AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The instant application is an International Application based on U.S.

provisional application No. 61/229,563, filed July 29, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference hereto in its entirety.

STATMENT CONCERNING GOVERNMENT INTEREST

[0002] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Intermittent catheterization is a sterile process of draining urine from the bladder when normal draining is impossible or difficult. Proper intermittent catheter use reduces the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney damage. Intermittent catheters come in many different sizes and lengths to fit the body. Some catheters are also available pre- lubricated.

[0004] Intermittent catheterization is generally performed a minimum of four times a day by the patient or a care giver. The genital area near the urethral opening is wiped with an antiseptic agent, such as iodine. A lubricant may then be used to facilitate the entry of the catheter into the urethra. A topical local anesthetic may also be applied to numb the urethral opening during the procedure. One end of the catheter is placed in a container, and the other end is inserted into and guided up the urethra and into the bladder until urine flow begins.

[0005] When urine flow stops, the catheter may be re-positioned, moved or rotated.

The patient may also be made to change positions to ensure that all urine has emptied from the bladder. The catheter may then be withdrawn, cleaned, and sterilized for the next use. Recommended cleaning practices vary, from the use of soap and water, to submersion in boiling water or a disinfectant solution. Some patients prefer to use a new catheter with each insertion or catheterization.

[0006] Intermittent catheters are generally catheters or tubes having a rounded, atraumatic distal tip that is inserted into the bladder of a patient. A molded funnel is typically connected to a distal end that remains outside the body of the patient or user. The distal tip may include slots or openings on the shaft to facilitate drainage of urine therefrom once the tip is positioned inside the bladder.

[0007] Pre-wetted intermittent catheters are intermittent catheters having a highly lubricious coating on an outer surface thereof, which are packaged or otherwise brought into contact with fluid in order to provide a catheter with a slippery outer surface to facilitate insertion into the patient or user.

[0008] Existing pre-wetted intermittent catheters fall into three broad categories. In a first type, the catheter is packaged in a dry environment, but it contains a lubricious coating that requires a wetting fluid in order to become hydrated. The wetting fluid is obtained from an external source by the user (e.g., sink, bottled water, etc.), and the catheter is positioned within the wetting fluid for a period of time to become hydrated. Use of this first type of intermittent catheter may prove difficult where no clean water or wetting fluid is readily available. Moreover, catheter sterility may be compromised due to the user's handling of the catheter when wetting fluid is applied.

[0009] A second type of pre-wetted intermittent catheter is also packaged in a dry environment and contains a lubricious coating. However, the wetting fluid is positioned in a pouch or container within the catheter package itself. To hydrate the catheter, the pouch or container is opened when the user is ready for insertion. Suitable examples of such catheters are disclosed in U.S. 7,087,048 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). As with the first type, this second type may be disadvantageous because the catheter is exposed to the wetting fluid for a period of time to ensure hydration of the lubricious coating. The sterility of the catheter may also be compromised during insertion.

[00010] A third type of pre-wetted intermittent catheter is packaged in a wet environment. That is, the catheter is exposed to a wetting fluid within the catheter package, thus hydrating the coating. However, the user may have difficulty handling the catheter due to its slippery surface, and excessive or imprecise handling may result in contamination of the catheter by the user. This could then expose the user to a urinary tract infection.

[00011] Existing intermittent catheters also drain urine into a bag. Following bladder drainage into the bag, the bag may be emptied by inverting and tearing a notch. Urine is then drained into a receptacle through the tear. That process can be slow, messy, and subject to urine spills.

[00012] Non-intermittent catheterization, which is used in a hospital or nursing home setting, uses the same basic technique for insertion of the urinary tract catheter. The catheter is inserted by a nurse or other health care professional, and, it remains in the patient until bladder function can be maintained independently. When the catheter is removed, patients experience a pulling sensation and may feel some minor discomfort. If the catheter is required for an extended period of time, a long-term, indwelling catheter, such as a Foley catheter, is used. To prevent infection, it should be regularly exchanged for a new catheter every three to six weeks.

[00013] Proper catheter use can also often be determined by the length of time that the process is necessary: long-term (often called indwelling) or short-term use. In some situations, incontinent patients are catheterized to reduce their cost of care. A condom catheter, which fits on the outside of the penis using adhesive, can be used for short-term catheterization in males. However, long-term catheterization is not recommended because chronic use carries a significant risk of urinary tract infection. This risk catheterization should only be considered as a last resort for the management of incontinence where other measures have proved unsuccessful and where there is significant risk to the skin.

