90 minutes. The final value was 115% of baseline.
  • Levels of KIM-1 decreased 40% from baseline within the first 30 minutes of congestion, before increasing to 8.7x, 6.7x, 6.6x, and 8x of baseline values, respectively, for the remaining 30-minute windows.
  • Serum creatinine level at 2 hours was 3.1 mg/dl. Histological examination revealed an overall congestion level, measured by blood volume in capillary space, of 0.9%. The tubules were noted to be histologically normal.
  • Animal D The animal weighed 38.2 kg and had a baseline urine output of 0.98 ml/min, a baseline serum creatinine of 1.0 mg/dl, and a measured CrCl of 46.8 ml/min. Congestion was associated with a 75% reduction in urine output rate (0.24 ml/min) and a 65% reduction in Cr CI (16.2 ml/min). Continued congestion was associated with a 66% to 91% reduction of urine output and 89% to 71% reduction in CrCl. Levels of NGAL changed throughout the experiment, ranging from 127% of baseline during congestion to a final value of 209% of baseline.
  • Levels of KIM-1 remained between lx and 2x of baseline for the first two 30-minute windows after baseline assessment, before increasing to 190x, 219x, and 201x of baseline values for the last three 30- minute periods.
  • the 2-hour serum creatinine level was 1.7 mg/dl.
  • Histological examination revealed an overall congestion level 2.44x greater than that observed in tissue samples for the treated animals (A, C) with an average capillary size 2.33 times greater than that observed in either of the treated animals.
  • the histological evaluation also noted several tubules with intraluminal hyaline casts as well as tubular epithelial degeneration, indicating substantial cellular damage.
  • Fluid overload was induced in both animals with a constant infusion of saline (125 mL/hour) during the 24 hour follow-up. Urine output volume was measured at 15 minute increments for 24 hours. Blood and urine samples were collected at 4 hour increments.
  • a therapy pump 818 was set to induce negative pressure within the renal pelvis 820, 821 (shown in FIG. 21) of both kidneys using a pressure of -45mmHg (+/- 2 mmHg).
  • FIG. 26 illustrates the change in serum albumin.
  • the treated animal had a 6% drop in the serum albumin concentration over 24 hours, while the control animal had a 29% drop.

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EP18791301.7A 2017-04-25 2018-01-25 Systeme, kits und verfahren zur erzeugung von negativem druck zur erhöhung der nierenfunktion Withdrawn EP3615125A4 (de)

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US201762489831P 2017-04-25 2017-04-25
US201762489789P 2017-04-25 2017-04-25
US15/687,083 US10926062B2 (en) 2015-07-20 2017-08-25 Ureteral and bladder catheters and methods of inducing negative pressure to increase renal perfusion
US15/687,064 US10765834B2 (en) 2015-07-20 2017-08-25 Ureteral and bladder catheters and methods of inducing negative pressure to increase renal perfusion
US201815745823A 2018-01-18 2018-01-18
PCT/US2018/015260 WO2018200050A1 (en) 2017-04-25 2018-01-25 Systems, Kits and Methods for Inducing Negative Pressure to Increase Renal Function

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EP18791406.4A Active EP3600146B1 (de) 2017-04-25 2018-01-25 Harnleiter- und blasenkatheter und verfahren zur erzeugung von unterdruck zur erhöhung der nierenperfusion
EP18791301.7A Withdrawn EP3615125A4 (de) 2017-04-25 2018-01-25 Systeme, kits und verfahren zur erzeugung von negativem druck zur erhöhung der nierenfunktion
EP18790948.6A Pending EP3614963A4 (de) 2017-04-25 2018-01-25 Kathetervorrichtung und verfahren zum induzieren eines unterdrucks in der blase eines patienten
EP22152135.4A Withdrawn EP4008372A1 (de) 2017-04-25 2018-01-25 Harnleiter- und blasenkatheter und verfahren zur erzeugung von unterdruck zur erhöhung der nierenperfusion

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EP22152135.4A Withdrawn EP4008372A1 (de) 2017-04-25 2018-01-25 Harnleiter- und blasenkatheter und verfahren zur erzeugung von unterdruck zur erhöhung der nierenperfusion

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EP3600146A1 (de) 2020-02-05
WO2018200051A1 (en) 2018-11-01
EP3614963A4 (de) 2021-01-13
EP4008372A1 (de) 2022-06-08
BR112019022400A2 (pt) 2020-05-19
EP3600146A4 (de) 2020-04-15
WO2018200050A1 (en) 2018-11-01
WO2018200052A1 (en) 2018-11-01
EP3614963A1 (de) 2020-03-04
WO2018200051A8 (en) 2018-12-27
JP7084942B2 (ja) 2022-06-15
EP3615125A4 (de) 2021-01-20
ES2912785T3 (es) 2022-05-27
CN110636816A (zh) 2019-12-31
JP2020517361A (ja) 2020-06-18
CN110785201A (zh) 2020-02-11
EP3600146B1 (de) 2022-03-02
JP2020517359A (ja) 2020-06-18

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