U.S. patent application number 12/026714 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-29 for urinary catheter with check valve.
Invention is credited to Margaret Grahn Marisi.
Application Number | 20080125758 12/026714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32907498 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080125758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marisi; Margaret Grahn |
May 29, 2008 |
URINARY CATHETER WITH CHECK VALVE
Abstract
The present invention provides a novel construction for a
catheter that includes backflow prevention in the form of a check
valve, which keeps the flow of drained fluid material from
reentering the patient. The catheter construction of the present
invention provides a standard single or multiple lumen tube
assembly that extends rearwardly from the insertion end of the
catheter to the contact end wherein on the discharge lumen a one
way check valve is provided. It is an important feature of the
present invention that the check valve is provided as close to the
terminal end of the contact end as possible without interfering
with the necessary accessory attachment that is typically made
thereto. Further, an interlock mechanism may be provided at the
terminal end of the catheter for connecting accessories in a
positive locking manner. The combination of the valve and the
interlock mechanism provides a notable safety and performance
improvement that has been previously unknown in the prior art.
Inventors: |
Marisi; Margaret Grahn;
(Cranston, RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARLOW, JOSEPHS & HOLMES, LTD.
101 DYER STREET, 5TH FLOOR
PROVIDENCE
RI
02903
US
|
Family ID: |
32907498 |
Appl. No.: |
12/026714 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10248888 |
Feb 27, 2003 |
7331949 |
|
|
12026714 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/544 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 25/0097 20130101;
A61F 5/4405 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/544 |
International
Class: |
A61M 27/00 20060101
A61M027/00 |
Claims
1. A catheter for the transfer of body fluids comprising: a tubular
catheter having a first end, a second end and at least one hollow
passageway within said tubular catheter extending from said first
end to said second end, and having at least one inlet disposed
proximate said first end and at least one outlet disposed proximate
said second end, wherein an interior diameter of said hollow
passageway has a tapered transition from a first diameter to a
second diameter larger than said first diameter proximate said
second end; a valve integrally formed within said hollow passageway
in said catheter between said first end and said outlet downstream
from said smaller first lumen at said tapered transition, said
check valve substantially limiting the fluid flow therethrough to a
single direction from said first end to said second end; and an
interlocking means at said second end of said catheter for
selectively connecting a collection apparatus thereto.
2. The catheter for the transfer of body fluids of claim 1, said
interlocking means further comprising: a screw thread pattern at
said second end of said catheter, said screw thread pattern
corresponding to a mating screw thread pattern on said collection
apparatus, wherein said screw thread pattern facilitates a positive
interlocking connection between said second end of said catheter
and said collection apparatus.
3. The catheter for the transfer of body fluids of claim 1, said
interlocking means further comprising: a raised ridge extending
around said second end of said catheter, and hooks extending from
said collection apparatus, wherein said hooks engage said ridge to
facilitate a positive interlocking connection between said second
end of said catheter and said collection apparatus.
4. The catheter for the transfer of body fluids of claim 1, wherein
said first end is inserted into a human body into a body cavity
contained therein to drain fluids contained in said cavity, said
second end and said check valve remaining entirely outside said
human body.
5. The catheter for the transfer of body fluids of claim 1, wherein
said at least one hollow tube is exactly one hollow tube.
6. The catheter for the transfer of body fluids of claim 1, said at
least one hollow tube further comprising: a first hollow tube
providing means for transferring body fluids from a body cavity
into which said first end of said catheter is inserted; a second
hollow tube providing means for retaining said catheter in said
body cavity; and a third hollow tube providing means for
introducing irrigation fluid to said body cavity.
7. The catheter for the transfer of body fluids of claim 1 said at
least one hollow tube further comprising: a hollow passageway
extending from said first end to said second end and having at
least one inlet disposed proximate said first end, a first outlet
disposed proximate said second end and a check valve disposed
within said hollow passageway in said catheter between said first
end and said outlet proximate said second end, said check valve
substantially limiting the fluid flow therethrough to a single
direction from said first end to said second end; a second outlet
proximate said second end of said catheter between said first end
and said second end, said second outlet allowing the introduction
of irrigation fluid into said catheter.