[00014] A catheter that is left in place for a period of time may be attached to a drainage bag to collect the urine. There are two types of drainage bags. One is a leg bag being a smaller drainage device that attaches by elastic bands to the leg. A leg bag is usually worn during the day, as it fits discreetly under pants or skirts, and is easily emptied into a toilet. The second type of drainage bag is a larger device called a down drain that may be used during the night. This device is usually hung on the patient's bed or placed on the floor nearby.

[00015] During long-term use, the catheter may be left in place the entire duration, or a patient may be instructed on a intermittent self-catheterization procedure for placing a catheter just long enough to empty the bladder and then removing it. Patients undergoing major surgery are often catheterized and may remain so for long durations. Long-term catheterization can expose patients to an increased risk of infection. Long-term catheterization as a remedy for incontinence is not appropriate, as the risks outweigh the benefits.

[00016] In males, for example, the catheter tube is inserted into the urinary tract through the penis. A condom catheter can also be used. In females, the catheter is inserted into the urethral meatus, after a cleansing using povidone-iodine. The procedure can be complicated in females due to varying layouts of the genitalia (due to age, obesity, Female genital cutting, childbirth, or other factors), but a good clinician should rely on anatomical landmarks and patience when dealing with such a patient.

[00017] Common indications to catheterize a patient include acute or chronic urinary retention (which can damage the kidneys), orthopedic procedures that may limit a patient's movement, the need for accurate monitoring of input and output (such as in an ICU), benign prostatic hyperplasia, incontinence, and the effects of various surgical interventions involving the bladder and prostate.

[00018] For some patients the insertion and removal of a catheter can cause excruciating pain, so a topical anesthetic can be used for patients of both sexes.

Catheterization should be performed as a sterile medical procedure and should only be done by trained, qualified personnel, using equipment designed for this purpose. However, in the case of intermittent self catheterization, the patient can perform the procedure his/her self. If correct technique is not used, trauma may be caused to the urethra or prostate (male). A urinary tract infection or paraphimosis may also occur (male uncircumcised patient).

[00019] Particular complications of catheter use may include: urinary tract or kidney infections, blood infections (sepsis), urethral injury, skin breakdown, bladder stones, and blood in the urine (hematuria). After many years of catheter use, bladder cancer may also develop. In using indwelling (long-term) catheters, it is particularly very important to take everyday care of the catheter and the drainage bag.

[00020] Catheters come in a large variety of sizes, materials (latex, silicone, PVC, or

Teflon), and types (Foley catheter, straight catheter, or coude tip catheter). In the case of internal catheters, those inserted into the urethra, the smallest size is usually recommended, although a larger size is sometimes needed to control leakage of urine around the catheter. A large size can also become necessary when the urine is thick, bloody or contains large amounts of sediment. Larger internal catheters, however, are more likely to cause damage to the urethra. Some people develop allergies or sensitivities to latex after long-term latex catheter use. In such cases, silicone or Teflon types should be used. Silver alloy coated urinary catheters may reduce infections.

[00021] Catheter diameters are sized by the French catheter scale (F). The most common sizes are 10 F to 28 F. The clinician selects a size large enough to allow free flow of urine, but large enough to control leakage of urine around the catheter. A larger size can become necessary when the urine is thick, bloody or contains large amounts of sediment. Larger catheters, however, are more likely to cause damage to the urethra. (Jeffrey AN et al., Surgery: Basic Science and Clinical Evidence Springer, 2nd ed., 2008, p. 281).

[00022] Catheters are regulated as class II medical devices under section 513 of the

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act) and the appropriate panel (78

Gastroenterology/Urology) as described in 21 CFR 807.87(c).

[00023] Finally, it is noted that existing intermittent catheters typically have two staggered drainage eyelets or openings which are located on a distal end of the catheter, i.e., near the inserting tip. These openings limit the draining ability of the catheter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00024] The present invention is directed to easy-to-use urinary catheter assemblies that eliminate or minimize some of the shortcomings of prior art devices. The catheter can be a single-use catheter and/or may be packaged as a single-use device. Non-limiting embodiments of the invention include one or more features described herein and/or shown in the drawings in combination with one of more prior art features discussed above.

[00025] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention provide for improved drainage by utilizing an array of staggered drainage eyelets or openings on the catheter.

[00026] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention also provide for improved drainage by utilizing a single enlarged drainage eyelet or opening on the catheter.

