URINARY CATHETERS

摘要

A urinary catheter of the type which is retained in the urethra by means of a locating balloon also includes an inflatable valve by means of which the lumen (3) of the catheter may be opened or closed by the user. The catheter is manufactured as a two or three layered tube: the outer layer (1) includes an inflatable portion (5) for forming a locating balloon, whilst the inner layer (2) includes a further inflatable portion (6) providing the internal valve. A supply of fluid, e.g. saline, is fed to the inflatable portions, via relatively small diameter tubing encased in the laminar catheter structure. The pressure of the fluid is controlled by a manual pressure control device (19, 29).