Magnetic valve bladder cycler drainage system and use method with urinary catheters

• US 20020143318A1
• Filed: 12/07/2001
• Published: 10/03/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/02/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David E. Flinchbaugh
• Original Assignee: The Hook Research Foundation
• Inventors: Flinchbaugh, David E.
• Granted Patent: US 6,673,051 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/544
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0056 provided with an antibacterial agent, e.g. by coating, residing in the polymer matrix or releasing an agent out of a reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/04 implanted
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8206 battery-operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/1085 Bladder
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0075 Valve means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/04 in the body, e.g. expansible A61M25/10, A61M16/0488 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16881 Regulating valves on-off valves, e.g. clamps A61M39/28
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/04 using a motor
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/086 the magnet being movable and actuating a second magnet connected to the closing element
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 7/06 by means of a screw-spindle, cam, or other mechanical means F16K7/045 takes precedence

Abstract

A low-pressure fluid flow control magnetic valve (cycler) device, system and method for use emptying the contents of bladder by a catheter. The device can be connected with a specified drainage tubing to function as a hydrodynamically balanced system (to empty into a typical two-liter collection bag). The cycler can be connected externally to a urinary catheter for hospital, clinical and home-care use for the emptying of the bladder of a patient through a catheter in a biologically more natural, filling and draining, cyclic manner. Fully automatic, modes of operation are provided for opening and closing this valve to empty the bladder of urine when appropriate or necessary. The modes of operation respond to normal human (or animal) body pressures, or are automatic with a manual override. This device is U.S.F.D.A. approved for human use and responds to normal human (or animal) body pressures to assist the detrusor muscle to function normally in spite of an indwelling catheter challenge. The cycler device avoids problems with bladder atone, bladder spasms, harmful struvite crystal formation, bladder retraining after surgery, and allowing urine tract washout to occur as the body'"'"'s primary defense mechanism against urinary tract infections.

Claims

1. A bladder cycler for use with catheters, comprising in combination:

a catheter; and

a low pressure-activated valve in the catheter, wherein pressure applied to the pressure-activated valve allows for the valve to move from a closed position to inhibit fluid flow therethrough to an open position which allows the fluid flow therethrough.

2. The bladder cycler of claim 1, wherein the low pressure activated valve includes:

a magnet for closing the pressure activated valve.

3. The bladder cycler of claim 2, wherein the magnet includes:

a movable member which goes from the closed position to the open position.

4. The bladder cycler of claim 3, further comprising:

stationary magnet for holding the movable magnet member in the closed position.

5. The bladder cycler of claim 4, further comprising:

a hollow housing for supporting the stationary magnet and the moveable magnet member.

6. The bladder cycler of claim 1, further comprising:

a bladder detruser muscle for causing the applied pressure.

7. The bladder cycler of claim 1, further comprising:

means for completing a cycle emptying of the contents of a bladder attached to the catheter.

8. The bladder cycler of claim 7, wherein the completing means includes:

hydrodynamic and gravity forces formed from fluid flowing downline from the pressure-activated valve.

9. The bladder cycler of claim 1, further comprising:

strap means for attaching the low pressure-activated valve to a portion of a leg.

10. The bladder cycler of claim 1, further comprising:

a vent adjacent to the low pressure-activated valve to enhance fluid flow downstream from the valve.

11. The bladder cycler of claim 1, further comprising:

means for selectively over-riding the open position of the valve to the closed position.

12. The bladder cycler of claim 3, further comprising:

an external magnet for selectively over-riding the open position of the valve.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the pressure is applied by a bladder detrusor muscle.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:

closing the valve with a magnetic force to stop fluid from passing through the valve.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:

closing the valve with a magnetic force formed between a moving magnet and a stationary magnet.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:

applying hydrodynamic gravity enhanced force from fluid flowing down stream from the valve to keep the valve in the open position until the bladder emptying cycle is completed.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:

venting the valve to enhance fluid flow therethrough.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:

selectively over-riding the open position of the valve.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:

attaching the low pressure-activated valve to a portion of a leg.

13. A method of selectively activating a bladder emptying cycle with catheters, comprising the steps of:

attaching a catheter with low pressure-activated valve to a bladder; and

applying pressure to open the valve for a bladder emptying cycle.