[00027] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention also provide for a catheter tip having an opening which can be a generally coaxial opening, a council opening, and/or a guide opening. This opening can allow a small amount of urine to pass through the catheter so as to provide an indication to the user that the catheter is properly positioned within the bladder. This opening can also receive a guide wire to facilitate catheterization.

[00028] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention also provide for a catheter having a retractable sleeve arranged thereon. Preferably, the sleeve is a lubricious sleeve which can be moved from a first or initial position wherein the sleeve covers the drainage openings to a second or retracted position wherein the sleeve does not cover the drainage openings.

[00029] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention also provide for a catheter having a retractable sleeve arranged thereon which can be moved by the user or patient while the catheter is inserted into the bladder.

[00030] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention also provide for a method of inserting a catheter of the type described herein which includes inserting the catheter having a retractable sleeve into a user's body, and retracting the sleeve to expose drainage openings and drain a fluid from the user's body. The fluid can be urine and the method can also include determining that a catheter tip is properly and/or fully inserted into the bladder.

[00031] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention also provide for a method of draining a bladder using the catheter of the type described herein which can include inserting the catheter having a retractable sleeve into the bladder, providing an indication that a catheter tip is properly and/or fully inserted into the bladder, and retracting the sleeve to expose the drainage openings and drain urine from the bladder.

[00032] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention also provide for a method of draining a bladder using the catheter of the type described herein which can include guiding with a guide wire the catheter having a retractable sleeve into the bladder, and retracting the sleeve to expose the drainage openings and drain urine from the bladder. The method can also include providing an indication that a catheter tip is properly and/or fully inserted into the bladder.

[00033] The invention also provides for a catheter comprising an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has at least one drainage opening. At least one of the at least one drainage opening comprises a single elongate opening, the at least one drainage opening comprises two circumferentially spaced elongate openings, the at least one drainage opening comprises at least three staggered openings, the at least one drainage opening comprises an array of staggered openings, and a sleeve member is arranged on the elongate member and is movable at least between a first position covering the at least one drainage opening and a second position which allows fluid to pass into the catheter.

[00034] The catheter may comprise the sleeve member and the sleeve member further comprises a distal end that facilitates gripping by a user. The catheter may comprise the sleeve member and the sleeve member further comprises one of a hydrateable coating arranged at least on an outer surface of a distal end of the sleeve member, a lubricious coating arranged at least on an outer surface of a distal end of the sleeve member, and a hydrophilic biocompatible coating arranged at least on an outer surface of a distal end of the sleeve member. The catheter may be an intermittent catheter.

[00035] The catheter may comprise the single elongate opening and the single elongate opening may be an elongate oval-shaped opening. The catheter may comprise the at least three staggered openings and each of the staggered opening may be generally oval-shaped. The catheter may comprise the array of staggered openings and each staggered opening may be generally oval-shaped. The catheter may comprise the two circumferentially spaced elongate openings and each elongate opening may be generally oval-shaped. The catheter may comprise the sleeve member and the sleeve member may further comprise a lubricious antimicrobial coating arranged at least on an outer surface of a distal end of the sleeve member. The catheter may further comprise a pre-draining opening arranged on the distal end of the elongate member. The catheter may further comprise a sealing member arranged to provide sealing between the sleeve member and the elongate member.

[00036] The elongate member may comprise one of a hydrateable coating arranged at least on an outer surface of the distal end of the elongate member, a lubricious coating arranged at least on an outer surface of the distal end of the elongate member, and a hydrophilic biocompatible coating arranged at least on an outer surface of the distal end of the elongate member. The elongate member may comprise a tip having an opening. The opening may be one of a generally coaxial opening, a council opening, a guide opening, and a guide wire receiving opening. The opening may be configured to allow a small amount of urine to pass through the catheter so as to provide an indication to the user that the catheter is properly positioned within a bladder. The opening may be configured to receive a guide wire to facilitate catheterization. The catheter may comprise the sleeve member and the sleeve member may be capable of being moved by the user or patient while the catheter is inserted into the bladder.

[00037] The invention also provides for a method of inserting the catheter of the type described above, wherein the method comprises inserting the catheter sleeve into a user's body and retracting the sleeve member to expose drainage openings and drain a fluid from the user's body.

[00038] The fluid may be urine. The method may further comprise determining that a catheter tip is properly and/or fully inserted into the bladder.