8. The catheter for the transfer of body fluids of claim 1 wherein
said valve is a check valve.
9. A catheter including an integrally formed check valve for the
transfer of body fluids comprising: a tubular catheter having a
first end, a second end and at least one hollow passageway within
said tubular catheter extending from said first end to said second
end, and having at least one inlet disposed proximate said first
end and at least one outlet disposed proximate said second end,
wherein an interior diameter of said hollow passageway has a
tapered transition from a first diameter to a second diameter
larger than said first diameter proximate said second end; and a
valve integrally formed within said hollow passageway in the
catheter between said first end and said outlet downstream from
said smaller first lumen at said tapered transition, said check
valve substantially limiting the fluid flow therethrough to a
single direction from said first end to said second end while
freely and automatically allowing fluid flow in said single
direction, wherein said first end of said catheter is inserted into
a human body into a body cavity contained therein to drain fluids
contained in said cavity, said second end and said check valve
remaining entirely outside said human body.
10. The catheter for the transfer of body fluids of claim 9,
further comprising: an interlocking means at said second end of
said catheter for selectively connecting a collection apparatus
thereto.
11. The catheter for the transfer of body fluids of claim 10, said
interlocking means further comprising: a screw thread pattern at
said second end of said catheter, said screw thread pattern
corresponding to a mating screw thread pattern on said collection
apparatus, wherein said screw thread pattern facilitates a positive
interlocking connection between said second end of said catheter
and said collection apparatus.
12. The catheter for the transfer of body fluids of claim 10, said
interlocking means further comprising: a raised ridge extending
around said second end of said catheter, and hooks extending from
said collection apparatus, wherein said hooks engage said ridge to
facilitate a positive interlocking connection between said second
end of said catheter and said collection apparatus.
13. The catheter for the transfer of body fluids of claim 9, said
at least one hollow tube further comprising: a first hollow tube
providing means for transferring body fluids from said body cavity;
a second hollow tube providing means for retaining said catheter in
said body cavity; and a third hollow tube providing means for
introducing irrigation fluid to said body cavity.
14. The catheter for the transfer of body fluids of claim 9 wherein
said valve is a check valve.
15. A triple lumen catheter device for the transfer of body fluids
comprising: a tubular catheter having a first end, a second end; a
first hollow passageway within said tubular catheter extending from
said first end to said second end, and having at least one inlet
disposed proximate said first end and at least one outlet disposed
proximate said second end, wherein an interior diameter of said
hollow passageway has a tapered transition from a first diameter to
a second diameter larger than said first diameter proximate said
second end, a valve integrally formed within said hollow passageway
in the catheter between said first end and said outlet downstream
from said smaller first lumen at said tapered transition, said
check valve substantially limiting the fluid flow therethrough to a
single direction from said first end to said second end while
freely and automatically allowing fluid flow in said single
direction from said first end to said second end, and an
interlocking means at said outlet for selectively connecting a
collection apparatus thereto; a second hollow tube providing means
for retaining said catheter in said body cavity; and a third hollow
tube providing means for introducing irrigation fluid to said body
cavity, wherein said first end of said catheter is inserted into a
human body into a body cavity contained therein to drain fluids
contained in said cavity, said second end and said check valve
remaining entirely outside said human body.
16. A triple lumen catheter device for the transfer of body fluids
of claim 15, said interlocking means further comprising: a screw
thread pattern at said second end of said catheter, said screw
thread pattern corresponding to a mating screw thread pattern on
said collection apparatus, wherein said screw thread pattern
facilitates a positive interlocking connection between said second
end of said catheter and said collection apparatus.
17. A triple lumen catheter device for the transfer of body fluids
of claim 15 said interlocking means further comprising: a raised
ridge extending around said second end of said catheter, and hooks
extending from said collection apparatus, wherein said hooks engage
said ridge to facilitate a positive interlocking connection between
said second end of said catheter and said collection apparatus.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority from
earlier filed U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/248,888,
filed Feb. 27, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,949, issued Feb. 19,
2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The instant invention relates generally to novel
construction for a urinary catheter device. More specifically, the
present invention relates to a urinary catheter device that
includes a backflow prevention valve that is located in the
catheter tube at a point outside the patient's body, providing
improved construction and a safer location relative to the prior
art devices.
