Patent Grant
11938014
This disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods that can be used for bladder management, such as an extended-use catheter, and devices that can connect to the extended use catheter in order to position it in a body and/or remove it from a body.
Many people suffer from lower urinary tract dysfunction, also known as neurogenic bladder. Neurogenic bladder can be defined as impaired urinary function due to neurological injury or disease, such as spinal cord injury (SCI). Current methods for managing neurogenic bladder and other chronic urinary retention disorders are to drain the bladder using (a) intermittent catheterization (IC), or (b) indwelling Foley catheters. These methods, however, are associated with relatively high rates of urinary tract infection and genito-urinary (GU) injury, each of which diminishes a patient's quality of life. Furthermore, because some individuals with neurogenic bladder lack bladder sensation, and thus cannot accurately perceive bladder fullness, they are susceptible to bladder over-filling. This can result in urinary “accidents” and/or urinary reflux, and urinary reflux presents a risk of infection and tissue damage to the upper urinary tract.
To avoid these problems, individuals with neurogenic bladder on an IC program commonly rely on a timed catheterization schedule. This approach is imprecise and may lead to catheterization more frequently than necessary, which can increase the risk of infection and GU injury. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved urinary prosthesis that helps to alleviate one or all of the preceding problems.
The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for extended-use bladder management and controlling urinary function for humans or other animals. The disclosed devices, systems, and methods may be used for fluid flow control for other bodily organs as well, such as kidneys, or draining abscesses or fluids from a body, and the description herein for bladder-control use is not limiting.
Disclosed is an extended-use catheter configured for being retained inside of the body. The catheter can be used, for example, in the human male urinary tract. When in use, it is preferably positioned fully inside of, and retained in, the urethra and bladder. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises an elongated tube having a wall with an outer surface, and a lumen through which fluid, such as urine, can pass. Positioned on, or formed as part of, the tube wall is a retainer portion with a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the outer surface of the tube wall. When the catheter is properly positioned in the urinary tract, the retainer portion is positioned in the bulbar urethra, where it aids in the proper positioning of the catheter and helps prevent the catheter from inadvertently moving forward or backward.
A catheter according to this disclosure could be periodically inserted, removed, and replaced by the user without medical assistance or the aid of another individual, which is convenient and saves time and medical expense. Such a catheter could remain in the body for days or weeks without being removed, which alleviates the problem of catheterization multiple times per day.
The catheter preferably includes a valve, wherein the valve can be operated to: (a) allow fluid to exit the proximal end of the catheter, where it can exit the body, or (b) prevent the flow of fluid out of the proximal end of the catheter. The valve is most preferably a magnetic valve controlled from outside of the body using a wireless controller that generates a wireless signal to the valve to open or close.
A catheter mating device configured to engage and move the catheter is also disclosed and may be part of a system according to aspects of the invention. The catheter mating device has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is configured to connect to the proximal end of the catheter, and includes an apparatus moveable between: (a) a first position, wherein the apparatus is retracted, and (b) a second position, wherein the apparatus is expanded. When in the first position, the apparatus is configured to fit into the lumen (or a mating chamber of the catheter) at the proximal end of the catheter. Once placed in the lumen, the apparatus can be moved to its second position, wherein the apparatus expands until it presses against and engages the wall of the lumen (or inner wall of the mating chamber). That connects the catheter mating device to the catheter, and the catheter can then be pushed into, or removed from a body structure, such as a bladder and urethra by, respectively, pushing or pulling the catheter mating device. Thus, the catheter mating device can be used to: (a) accurately place the catheter inside of a body, and/or (b) remove the catheter from a body.
