Here’s something worth mentioning, even though it is not the most revolutionary tech. ProtekMed out of Hickory, NC has released a new urinary catheter valve for people who have suprapubic or indwelling foleys for urinary retention. Developed by a valve engineer, who has the same GU condition, the device is intended to let patients avoid the use of a collection bag and, hopefully, to make their lives a bit more normal.
Designed to be used in place of a bag, the valve connects to the end of the catheter tube and slides open and closed easily with one hand. With a secure, leak-free seal, a Tru-flo-equipped catheter can be drained directly into a commode at the convenience of the patient. The valve universally adapts to all Foley and Supra-pubic catheter systems.
By eliminating the bag and utilizing shorter catheter tubing, the entire catheter system is easily concealed thanks to Tru-flo – helping to restore patient comfort and dignity. And with no recessed or undercut external surfaces that can harbor bacteria, the Tru-flo valve has important design features for infection prevention.
For patients utilizing the valve, it should be opened every three-to-four hours initially. Some patients may have the urge to void and should open the valve as this occurs. The valve can be used safely overnight, or a bedside drainage bag may be attached before bed, reducing nocturia, and the valve replaced in the morning.
Contraindications include a high-pressure neurogenic bladder, a history of autonomic dysreflexia, a febrile UTI, and situations following any procedure or trauma where there is a possibility for urinary extravasation and urinary drainage is needed for optimal tissue repair, such as TURBT, bladder repair or trauma, or radical prostatectomy. Relative contraindications are gross hematuria with clot.
Press release: ProtekMed Introduces the Tru-flo(TM) Urinary Catheter Valve…
Link: ProtekMed…