[0003] Catheters and other devices for use in the draining of
accumulated fluids from the human body or injecting fluids into the
body have been widely used in the medical field for a long period
of time. In particular, with reference to catheters, there are
numerous constructions and designs, each of which is particularly
adapted to be inserted into a particularly designated body cavity.
For example, a urethral catheter is designed to drain accumulated
urine secretions from the bladder. A ventricular catheter is
adapted to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain. A
peritoneal catheter is used to drain fluid from the peritoneum; as
in kidney dialysis. An enema catheter is used to introduce fluid
into the gastrointestinal tract.
[0004] All of the above-mentioned types of catheters, as well as
others too numerous to enumerate, all have certain design features
in common. A typical catheter is formed of hollow, flexible tubing.
The tubing is typically comprised of a silicone elastomer such as
silicone rubber, a substance which is soft and non-irritating to
body tissues. A typical catheter will have a body contact that is
designed for insertion into the body and a non-body contact end.
One or more inlets are formed proximal to the body contact end.
Corresponding outlets will be formed adjacent the non-body contact
end, and frequently will be the non-body contact end itself.
Catheters designed for different purposes may additionally comprise
other structures, but the ones enumerated are generally common to
all catheters. Also, the dimensions of the catheter may vary
greatly and will be adapted to the purpose for which it is
intended. For example, a catheter adapted as a urinary catheter may
typically have an outside diameter in the range of 3-8 millimeters.
In contrast, a ventricular catheter will have a much smaller
diameter.
[0005] No matter the particular type, most catheters are used in a
similar manner. One end of the catheter is inserted into the body
cavity containing the fluid that needs to be drained. The catheter
may be inserted directly through a body orifice, such as is the
usual case with urethral catheters, or a special opening may have
to be made. For example, an opening may have to be made into a vein
and the catheter threaded through the vein until it reaches the
target body cavity, such as is the case with ventricular catheters.
After the catheter is inserted, some means of collecting the fluid
must be attached to the non-body contact end. Sometimes, as for
ventricular catheters, the catheter will remain entirely within the
body and the excess fluid drained will be absorbed by another area
of the body. More commonly, however, the excess fluid will simply
be collected in a bag or bottle and discarded. The catheter may be
left in place for long periods, or the excess body fluid may be
drained quickly and the catheter removed after only a short period
of insertion.
[0006] Further, the structure of catheters may vary relative to the
number of simultaneous functions they are designed to perform.
Catheters that include one, two or three separate longitudinal
passageways, referred to as lumens, are available. Each of these
multiple lumen catheters all include a primary lumen that serves as
a drainage passageway. A second lumen is provided as a passageway
by which to inject air that inflates a balloon on the inserted end
of the catheter, thereby retaining the catheter in the patient.
Finally, a third lumen may be provided as a means for injecting
irrigation water into the cavity for cleansing purposes.
[0007] Irrespective of what type of catheter is used, how long it
remains in place, or what type of body fluid it is used to drain,
all catheters are designed for the single purpose of allowing fluid
to drain out of the body cavity into which they are inserted. The
difficulty is that as described above, the catheter tube is
connected at the outflow end to a collection container. If the
catheter remains in place for a period of time, the possibility
exists that, should the collection container be crushed or raised
above the level of the body cavity being drained, the drained fluid
may flow in reverse and reenter the cavity from which it was
drained. This is of particular concern in cases where the catheter
may be inserted for long periods for constant cavity drainage. In
these cases, the drained fluid may remain in the drainage container
for several hours allowing the growth of harmful bacteria. Should
this fluid be reintroduced to the body cavity serious or even
deadly infections could result.
