Self-retaining catheters and methods of use

Abstract

Self-retaining catheter systems are generally described. A catheter system may reduce the risk of premature dislodgement of the catheter from a patient's anatomy (e.g., lumen, organ, natural or surgical opening). In some embodiments, a catheter system may include a tether extending from a portion proximate to the proximal end of a tubular body of the system to a distal portion. Applying tension to the tether may transition the tubular body from a linear configuration to a looped or coiled configuration, sized to be larger than an opening of the patient's lumen or organ. The expanded configuration of the tubular body may reduce the risk of premature dislodgement. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a reinforced portion coupled to a proximal end of the tether to help reinforce the tubular body in its looped configuration. In some embodiments, the catheter system may be a pediatric urinary catheter.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.