Devices for assisting self-catheterization and methods for using such devices

A method for self-catheterization by a user, comprising:

• providing a guide device comprising an elongate anchor member defining a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal portions thereof, the proximal portion terminating at a proximal end, a bridge extending laterally from an intermediate location of the anchor member along a bridge axis, a guide comprising a tubular member on the bridge and spaced apart from the anchor member and including a passage extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a handle permanently attached to and extending from the proximal portion of the anchor member along a handle axis substantially perpendicular and fixed permanently relative to the longitudinal axis, the handle axis and offset relative to the bridge axis around the longitudinal axis when viewed from the proximal end of the anchor member;
• while holding the handle, inserting the distal portion of the anchor member into the user's vagina to align the guide with the user's urethra;
• inserting a urinary catheter through the passage of the guide into the urethra;
• advancing the catheter into the user's bladder;
• voiding urine from the bladder;
• and
• removing the catheter and anchor member.

A device to facilitate self-catheterization of a urethra, comprising:

• an elongate anchor member comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion sized and/or shaped to facilitate insertion into a user's vagina, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal portions, the distal portion having a cylindrical shape terminating in a rounded or tapered distal tip;
• a bridge extending from an intermediate location of the anchor member between the proximal and distal portions, the bridge extending along a bridge axis extending substantially perpendicular and fixed permanently relative to the longitudinal axis;
• a tubular guide on the bridge spaced apart from the anchor member, the guide comprising a passage therethrough aligned with the longitudinal axis and sized to receive a urinary catheter therethrough;
• and
• a handle permanently attached to and extending from the proximal portion of the anchor member along a handle axis extending substantially perpendicular and fixed permanently relative to the longitudinal axis, the handle axis offset from the bridge axis around the longitudinal axis when viewed from the proximal end of the anchor member such that the handle is out of a path of catheter insertion when the urinary catheter is inserted through the guide into the urethra to reduce obstruction of the path of insertion.