[0008] While one prior art catheter disclosed a one-way check valve
in the drainage lumen, the valve was located proximal to the
insertion end of the catheter. The placement and design of the
valve were formulated primarily to retain any fluid that may be
within the catheter during withdrawal and disposal. In this manner,
the valve prevented fluid from flowing out of the withdrawn
catheter onto the floor or more importantly onto the medical
professional handling the catheter. However, this valve design is
only appropriate for the stated function and several drawbacks with
respect to the need identified for the present invention. First,
because of the size and location of the valve, in the narrowest
diameter of the catheter, the passageway becomes very susceptible
to blockage. Second, the valve is located within the patient
allowing the potential of drained material for flowing into the
patient. Finally, if this valve configuration is used in a double
or single lumen design, the catheter cannot be used of irrigation
because the valve would block the flow of injected irrigation
fluid.
[0009] There is therefore a need for a new catheter design that
provides for a backflow prevention means that does not allow the
flow of drained material to re-enter the body of the patient while
also providing a positively locking assembly that further
facilitates the delivery of irrigation to the patient should the
need arise.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In this regard, the present invention provides for a novel
construction for a catheter that provides backflow prevention in
the form of a check valve that keeps the flow of drained fluid
material from reentering the patient. The catheter construction of
the present invention provides a standard single or multiple lumen
tube assembly that extends rearwardly from the insertion end of the
catheter to the contact end wherein on the discharge lumen a one
way check valve is provided. It is an important feature of the
present invention that the check valve is provided as close to the
terminal end of the contact end as possible without interfering
with the necessary accessory attachment that is typically made
thereto. The check valve is preferably formed as a flap of the same
material from which the catheter is formed. The flap is located in
the contact end of the catheter at the point where the lumen tube
of the catheter begins to flare outwardly to facilitate connections
thereto. Placing the valve in this location provides several
important advantages over the prior art. First, in this location,
the flap of valve material can form a positive seal preventing any
back flow of fluid because it is placed in a portion of the lumen
tube that tapers inwardly, any backflow would force the flap into
the tapered lumen bore causing a positive sealing effect. This
effect may be enhances by further providing a seat structure around
the interior of the bore against which the flap would come to rest
in a backflow condition.
[0011] The second advantage provided by placing the valve in this
particular position is that it is located physically outside the
patient body when the catheter is placed in the operable position.
In this manner, the catheter construction insures that not only
will the backflow of drained fluid be prevented, but backflow along
the entire length of the entire catheter is also prevented in
contrast to the devices of the prior art. Another advantage of the
present invention is that when employed in a single lumen or double
lumen catheter construction, the valve is located at a point well
outside the body of the patient. In this manner, a second entry
port into the drainage lumen at a point upstream from the valve may
be provided if desired to allow irrigation through the catheter as
has been previously unknown in the art. With the prior art devices
of this type, the only way to facilitate irrigation is through the
use of a triple lumen catheter. This is because in the prior art
the valve was located at the insertion end of the catheter, well
within the body of the patient, where it would be impossible to
introduce an additional entry port upstream from the check
valve.
[0012] Finally, since the valve of the present invention is located
in a section of the lumen where the cross sectional area is larger,
it is less likely to become clogged by for example, crystals that
may be suspended in the patient's urine.
[0013] Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is
the provision of a novel catheter construction that provides
protection against the backflow of drained fluid. Another object of
the present invention is the provision of a novel catheter
construction that prevents that backflow of drained fluid from
reentering the body of the patient being treated. A further object
of the present invention is the provision of a catheter
construction that can be employed equally with the various types of
existing catheter configurations to prevent the backflow of drained
fluid while further allowing the use of the central lumen for
irrigation if necessary. Yet a further object of the present
invention is the provision of a catheter construction that prevents
the backflow of drained fluid while including a positive
interlocking mechanism for the attachment of accessories such as
drainage collection containers.
[0014] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention
shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when
considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently
contemplated for carrying out the present invention:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single lumen catheter of
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line
2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate
embodiment thereof;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second alternate
embodiment thereof;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a triple lumen catheter of a
third alternate embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line
6-6 of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, the novel catheter
construction of the present invention is illustrated and generally
indicated as 10 in FIGS. 1-6. Turning now to FIG. 1, the general
shape of the catheter 10 of the present invention has a long
tubular body 12 that includes at least one hollow passageway 14
therein and is provided with an inlet end 16 and an outlet end 18.
