WO2022053841A1

WO2022053841A1 - Catheter device for intermittent catheterization

Info

Publication number: WO2022053841A1
Application number: PCT/GR2021/000044
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theodoros VLACHOPOULOS
Original assignee: Vlachopoulos Theodoros
Priority date: 2020-09-11
Filing date: 2021-06-30
Publication date: 2022-03-17
Also published as: GR20200100551A

Abstract

The invention relates to a catheter device used for intermittent catheterization and consisting of a shell (1) and a front (2) and a rear cap (3). Inside the shell (1) there is a catheter (4) consisting of a modular structure covered by an elastomeric housing (5) with notches (6). The catheter (4) ends in an outlet (11) for draining urine, either freely or in a bag. The catheter (4) is stored in a sterile environment, either in liquid or in a gel while being extracted and re-inserted mechanically by means of cogwheels (7) with indentations (8). With a view to protecting it, there is a protruding protective cover (9) consisting of plates (10), which open when the catheter comes out of the shell.

Description

DESCRIPTION

CATHETER DEVICE FOR INTERMITTENT CATHETERIZATION

FIELD OF ART

The invention relates to the field of human need art and more specifically to the field of health and even more specifically to the field of medical science. In particular it refers to the field of catheter devices and covered catheter devices. Specifically it refers to a catheter device for intermittent catheterization.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The catheter device for intermittent catheterization disclosed in the present invention has not been disclosed in the prior art.

Catheters for intermittent catheterization are biocompatible devices through which individuals empty the bladder when this cannot be done normally. They are intended for single use and according to the instructions of the treating physician they are used 4 to 6 times a day. Most commonly, people who use these devices have flaccid bladder symptoms or suffer from spinal cord injuries. They are made of vinyl, silicone and polyvinyl chloride or other, suitable for medical use, elastomeric materials. Intermittent catheterization catheters can be divided into plain or covered ones, depending on whether they have a thin cover on part or the entire catheter. Through this cover the catheter is held by the user's fingers and advanced inside the urethra protected against the transfer of germs from the external environment. Most commonly, the latter are preferred, as being hydrophilic or pre-soaked in a solution, they are protected against any contamination upon insertion to minimize urinary tract infections during bladder drainage.

Respectively, intermittent catheterization catheters are distinguished based on how they develop, during use. Thus there are telescopic catheters or spiral catheters, which are covered with a thin film. The latter are selected for the most discreet storage and transport, as they are usually small in size, while thanks to their coating they avoid contact with foreign bodies and possible contamination.

The number of solutions proposed so far proves the constant effort to find better solutions in this area. Although current devices help to improve people's quality of life, they actually have a number of disadvantages that make them difficult to use and often put people who use them in a difficult position. Users of intermittent catheterization catheters are now required to use both hands to insert the catheter into the bladder. Given that often these people can be quadriplegic, it becomes clear the difficulty of using the catheter without the help of another person. In addition, given that the catheter must reach to depth inside the bladder in order to effectively drain the urine, the size of the devices is such that it is difficult to store them discreetly. This means that the person who has to use the catheter is often obliged to keep a number of catheters in a bag carried by him, without being able to have them in a small, discreet package. Even spiral catheters, although having a smaller total volume, are not easily usable, as when removed from the package their shape does not return to straight form but to convex, so that curvature prevents the smooth drainage of the bladder. Furthermore, based on their frequent use, since as mentioned above the process is repeated 4 to 6 times a day, a significant cost arises, both for the user himself and for the social insurance system that compensates the specific devices.

It is thus an object of the present invention to deal with the aforementioned disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art by proposing a new catheter device for intermittent catheterization.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a catheter device for intermittent catheterization, which can be used easily and safely even by persons with limited upper limb mobility, as it can mechanically be inserted and extracted.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a catheter for intermittent catheterization, which, thanks to its elastomeric covering, can enter and exit the urethra smoothly, minimizing injuries and the risk of urinary tract infection. A further object of the invention is to provide a catheter device for intermittent catheterization, which before used is immersed in a gel or suitable liquid, so that it slides more easily and is sterilized, in order to be reusable.

A further object of the invention is to provide a catheter device for intermittent catheterization, the catheter having a modular construction of polyvinyl chloride or other molecules with similar properties, covered by an elastomeric housing. This configuration allows the catheter to develop straight when coming out and enter the urethra without injury.

Another object of the invention is to provide a catheter device for intermittent catheterization, which has a simple design and low manufacturing cost, so that it may be an affordable and advantageous option for people who need it.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a catheter device for intermittent catheterization, which can be used in conjunction with and connected to urine collectors in the manner known to date, or can be used autonomously for free flow of urine.

Another advantage of this invention is that it is designed so that throughout the process of self-catheterization the catheter is protected by the device, a condition that ensures the minimization of infections and contaminants. These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which it is illustrated in a nonlimiting manner.

Figure 1 shows a sectional plan view of an embodiment of the catheter device for intermittent catheterization.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the catheter device, in a random snapshot, with its caps and part of the catheter come out of the shell of the device.

Figures 3 (a) - (b) show in detail a section of the device displaying both its cogwheels and the catheter protection plates.

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the catheter device, which may be an alternative option of implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, we will describe indicative embodiments of the catheter device for intermittent catheterization, so that both the advantages of the invention and its mode of operation become apparent.

The catheter device of the invention consists of a shell (1), Fig. 1, and two, front (2) and rear (3), caps which are removable. In an alternative embodiment, the caps (2), (3) may not be removable, but openable. In the center of the shell (1), which is hollow, there is a spiral catheter (4), which, when completely inside the shell (1), takes up all the available space. The catheter (4) consists of modular sections, with an elastomeric housing (5) having notches (6). On the front side of the shell (1), from where the catheter (4) comes out, there are two identical cogwheels (7) on either side of the outlet, Fig. 2, with indentations (8), which fit to the notches (6) of the modular housing (5) of the catheter, so that during their rotation and depending on the rotation direction, they cause the catheter (4) to come out or enter the shell (1). Rotation can take place mechanically, through the stored energy of the device itself. The energy will rotate the cogwheels (7) at a controlled speed, pushing the catheter (4) towards the outlet. Respectively, with the stored energy, re-insertion of the catheter (4) in the shell (1) will be achieved in reverse. The catheter (4) is extracted from and inserted in the shell by pressing two independent buttons respectively, located on the upper side of the device, which shall be properly marked. In an alternative embodiment, the catheter (4) may be wound on a spool, which rotates around a central axis, allowing the catheter (4) to be developed and retracted, depending on the direction of rotation.

On the front side of the shell (1) there is a protruding protective cover (9), Fig. 3 (b), which protects the catheter (4) when located inside the shell (1). In this way, as long as it is stored in the device, its contamination by germs or microorganisms is avoided. Indicatively, the protruding protective cover (9) may consist of two plates (10), Fig. 3 (a), which will open when the catheter (4) comes out of the shell (1), while closing when it retracts inside the shell, thanks to their elasticity. Obviously, in an alternative embodiment, the protruding protective cover (9) may be detachable or openable, without altering the operation of the device.

The rear end of the catheter (4) terminates in an outlet (11), which is used either for the free drainage of urine when using the device, or for connection via a non-reflux valve, with a removable elastomeric bag, which will swell as the liquid enters. The way of connecting the outlet (11) to the bag can be further any known way, such as with a clip or otherwise. In yet another embodiment the bag may contain a substance which will convert the liquid into a gel. The outlet (11) is normally covered by the rear cap (3), which is opened or removed to drain urine during use. The center of the shell (1), in which the catheter (4) is normally located, may be watertight, creating a sterile environment inside. It may therefore contain a disinfectant, antifungal fluid, by which the catheter (4) will be sterilized after each use. Alternatively, instead of a liquid, there may be a gel of similar properties, for disinfection, further lubrication and cleaning of the catheter (4).

In an alternative embodiment the shell (1), Fig. 4, as well as the caps (2), (3) may be of different shapes, e.g., forming a stick. In such a case the shell (1) has an elongated structure and the catheter (4) is stored inside it, in the form of a serpentine, but without any difference in the mode of operation and the results expected from its use.

In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, it is proposed to place markings on the catheter (4) to make visually clear the length of the portion being developed. This helps the user, over time, to know if there is indeed complete drainage of urine from his bladder.

It should be noted at this point that the description of the invention has been made with reference to illustrative embodiments, to which it is not limited. Therefore any change or modification in terms of shape, dimensions, morphology, materials used, construction and assembly components, as long as they are not a new inventive step and do not contribute to the technical development of the already known, are considered to be contained in purposes and aspirations of the present invention.

Claims

1. Catheter device for intermittent catheterization, consisting of a shell (1), a front (2) and a rear cap (3), wherein a catheter (4) is inside the shell (1), the catheter consisting of a modular structure covered by an elastomeric housing (5) having notches (6), in a sterile environment, with its rear end ending in an outlet (11), and the front one being covered by a protruding protective cover (9), characterized in that the catheter’s ( 4) coming out and re-entering is done mechanically.

2. A catheter device for intermittent catheterization according to Claim 1, characterized in that the shell (1) has at least one cogwheel (7) with indentations (8) that fit into the notches (6) of the catheter (4).

3. A catheter device for intermittent catheterization according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the catheter (4) is wound around a rotating spool inside the shell (1).

4. A catheter device for intermittent catheterization according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the sterile medium is an antimicrobial fluid.

5. A catheter device for intermittent catheterization according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the sterile medium is an antimicrobial gel.

6. A catheter device for intermittent catheterization according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the outlet (11) is connected via a non-reflux valve to a detachable bag.