The catheter may be configured to include one or more sensors, which may be on, inside of, or embedded in material forming the catheter, or partially or entirely within the lumen. The one or more sensors can be at any suitable location on the catheter, such as at a position where they are positioned in the bladder when the catheter is properly positioned in the lower urinary tract of a human male. The one or more sensors could collect any relevant data, such as fluid pressure in the bladder, pH level of fluid, volume of urine in the bladder, and/or amount of blood or bacteria in urine. The one or more sensors could communicate with other devices, such as CT scanners, ultrasound devices, x-ray machines, electronic data storage devices, computers, cell phones, the wireless controller, the catheter mating device and/or sensors placed in toilets. The data collected by the sensors could be stored, analyzed and/or transmitted by a device including software configured for these functions.
Because the catheter can remain in the body for long periods, a sensor on the catheter can gather and send data over the entire period the catheter is in the body, as opposed to gathering data only at a specific time, such as when a patent is at a doctor's office or hospital.
A catheter according to aspects of the invention could also include one or more antennas to communicate with the one or more sensors, and transmit data collected by the one or more sensors. The catheter could have a second lumen that includes one or more antennas and one or more catheters.
As used herein, the term “user” means any person able to insert and/or remove a catheter as disclosed herein, and includes a patient, doctor, caregiver, and nurse. “Patient” means a person that uses a catheter as disclosed herein in his/her body. “Lower urinary tract” refers collectively to the urinary bladder and urethra. “Extended use” means a catheter that can be used without having to remove it from the body more than once every two days or longer.
Extended-Use Catheter
Turning now to the Figures, wherein the purpose is to describe preferred embodiments and not to limit the scope of the invention,
Turning to
Lumen 14 may have any suitable cross-sectional geometrical shape (e.g., circular (which is most preferred), oval, semi-circular, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, or crescent) and can have a cross-sectional surface area (which is the area inside of lumen wall 14A when viewed in cross section) equivalent to the area of a 0.1 mm diameter circle to that of a 5.5 mm diameter circle. If the cross-sectional shape of lumen 14 is circular lumen 14 preferably has a diameter of any amount from: 0.1 mm to 5.5 mm. Lumen 14 may also comprise different cross-sectional areas along its length. For example, the cross-sectional area of the lumen may be greater where the valve 100 is positioned, and/or a greater cross-sectional area at the proximal end 16. Or, the lumen's cross-sectional area may be greater along its entire length distal to valve 100.
Tip 16A can have an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the outer wall 12B. For example, tip 16A may have a diameter of 0.5 mm-1 mm greater than outer wall 12B. The purpose of tip 16A having a slightly larger diameter is so a user can locate it by touch (e.g., by pressing against the skin and feeling the ridge at tip 16A) when tip 16A is positioned in the penile urethra.
An engagement chamber 16B can be at or near the proximal end 16 of the catheter 10. The engagement chamber 16B can be located between the proximal tip 16A and the valve 100, or extend from proximal tip 16A to valve 100 or a position proximal valve 100. The engagement chamber 16B includes a space configured to engage the apparatus 1172 as generally shown in
As shown in
When catheter 10 is positioned in the lower urinary tract of a human male, the one or more openings 18A are positioned in the bladder 2500, as shown in
Retainer Portion
The retainer portion 20 is positioned in the bulbar urethra 2300 when catheter 10 is properly positioned in the lower urinary tract of a human male. Retainer portion 20 is configured to prevent the inadvertent migration of catheter 10 either forward or backward once catheter 10 is properly positioned in the body. If positioned in the bulbar urethra, the retainer portion 20 is blocked by the external sphincter to prevent inadvertent retrograde migration, and blocked by the penile portion of the urethra 2600 to prevent inadvertent ante grade migration. When sufficient pulling or pushing force is applied to catheter 10, retainer portion 20 compresses so that it can pass through the urethra 2600 when catheter 10 is being removed from, or being placed in, the lower urinary tract.