Typically, the entire catheter 10 will be formed from a single
elastomeric material such as silicone or a natural latex rubber.
The inlet end 16 is formed as a narrow portion of the elongated
tube 12 with a rounded or slightly tapered end to facilitate
insertion into a body cavity. For example, in the case of the
present invention the end is rounded to allow insertion through the
external urethral opening and into the bladder. At least one
opening 20 is provided at the inlet end 16 of the catheter 10 to
allow fluid from the body cavity to enter the hollow passageway 14
on the interior of the catheter 10. The hollow passageway 14
connects on the interior of the catheter 10 from the inlet end 16
to the outlet end 18. The outlet end 18 has a slightly flared
profile to allow a further assembly to be attached to the outlet
end 18 thereof for collection and disposal of the drained
fluid.
[0023] Turning to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the catheter 10
of the present invention is shown to illustrate the novel features.
As was described above, the catheter 10 has a long tubular body 12
with an inlet 16 and outlet end 18 and a hollow passageway 14
extending therebetween. Inlet holes 20 are shown that allow fluid
to enter the hollow passageway 14 thereby evacuating the body
cavity into which the catheter 10 is inserted. A demarcation line
22 is shown in the figure to illustrate the portion of the catheter
10 that is inserted into the human body and the portion that
remains entirely outside the body. As can be seen, the hollow
passageway 14 extends throughout the interior length of the
catheter 10 to the outlet end 18. The outlet end 18 of the catheter
10 has a flared shape to allow the attachment of an additional
apparatus (not shown) such as tubing and a collection bag wherein
the fluid that drains through the hollow interior passageway 14 of
the catheter 10 is collected for disposal and/or testing. When
draining fluid from a human body cavity in this manner, it is
important to insure a one-way flow of the drained fluid. Often the
fluid that is being drained may contain infectious or diseased
materials that could severely harm the patient if reintroduced
after being drained and exposed to air for a period of time. For
example, in the traditional prior art drainage assembly, if a
drainage bag attached to a catheter were to be raised above the
level of the inlet end of the catheter or if the drainage bag were
to be squeezed, the collected fluid would be allowed to flow in a
reverse direction, reintroducing it to the body cavity being
drained. The present invention provides a valve to prevent this
reverse flow condition from occurring.
[0024] On the interior of the hollow passageway 14 in the drainage
portion of the catheter 10, a valve flap 24 is provided that allows
fluid to pass freely in one direction only, namely from the inlet
end 16 to the outlet end 18. Should fluid pressure build on the
outlet end 18 of the catheter 10 and attempt to flow in a reverse
direction, the check valve 24 will close, preventing the fluid from
reentering the catheter passageway 14. While not a critical element
of the present invention, a further ridge 26 may be provided around
the interior wall of the catheter 10 to create a seat against which
the check valve 24 can be firmly sealed increasing the quality of
the seal provided. All of the components of the catheter 10 and
check valve 24 will typically be formed from a single material as
an integrated assembly. While the check valve 24 is shown here as a
flapper type valve, it can be appreciated that the valve may be of
any type valve known in the art such as a clamp valve, a ball valve
or a gate valve and still be within the present disclosure.
[0025] It is important to note the location of the check valve 24
relative to the overall operation of the present invention. First,
in viewing the catheter 10 in its operative relation relative to
the interior and exterior of the human body as indicated in FIG. 2,
the check valve 24 is located outside the body. This critical
element distinguishes the present invention from the prior art.
Specifically, since the entire check valve 24 and outlet assembly
18 are located outside the human body, any fluid backflow will be
completely prevented from reentering the body. By preventing the
flow from reentering the body in this manner, the present invention
also prevents the potential for introducing harmful organisms or
infectious material into the patient. Further, since the check
valve 24 is placed at a point in the catheter 10 where the diameter
is slightly larger, it is less likely to become clogged. The
likelihood of clogging is also reduced by placing the check valve
24 further down the catheter 10 where the pressure of the out flow
is higher and more likely to dislodge potential clogs such as
accumulated crystal materials in the patient's urine.
