Discreet Urinary Catheter Improves Infection Control

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 04 Oct 2016
A small intermittent urinary catheter addresses some of the problems self-catheterizing patients face during their daily routines.

The CompactCath device is designed to improve the self-catheterization experience for patients who find it inconvenient or may feel self-conscious about performing it themselves, resulting in an infrequent usage that could lead to infections or other complications. By empowering users with a more patient-centered functionality and design, a smaller catheter size, and discrete packaging, the CompactCath can alleviate negative emotions associated with an already difficult situation.

Image: The CompactCath is designed to improve the self-catheterization experience (Photo courtesy of CompactCath).

The unisex CompactCath comes in a range of adult and pediatric sizes, and is provided pre-lubricated and with polished eyelets for a smoother placement procedure, and also includes an insertion sleeve for more hygienic non-touch delivery. A drainage control mechanism allows users full control on when and where to drain their urine. The CompactCath device is a product of CompactCath (Palo Alto, CA, USA), and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“We're very excited to bring convenience and confidence to people who have to self-catheterize with a compact and discreet package. The new design is easy to carry and dispose of, and easily fits into your pocket,” said Naama Stauber Breckler, CEO of CompactCath. “We look forward to helping catheter users take back control of their lives without missing a step. We've received overwhelmingly positive feedback from hundreds of catheter users, most of whom have been waiting for such improvements for a long time.”

“One of the problems with the current medical system is that solutions are designed for the hospital and not for people’s everyday life,” said William Kennedy, MD, chief of pediatric urology at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital (Stanford, CT, USA). “The innovation is fantastic because it not only preserves the privacy for the patient, but can also improve infection control.”

Intermittent urinary catheterization is intended for patients in need of short- or long-term bladder management, such as those with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or bladder obstruction from an enlarged prostate. It can be done in a hospital or at home.

Related Links:
CompactCath
Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital


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