[00039] The invention also provides for a method of draining a bladder using the catheter of the type described above, wherein the method comprises inserting a catheter having a retractable sleeve into the bladder, providing an indication that a catheter tip is properly and/or fully inserted into the bladder, and retracting the retractable sleeve to expose drainage openings and drain urine from the bladder.

[00040] The invention also provides for a method of draining a bladder using the catheter of the type described above, wherein the method comprises guiding with a guide wire the catheter having a retractable sleeve into the bladder and retracting the retractable sleeve to expose drainage openings and drain urine from the bladder.

[00041] The method may further comprise providing an indication that a catheter tip is properly and/or fully inserted into the bladder.

[00042] The invention also provides for a catheter comprising an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has at least one of a single elongate drainage opening, two circumferentially spaced elongate drainage openings, at least three staggered drainage openings, and an array of staggered drainage openings. A sleeve member is arranged and/or movably disposed on the elongate member and has a gripping member. The sleeve member is insertable with the elongate member into a user's body and is movable at least between a first position preventing fluid from passing into the catheter and a second position which allows fluid to pass into the catheter.

[00043] The invention also provides for a catheter comprising an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has at least one drainage opening. At least one of the at least one drainage opening comprises a single elongate opening, the at least one drainage opening comprises at least three staggered openings, and the at least one drainage opening comprises an array of staggered openings. A movable sleeve member is arranged on the elongate member. The sleeve member may be insertable with the elongate member into a user's body and is movable at least between a first position preventing fluid from passing into the distal end of the elongate member and a second position which allows fluid to pass into the distal end of the elongate member.

[00044] The sleeve member may be movable at least between a first position covering the at least one drainage opening and a second position which exposes all of the at least one drainage opening. The sleeve member may comprise a distal end that facilitates gripping by a user. The sleeve member may further comprise one of a hydrateable coating arranged at least on an outer surface of a distal end of the sleeve member, a lubricious coating arranged at least on an outer surface of a distal end of the sleeve member, and a hydrophilic

biocompatible coating arranged at least on an outer surface of a distal end of the sleeve member. The catheter may be an intermittent catheter.

[00045] The elongate member may comprise a lubricious antimicrobial coating arranged at least on an outer surface of the distal end of the elongate member and the sleeve member may comprise a lubricious antimicrobial coating arranged at least on an outer surface of a distal end of the sleeve member.

[00046] The invention also provides for a method of draining a bladder using the catheter described above, wherein the method comprises inserting a catheter having a retractable sleeve into the bladder, providing an indication to the user that a catheter tip is properly and/or fully inserted into the bladder, and retracting the retractable sleeve to expose drainage openings and drain urine from the bladder.

[00047] The invention also provides for a method of draining a bladder using the catheter described above, wherein the method comprises guiding with a guide wire the catheter having a retractable sleeve into the bladder and retracting the retractable sleeve to expose drainage openings and drain urine from the bladder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[00048] FIG. 1 shows an intermittent elongate catheter or catheter system in a closed/extended/original/pre-use configuration.

[00049] FIG. 2 shows the intermittent elongate catheter of FIG. 1 in an

open/retracted/use configuration.

[00050] FIG. 3 shows the multiple eyelets or openings disposed at the distal end of the conduit, whereby the conduit is in an extended configuration opening the eyelets.

[00051] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the intermittent elongate catheter in the open/extended configuration of FIG. 3 near the distal end of the conduit.

[00052] FIG. 5 shows the intermittent elongate catheter in the open/extended configuration, whereby two elongate eyelets are shown near the distal end of the conduit.

[00053] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the intermittent elongate catheter in the open/extended configuration of FIG. 5 near the distal end of the conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[00054] The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are identically numbered. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.

[00055] As used herein, the reference terms "proximal" and "distal" (proximal being closer than distal) refer to proximity with respect to a health care professional catheterizing a patient. For example, the region or section of the catheter apparatus that is closest to the health care professional during catheterization is referred to herein as "proximal," while a region or section of the catheter apparatus closest to the patient's bladder is referred to as "distal." In the case of a self-catheterizing patient, proximal refers to a point external to the patient's body, and distal refers to a point within the patient's body (i.e., the bladder).

[00056] The catheter assemblies as described herein are discussed in the context of a urinary catheter for insertion into a bladder for drainage of urine therefrom. The instant catheter assemblies, however, may also be used for other applications not specifically mentioned herein. As such, the instant invention is not limited to urinary catheter applications.