Retainer portion 20 is preferably formed: (a) over or as part of wall 12A of tube 12, or (b) as a separate part that has a passage, such as passage 28 shown in
As best seen in
In an embodiment suitable for use in the lower urinary tract of a human male, the maximum cross-sectional area as measured inside of surface 22 (and including the cross-sectional area of passage 28) or surface 8410 (and including the cross-sectional area of passage 8430) is: (a) greater than the cross-sectional area of the external sphincter, (b) greater than the cross-sectional area of the penile urethra 2600, and (c) smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the bulbar urethra 2300. The maximum cross-sectional area (as measured when retainer portion 20 is not being compressed) may be 1.2 times larger, 1.5 to two times larger, three times as large, four times as large, five times as large, six times as large, seven times as large, eight times as large, nine times as large, ten times as large, or any amount from: 1.2 to five times as large, or 1.5 to ten times as large, as the cross-sectional area measured inside the outer surface 12B of tube 12. The maximum cross-sectional area (as measured when retainer portion 20 is not being compressed) may be any amount from: (24 mm)2 π to (25 mm)2 π, (4 mm)2 π to (25 mm)2 π, or (6 mm)2 π to (20 mm)2 π, or (8 mm)2 π to (16 mm)2 π, or (10 mm)2 π to (15 mm)2 π, or (12 mm)2 π to (15 mm)2 π, or (5 mm)2 π to (10 mm)2 π. In one embodiment the top surface 22 has a circular cross-sectional shape and has a diameter of any amount from: 5 mm to 10 mm, or 5 mm to 7 mm, or 4 mm to 8 mm, or 6 mm to 15 mm, or 8 mm to 15 mm, or 6 mm to 20 mm, or 8 mm to 22 mm. The diameter of surface 12B (which is the outer diameter of tube 12) can be about 2.0 mm to 6.0 mm, or 4.6 to 6.0 mm, or any amount from: 1.5 mm to 6.5 mm.
The catheter 10 may comprise two or more retainer portions 20A as shown in
Regardless of the structure or number of the retainer portion(s) utilized, any retainer portion can be comprised of solid material or include gas pockets. Each retainer portion should be atraumatic, and it preferably has a relatively soft, atraumatic surface. Retainer portion can be comprised of a flexible silicone and/or have a soft silicone surface coating. The retainer portion preferably has a durometer of any amount from: 1 to 40, or 5 to 30, or 10 to 25, or 15-25 Shore A. The retainer portion is preferably compressible. For example, the retainer portion can comprise a material that compresses to pass through cross-sectional areas smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of the retainer portion. When used in the lower urinary tract of a human male, the retainer portion should compress to at least a dimension so that it can be pushed or pulled through the maximum expanded dimension of urethra 2600, which could be about 6 mm to 12 mm, or about 10 mm. The retainer portion expands once it is no longer restricted. When used in the lower urinary tract of a human male, the retainer portion is compressed when it is pulled through the urethra 2600 and expands once it enters the bulbar urethra 2300.
In some embodiments, the retainer portion may be compressed to about 80%, 75%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 10%, or any amount from about 10%-80% of the maximum cross-sectional area. The retainer portion 20 is compressed to any such amount when a total force is applied substantially equally to the outer surface of the retainer portion at the maximum cross-sectional area in an amount of 2 lbs., 3 lbs., 4 lbs., 5 lbs., 6 lbs., 7 lbs., 8 lbs., 9 lbs., 10 lbs., 11 lbs., 12 lbs., 13 lbs., 14 lbs., 15 lbs., 16 lbs., 17 lbs., 18 lbs., 19 lbs., 20 lbs., or any force within the range of: 1-10 lbs., 2-20 lbs., or 0.5-5.0 lbs.
Valve
The valve 100 is preferably configured to restrict, or allow, fluid flow from the bladder 2000 (or other body part) out of the proximal end 16 of catheter 10. In the embodiment shown, the valve 100 is located in lumen 14 between the proximal end 16 and the retainer portion 20, although the valve 100 can be positioned at any suitable location in the lumen 14, or at the distal end 18 or proximal end 16 of catheter 10, as long as the valve can open to allow, and close to prevent fluid flow out of proximal end 16. As shown in this embodiment, the valve 100 is a magnetic valve, and wireless controller 6000 (described below) can be placed on or near valve 100 from outside of the patient's body to operate valve 100.