[0026] Another important feature provided in the present invention
is the positive locking assembly 28 provided on the outlet end 18
of the catheter 10. In the preferred embodiment, female threads 30
are provided within the inner surface of the catheter 10 wall. The
female threads 30 are provided to engage corresponding male threads
(not shown) on any attachments connected thereto, preventing
accidental disengagement of the collection assembly from the outlet
end 18 of the catheter 10. This is a further safety enhancement
that can be contrasted to the catheters of the prior art.
Typically, this connection point would simply rely on a frictional
engagement to maintain the catheter and collection device in
assembled relation. This made the potential for accidental
dislodgement of the collection assembly highly likely. Should this
dislodgement occur, infectious materials may be spilled or a
pathway for infectious material to enter the body may be left open.
In FIG. 3 an alternate embodiment for the positive attachment means
28 described herein is shown. In this embodiment, a ridge 32 is
provided, which is integrally formed on the exterior of the
catheter 10 wall 12. A latching assembly 34 provided on the mating
end of the collection device 35 includes hooks 36 that engage the
ridge 32 thereby holding the collection device 35 and catheter 10
in mated relation preventing accidental dislodgement.
[0027] Turning now to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of the
present invention is shown that is particularly suited for use as a
catheter 10 where the patient's condition may require the
introduction of irrigation fluids into the body cavity being
evacuated. In this embodiment, a second outlet port 38 is provided
in fluid communication with the hollow passageway 14 in the
catheter tube 10 at a point upstream from the check valve 24. As
can be seen, while it would not be possible to introduce fluid into
the catheter 10 via the outlet end 18 because the check valve 24
would prevent its introduction, the additional port 38 allows the
introduction of the desired irrigation fluid. The irrigation fluid
is introduced into the second port 38 under pressure from, for
example, a syringe. The port 39 is then closed and the irrigation
fluid as well as any dislodged material can be allowed to drain
through the catheter 10 in a normal fashion through the tube 14,
through the check valve 24 and out the outlet assembly 18 into the
collection device.
[0028] Finally, turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, another alternate
embodiment of the present invention is shown in the form of a
triple lumen catheter 100. This catheter 100 is identical in
operation to the single lumen catheter 10 described above. The
tubular catheter 100 has a hollow passageway 102 on its interior
with an inlet end 104 that is inserted into the body cavity of the
patient. The inlet end 104 includes ports 106 that allow the fluid
in the cavity to enter into the hollow passageway 102 and flow
through the catheter 100 to ultimately exit on the outlet end 108
into a collection device. The drainage passageway 102 includes the
one-way check valve 24 as described above to prevent the backflow
of the drainage material. In addition, however, this embodiment
also includes a separate passageway 110 that is included solely for
the introduction of irrigation fluid. The passageway 110 has one
end 112 for injection of the irrigation fluid and an outlet end 114
proximate to the inlet ports 106 on the insertion end 104 of the
catheter 100. The irrigation fluid is thereby introduced to the
body cavity and allowed to drain through the drainage passageway
102 in the catheter 100. The third lumen 116 in the catheter 100 is
provided as a mechanism by which the catheter 100 is retained in
the patient's body cavity for long periods of time. The exterior
end 118 of this lumen 116 is designed to allow air to be introduced
and retained under pressure. On the interior of the patient the
third lumen 116 terminates in an inflatable balloon structure 120
that expands when air pressure is introduced, thereby preventing
the catheter 100 from being withdrawn from the patient. This
catheter 100 may also include the positive locking assembly on the
outlet end 108 as described above.
[0029] It can therefore be seen that the present invention provides
a novel catheter construction 10 that enhances the safety for both
the patient and the user by preventing the potential of the
backflow of drained fluids back into the patient through the use of
a check valve 24 and preventing the accidental dislodgement of the
collection device from the outlet end 18 of the catheter 10.
Further, the present invention insures that in a backflow condition
no backflow material will reenter the interior of the patient's
body at any point. For these reasons, the instant invention is
believed to represent a significant advancement in the art, which
has substantial commercial merit.
[0030] While there is shown and described herein certain specific
structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those
skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of
the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not
limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except
insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *