Smart urinary catheter
AssigneeCure Medical LLC
InventorTimothy A. Palmer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A urinary catheter having a sensor or indicator affixed therein in a location that will be in the flow of urine when catheter is in use. The indicator comprises an electrolytic wicking material having an anode and a cathode thereon separated across the gap. The wicking material may be paper. The indicator further includes an output transducer positioned and connected relative to the anode and cathode such that a circuit which energizes the output transducer is created when urine flows. The indicator is configured to generate an output signal received at a remote location so that a medical practitioner can monitor proper usage of the catheter.
Claims20
A urinary catheter, comprising:
- a) a flexible catheter tube having a length and diameter sized for introduction and advancement through a user's urethra to the user's bladder, the tube having a proximal end leading to an outlet and a rounded distal tip with one or more openings adjacent the distal end leading to an internal lumen that extends the length of the tube;
- b) a usage indicator affixed within the catheter so as to be exposed to urine, the usage indicator comprising a porous substrate having a spaced-apart anode and cathode pair thereon, the usage indicator further including an output transducer positioned and connected with connecting wires relative to the anode and cathode such that an electrical current which energizes the output transducer is created when urine flows through the catheter and wets the indicator, the output transducer being configured to generate an output signal adapted to be received at a remote location.
A smart urinary catheter, comprising:
- a) a flexible catheter tube having a length and diameter sized for introduction and advancement through a user's urethra to the user's bladder, the tube having a proximal end leading to an outlet and a rounded distal tip with one or more openings adjacent the distal end leading to an internal lumen that extends the length of the tube;
- b) a usage indicator affixed within the catheter so as to be exposed to urine, the usage indicator comprising a porous substrate configured to pass an electrolytic ion flow between an anode and cathode pair thereon when wetted and an output transducer configured to be energized by a current flow and connected to the anode and cathode with current carrying pathways, the output transducer being capable of generating an output signal to be received at a remote location, the porous substrate being affixed within the catheter such that the output transducer is out of a direct flow of urine through the catheter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.