The valve 100 preferably comprises a cylindrical body. As shown in
The screw portion 5100 can be movable inside the housing 5050. The housing 5050 and the screw portion 5100 can be in a threaded connection. The magnet can be connected to the screw portion 5100 and the spindle 5250. By moving the magnet 5150, the valve 100 can open and close. For example, the magnet 5150 can be moved by using an wireless controller 600 (described below) to open and close the valve 100, such as by spinning magnet 5150, in order to activate the valve 100 and facilitate and/or control fluid flow. The valve 100 and the wireless controller 6000 can be configured to allow the user to increase or decrease the flow rate of the urine from the bladder 2500 by the wireless controller 600 signaling the valve 100.
If valve 100 is a magnetic valve, as shown in this embodiment, when it is operated it pumps fluid, rather than simply allowing fluid to flow as a result of fluid pressure in the bladder 2500 or other body structure in which distal end 18 is positioned. Using the bladder 2500 as an example, by pumping fluid the bladder is more completely emptied, which can lead to relieving the bladder fewer times over a given period of time. Alternatively, the valve could be any structure that can be operated to (a) prevent the passage of fluid out of proximal end 16, and (b) allow fluid to flow past proximal end 16.
Catheter Mating Device
A system according to the invention can comprise a catheter 10 and a catheter mating device 1000, wherein the catheter mating device 1000 and catheter 10 are each configured to connect to one another so that catheter 10 can be moved by moving the catheter mating device 1000. The catheter mating device 1000 can be used to place the catheter 10 into a patient's body, and to remove the catheter 10 from the patient's body. The catheter mating device 1000 comprises a stem 1150 that includes: (a) a tube 1152 having an outer surface (or external wall) 1154 and a lumen 1162, (b) an inner cylinder 1160 having a distal end 1160A and a proximal end 1160B connected to a control 1520, and (c) a distal end 1170 with apparatus 1172.
The apparatus 1172 is a structure that operates mechanically to connect the stem to the proximal end of the catheter, thus connecting the catheter mating device 100 to catheter 10. Apparatus 1172 has a first, retracted position, wherein it can fit inside of the proximal end 16 of tube 12, and a second, expanded position, wherein it engages proximal end 16 and connects catheter mating device 100 to catheter 10.
In this embodiment, the apparatus 1172 comprises tips 1174 that are configured to be positioned inside proximal end 16 (such as inside of engagement chamber 16B) when tips 1174 are in their first, retracted position and have a first distance between them (which may be zero distance because tips 1174 may touch when in the first, retracted position) as best seen in
When in their second, expanded position, the tips 1174 (as measured when they are not restricted by a structure, such as the inner wall of mating chamber 16B or another structure), can have a maximum outer distance across them that is the same, or greater than, the diameter of mating chamber 16B (or other inner portion of catheter 10, such as lumen 14, because mating chamber 16B need not be used) in order for tips 1174 to create an interference fit against the inner wall of mating chamber 16B (or other structure). The tips 1174 can be comprised of any suitable material, such as a plastic, metal, or a thermoplastic elastomer.
In some embodiments, the tips 1174 at distal end 1170 form a tapered configuration such that they facilitate proper alignment of the tips 1774 and engagement chamber 16B so that tips 1774 can be received inside of chamber 16B (or other structure of catheter 10, such as lumen 14). Tips 1174 may have rounded end portions 1175 that assist in engaging proximal end 16.
The catheter mating device 1000 in this embodiment comprises a cylinder 1160 positioned inside of outer tube 1152. The cylinder 1160 is operated to move from a retracted position to an extended position. When cylinder 1160 is in its extended position (as shown in
A user may operate the catheter mating device 1000 by moving the control 1520 to its second position, which move the apparatus 1172 to its second, expanded position, and by moving the control 1520 to its first position, in which the apparatus 1172 either moves to, or is moved to its first, retracted position. In the embodiment shown, control 1520 is a slide switch directly or indirectly connected to cylinder 1160. When control 1520 is in its first position, the cylinder 1160 is in its first, retracted position. When control 1520 is moved to its second position, cylinder 1160 is moved to its second, extended position, wherein it moves between tips 1174 and pushes them open to their second, expanded position.
