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Publication Number
US-11420015-B2
Publication Date
2022-08-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
A compact packaged intermittent urinary catheter having a longitudinally elongated intermittent urinary catheter retained within a longitudinally compacted elastic package. A method of using the catheter wherein at least a portion of the package is used as a drainage tube for the catheter. A package for an intermittent urinary catheter including a longitudinally compacted elastic package having a longitudinally extending receiving chamber containing a lubricating medium. The package having two longitudinal ends that may be removed to open the package and enable conversion of the package from a compacted state to an extended state. A method of using the package as a clean handling sleeve through which an intermittent urinary catheter may be passed to coat it with a lubricating medium.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a compact packaged intermittent urinary catheter. The catheter includes an elongated intermittent urinary catheter having a rounded distal end with one or more eyelets opening to a catheter lumen and a proximal end defining an opening to the lumen, and the catheter is received within a flexible package that defines a receiving chamber and that is longitudinally compacted in a closed state.
The flexible package is formed to include opposite thin sheets of material and has a longitudinally compacted configuration secured around an outer rectangular periphery, with a lateral fold mid-way between a first end and a second end. In the closed compacted state, the first and second ends are secured to each other and the distal end of the catheter is located adjacent the first end, so that the package is maintained in a compacted form.
The package is configured to convert to an open extended state by simultaneously laterally severing the first and second ends from a main portion of the package. Laterally severing the first and second ends separates the ends, permits the package to unfold or expand to its full longitudinal length, and forms first and second openings into the receiving chamber at opposite ends of the main portion, permitting the catheter to be at least partly extracted from the receiving chamber.
In related embodiments, the receiving chamber includes a lubricating medium or a gel reservoir associated with the package so that the catheter passes through it during extraction. The invention further includes structural and configuration features that facilitate conversion from the closed compacted state to the open extended state, including a lateral fold and structural locations such as weak points that enable laterally severing of the package ends.
Claims Coverage
The document contains two independent claims. Each independent claim centers on a compact packaged intermittent urinary catheter that moves from a closed compacted state to an open extended state by laterally severing package ends, creating openings to allow catheter extraction.
Laterally severable compact rectangular package with receiving chamber
A flexible package having opposite thin sheets secured around an outer rectangular periphery defining a receiving chamber therein, with a lateral fold mid-way between first and second ends, the package being foldable at the fold to convert into a closed compacted state with the first and second ends secured to each other and the distal end of the catheter located adjacent the first end, and configured to convert from the closed compacted state to an open extended state by simultaneously laterally severing the first and second ends from a main portion of the package.
Severing-generated openings enabling extraction
Laterally severing the first and second ends forms first and second openings into the receiving chamber at opposite ends of the main portion so that the catheter may be at least partly extracted from the receiving chamber.
Catheter with rounded distal end and eyelets in lumen
An elongated intermittent urinary catheter having a rounded distal end with one or more eyelets opening to a catheter lumen and a proximal end defining an opening to the lumen.
Closed compacted state sized to receiving chamber and catheter
A flexible package formed of a thin sheet defining an elongated receiving chamber between a first end to a second end with a lateral fold mid-way between the first and second ends, the package configured to form a closed compacted state at least half as long as a full longitudinal length of the receiving chamber and at least as long as the catheter length, wherein the first and second ends are secured to each other and the distal end of the catheter is located adjacent the first end.
Linear expansion of receiving chamber to full longitudinal length
The package configured to convert from the closed compacted state to an open extended state by simultaneously laterally severing the first and second ends from a main portion to permit the package to expand so that the receiving chamber extends linearly to its full longitudinal length, while forming first and second openings into the receiving chamber at opposite ends to permit the catheter to be at least partly extracted.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage requires an elongated intermittent urinary catheter with a rounded distal end and eyelets, received in a foldable package or receiving chamber. The key inventive aspect is conversion from a closed compacted state to an open extended state by simultaneously laterally severing the package ends, which separates the ends, permits unfolding or expansion, creates openings into the receiving chamber, and enables at least partial extraction of the catheter.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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