PARTIAL-LENGTH, INDWELLING PROSTATIC CATHETER WITH INFLATIONTUBE ANCHOR AND OBSTRUCTION RESISTANCE AND CLEARING

摘要

A partial-length indwelling catheter is anchored in the prostatic urethra by an inflatable balloon in the bladder and a coiled section of inflation tube which contacts the constriction of the urinary canal created by the external urinary sphincter muscle. The catheter drains urine from the bladder through the prostate gland to a position upstream of the external sphincter muscle, thereby allowing the sphincter muscle to naturally control urination. Urine drainage capability is made more resistant obstructions and blood clot accumulations by configurations of urine inlet openings. A low friction coating also resists blood clot accumulation. A single-use or multiple-use clearing device moves within an interior drainage passageway to contact and facilitate movement of the accumulated clots and obstructions out of the uri ne inlet opening and interior passageway. An insertion tool connects to the catheter to position the catheter for use within the prostatic urethra. Once positioned, the insertion tool is disconnected and withdrawn from the urinar y canal. Risks of blood clots obstructing the urine flow passageway are avoide d by flushing fluid through the insertion tool and the catheter.