Although tips 1174 are shown as the apparatus 1172, other structures that can be mechanically expanded (as opposed to expanding utilizing gas or liquids) may be used. For example, there may more than two tips that are expanded in the manner described herein. Or, the tips or other structures may be expanded in any suitable manner. Alternatively, the tube 1152 of the stem 1150 could function as an outer sheath, and the apparatus could be attached to the cylinder 1160. In that example, the apparatus could be a metal mesh tube. Such an apparatus would be in its first, retracted position when contained inside of the tube 1152. The tube would be connected to the control 1520 and pulled back to expose the apparatus when the control 1520 is moved proximally (i.e., away from the catheter 10). That would permit the metal-mesh tube to automatically expand to its second, expanded position to engage proximal end 16. Or, utilizing the same structure, the cylinder 1160 including the apparatus could be connected to the control. In that case, a user could advance the cylinder 1160 and metal mesh tube out of the tube 1152, and the metal mesh tube would automatically expand to its second, expanded position. Alternatively, the stem could comprise an apparatus that is a flexible tube (comprised of rubber or flexible plastic) with one end of the tube connected to a first sleeve and another end connected to a second sleeve. The firs sleeve and second sleeve would be coaxial and at least one could move relative the other. A user could then manipulate one or both of the sleeves to compress the tube causing it to bulge, i.e., expand in the center, and engage the inner wall of the proximal end 16 (which could be engagement chamber 16B) of catheter 10.
The stem 1150 in this embodiment has a length configured to enable a user to place catheter 10 in the urinary tract using the catheter mating device 1000. For example, in this embodiment stem 1150 may have a lengths (a) greater than the length of the penile urethra of a patient, (b) less than or equal to the length as measured from the membranous portion to the urethral orifice of a patient, and/or (c) less than the length of the penile urethra of a patient. In some embodiments, the stem 1150 is about 10 cm to 26 cm in length. Stem 1150 can include a fluid opening 1162 that is configured to allow fluid flow from the catheter 10 to pass through the lumen 1164 of stem 1150 and out of the proximal end 1152A of tube 1152, where the fluid can be collected or disposed, or pass through housing 1500 to be collected or disposed.
Housing
The catheter retainer portion 1000 can have a handle (or housing) 1500 at its proximal end. Housing 1500 may house a portion of the stem 1150 and/or cylinder 1160, and includes a control 1520. The housing 1500 is comprised of any suitable material such as PVC or other plastic. Housing 1500 has body portion 1500A, which can be formed of two connected portions 1550 and 1580 as shown in
As shown, control 1520 is a slide switch that can be moved from a first (proximal) position to a second (distal position). Control 1520 has a ridge 1522 that can be pushed by a user's finger, a body portion 1524 that extends through opening 1510, and a base 1526 positioned in cavity 1506. Fasteners 1528 extend through apertures 1530 to retain control in housing 1500.
In the embodiment shown, cylinder 1160 is connected to control 1520. A user can move switch 1520 in a distal direction to push cylinder 1160 to its extended position, wherein the cylinder 1160 moves the apparatus to its second, expanded position. A user can move switch 1520 in a proximal direction, wherein the cylinder 1160 moves to its retracted position away from the apparatus 1172 and the apparatus moves to its first, retracted position. Although a manual slide switch is described herein, control 1520 could be any structure that can operate to directly or indirectly move the apparatus to its second, expanded position.
The proximal end 1152A of tube 1152 is retained inside of cavity 1506. If fluid enters lumen (or passageway) 1164 it exits the proximal end 1152A, and can flow through housing 1500, where it exits opening 1504A at proximal end 1504. This allows for relatively easy collection or disposal of fluid from the body in which catheter 10 is positioned. In one embodiment, the stem 1150 has a length of about 10 cm to 26 cm.
Materials
The catheter 10 and the stem 1170 of catheter mating device 1000 are, respectively, constructed in a shape and of a material that is conducive for their intended use. For example, the catheter 10 and stem 1170 may be constructed of any material or materials suitable for catheters used in the body (such as PVC, latex, silicone, polyurethane or any suitable blend of these materials).
Packaging and Use
The catheter mating device 1000 and the catheter 10 can be carried in a sterilized pouch. A user may open the pouch comprising a catheter 10 and the catheter mating device 1000 and insert the catheter 10 into the lower urinary tract, and could use catheter mating device 1000 before inserting the catheter 10 into orifice 2700 of urethra 2600.
Wireless Controller
Urine in the bladder (or fluid from another area in the body) can be voided when the user utilizes an external wireless controller 6000 (shown in
Sensors and Data Collection
As shown in
The one or more sensors 2000 can be placed at any suitable location on catheter 10D. For example, one or more sensors 2000 can be placed on or near the distal tip 18 of catheter 10D, in which case one or more sensors 2000 would be positioned in the bladder if catheter 10D is configured for use in the lower urinary tract of a human male. A catheter 10D could comprise different inner diameters can include a diameter in which a sensor 2000 would fit, such that the sensor is retained within lumen 14 without preventing fluid flow through the lumen. For example, a sensor 2000 could be distal to openings 18A. The outer wall 12A of the tube 12 would then prevent sensor 2000 from contacting body tissue or fluid. One or more sensors 2000 may be positioned on or in retainer portion 20.
In one embodiment, one or more sensors 2000 can determine the pressure of urine within the bladder and send a signal to a processor that sends the information to a computing device, or the one or more sensors 2000 could send data directly to the computing device. The computing device, which can be any device, such as a PC or other computer, cell phone, dedicated catheter device, the wireless controller, or the catheter mating device, can have software that determines whether and when fluid (such as urine) needs to be drained from the bladder. The computing device can notify the user in any manner to drain urine from his/her bladder. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 2000 can be used to determine when urine has been sufficiently drained from the bladder, such as by determining that the pressure level within the bladder has dropped below a certain level. This information can be used to close the valve 100 and halt the flow of urine from leaving the bladder. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 2000 can include acoustics to determine the volume of urine in the bladder. Different types of sensors can be placed in or on the catheter 10 to determine metrics related to the health of areas of the body, such as bladder health.
In some embodiments, a sensor 2000 can be configured to detect the flow rate of urine through the valve 100. For example, a catheter system 10D can comprise software configured to detect the flow rate of urine through the valve 100 by measuring the electric current draw of the valve motor by wireless controller 6000. The catheter system 10D can comprise an external computing device comprising a memory in wireless communication (either intermittently or continuously) with the electronic circuitry 6150 of wireless controller 6000 to record store and/or transmit data measured by one or more sensors 2000.
In some embodiments, one or more sensors 2000 can function without a power source. By constructing the sensor in a specific manner the external unit can observe changes in the resonant frequency characteristics.
The data collected by one or more sensors 2000 can be stored, analyzed, and/or transmitted via software resident on a device outside of the body in which one or more sensors 2000 is positioned. The software may utilize machine-learning algorithms to predict and interpret the measurements.
The sensor can be configured to change its mechanical properties (e.g. size or shape) based on pressure changes inside the bladder. The user can use an external device to detect changes in mechanical properties of the sensor by, for example, sending and/or receiving magnetic or electronic signals.
In another embodiment shown in
Signal Transmission
One or more sensors 2000 can utilize basic wireless transmission protocol to send data to a computing device. This can be accomplished utilizing to Bluetooth, 802.11 WiFi, SONAR, UltraSound, MedRadio, or other wireless communications protocols. For example, the sensors can be configured to interface with CT, ultrasound, x-ray, and/or electronic data storage devices.
