| 摘要 |
A non-contaminating catheter (10) includes a hollow tube (12) having an axial lumen extending along the length thereof, and an elongated, tubular, flexible membrane (14) disposed within the lumen. The leading end of the membrane (14) is circumferentially folded back over the leading edge (20) of the tube (12) and fixed to a guide assembly. As the catheter (10) is inserted into a patient, the membrane (14) is drawn through the tube (12) and out the leading edge (20) of the tube (12). Once the catheter (10) is fully inserted, the membrane (14) circumscribes the tube (12); thus, contact between the tube (12) and the patient is substantially, if not entirely, prevented during insertion of the catheter (10) over the length of the membrane (14). More particularly, the membrane (14) is laid out as the catheter (10) is urged along the anatomical canal and thus remains interposed between the exterior wall of the catheter (10) and the patient's internal organs (e.g., the urethra). Sliding frictional contact between the catheter tube (12) and the urethral mucosa is inhibited and the passive transportation of pathogens in the lower urinary tract concomitantly prevented. Various methods of making and using the catheter (10) of the present invention are also disclosed.
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