One or more sensors 2000 can comprise parts configured to interface and/or communicate with different products. For example, one or more sensors 2000 can be configured to interface with Amazon Echo® or Google Home®. One or more sensors 2000 could also be configured to interface with patient databases in hospitals or elsewhere. Information provided by a sensor 2000 may be formatted as desired. For example, analog data related to movement may be converted (using an analog to digital converter, for example) to a digital format, and subsequently formatted into a data packet including a data header followed by one or more data values.
Any amount of data can be transmitted in any manner. For example, data from one or more sensors 2000 can be transmitted to another device as the data is measured, or data can be stored (such as in a memory storage device) for a period of time before being transmitted to another device. In some cases, for example, it may be more efficient to transmit blocks of data at once rather than initiating communication with another device each time data is available. In other cases, a device may be out of range or otherwise unavailable to receive the data from one or more sensors 2000. The data can also be stored for any desired length of time, and/or until a particular event occurs. For example, the data could be stored by one or more sensors 2000 until the catheter mating device 1000 is connected to catheter 10′ or 10″, or until wireless controller 6000 is operated. Data could also be transmitted by one or more sensors 2000 to any device, such as the wireless controller 6000, catheter mating device 1000, or a cell phone. The data could be transmitted to such a device when the device is within a given range of one or more sensors 2000 (and hence a given range of the antenna(s)2002, if utilized).
Data can also be deleted when a data record in a sensor 2000 exceeds a predetermined storage time, and/or the oldest data record is deleted first after a predetermined storage size limit has been reached.
External Computer Device
The catheter system 1000 can comprise a computing device external to the patient's body. The external computing device may comprise a memory wirelessly connected to the electronic circuitry 6150 to receive operational parameters of the lower urinary tract. In some embodiments, the computing device can have a software which can be used to interpret data gathered the one or more sensors 2000. For example, one or more sensors 2000 may be a pressure sensor and the computing device can analyze data pressure received from the sensor 2000 be used to alert a user about when the user's bladder is likely to contract and void.
Having thus described some embodiments of the invention, other variations and embodiments that do not depart from the spirit of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is thus not limited to any particular embodiment, but is instead set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof. Unless expressly stated in the written description or claims, the steps of any method recited in the claims may be performed in any order capable of yielding the desired result. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any non-claimed limitation is included in a claim. The terms “a” and “an” expressly used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.
This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. application Ser. No. 15/785,405 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,065,093) to Herrera et al., entitled Catheter Mating Devices, filed on Oct. 16, 2017, which is a continuation in part of, and claims priority to, U.S. application Ser. No. 15/072,345 (now U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/675,435) to Herrera et al., entitled Extended-Use Valved Urinary Catheter filed on Mar. 16, 2016 which is a continuation in part of and claims priority to PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US2016/014648 entitled Bladder Management Systems filed on Jan. 23, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/279,485 filed Jan. 15, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/275,671 filed Jan. 6, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/231,854 filed Jul. 16, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/141,520 filed Apr. 1, 2015. U.S. application Ser. No. 15/785,405 is also a continuation in part of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/721,096 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,743,975) to Herrera et al. entitled Urinary Prosthesis Systems filed on Sep. 29, 2017, which is a divisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. application Ser. No. 15/419,948 (New now U.S. Pat. No. 9,775,698) entitled Urinary Prosthesis Systems filed on Jan. 30, 2017, which is a Continuation in part of and claims priority to PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US2016/014648 filed on Jan. 23, 2016, which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/107,203 filed Jan. 23, 2015. Each of the foregoing applications is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20210267740 A1 | Sep 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62279485 | Jan 2016 | US | |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15419948 | Jan 2017 | US |
| Child | 15721096 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15785405 | Oct 2017 | US |
| Child | 17320201 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15721096 | Sep 2017 | US |
| Child | 15785405 | US | |
| Parent | 15072345 | Mar 2016 | US |
| Child | 15785405 | US | |
| Parent | PCT/US2016/014648 | Jan 2016 | US |
| Child | 15072345 | US | |
| Parent | PCT/US2016/014648 | Jan 2016 | US |
| Child | 15419948 | US |