[00057] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a non-limiting embodiment of an elongate urinary intermittent catheter of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the catheter in a

closed/extended/original/initial configuration whereas FIG. 2 shows the catheter in an open/retracted/using/locked configuration.

[00058] The assembly shown in FIG. 1 can be inserted into a user's body until the distal end is safely positioned in the bladder. Thereafter, the sleeve can be retracted to place the catheter into the position shown in Fig. 2. In this way, fluid from the bladder can drain through the catheter. A substantially portion of the outer surface of the distal end of the catheter shown in FIG. 1 can include a lubricious coating to facilitate insertion of the catheter into the user's body.

[00059] The catheter includes an elongate member 12 having proximal and distal ends.

The elongate member 12 can have any size and shape typically utilized in conventional catheters such as generally cylindrical and defines an interior lumen or space which allows fluid to pass and/or drain through. The proximal end includes a funnel 18 which can be of any type that is typically utilized in catheters. The funnel 18 can be connected to any type fluid collection system or bag that is typically utilized in catheters. By way of non-limiting example, the funnel 18 can be a rubber or plastic drainage funnel 18 disposed and friction- fitted on the proximal end of the member 12. A disposable bag (not shown) may be disposed on and/or coupled to the drainage funnel 18 to collect the patient's urine. The distal end of member 12 also includes a tip 16. The tip 16 is arranged on a forward most portion of the distal end and defines the insertion end of the catheter. The elongate member 12 also preferably contains a biocompatible, hydrophillic, antimicrobrial and/or lubricious coating on its outer surface (not shown).

[00060] A sleeve member 10 is arranged on the elongate member 12. The sleeve member 10 has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end has a gripping portion 14 arranged thereon and the distal end 22 is capable of moving between the positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The sleeve member 10 can have any size and shape, but preferably generally corresponds to that of the member 12. The sleeve member 10 can be generally cylindrical and defines an interior lumen or space which receives therein (with some clearance) the elongate member 12. The sleeve 10 can also be substantially transparent or translucent. The dotted lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 represent the inner and outer diameter surfaces of the member 12 and the sleeve 10 respectively. The sleeve 10 also preferably has a biocompatible, hydrophillic, antimicrobrial and/or lubricious coating on its outer surface (not shown). The coating can facilitate insertion of the catheter. The coating can also be utilized to increase drainage efficiency and reduce propensity of residual urine in the bladder after voiding.

[00061] A gripping portion or grommet 14 is arranged on the proximal end of the sleeve 10. The portion 14 can also include function to provide a sealing engagement between the member 12 and sleeve 10. This sealing engagement can be provided by sizing an internal diameter of the member 14 to substantially match (i.e., substantially no clearance) that of the member 12 or by arranging a sealing member in the member 14 to seal sleeve 10 with respect to the member 12. A flange/hub structure or portion of the member 14 allows the patient or medical personnel to grip or grab the sleeve 10 and move it axially relative to the member 12.

[00062] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen that the distal end of the member 12 can include an array of staggered drainage eyelet-shaped apertures or openings 20. Preferably, the openings 20 are staggered, i.e., they have center axes which are axially spaced and/or are also circumferentially spaced from each other, to facilitate flow into and through the member 12. By way of non-limiting example, the axial spacing between the openings 20 can be between an amount that is about a diameter of each opening and an amount equal to about twice the diameter of each opening. By way of non-limiting example, the circumferential spacing between the openings 20 can be between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees. These openings 20 allow entry of fluid or urine from the patient's body into the member 12. Thus occurs, for example, when the member 12 is inserted into a bladder. The plurality of apertures 20 also provide enhanced flexibility at the distal end of the member 12, which makes the catheter more comfortable for the patient. The eyelets or openings 20 may be of any suitable size, shape, configuration and/or number so as to provide for entry of the patient's urine upon insertion into the patient's urethra, i.e., generally the first third of the urethra. In the closed/initial configuration shown in FIG. 1, the eyelets 20 are closed off by virtue of the distal end 22 of the sleeve 10 being in a position which covers all of the openings 20. In this way, the outer surface of the sleeve 10 covers and substantially seals the eyelets or openings 20. This sealing can occur using the frictional engagement between an inside diameter of the sleeve 10 relate to an outer diameter of the member 12 or alternatively via a seal arranged on an inside diameter of the end 22 (not shown). A lubricious coating can be arranged on either an inside diameter of the sleeve 10 and/or an outer diameter of the member 12 to, among other things, facilitate the relative movement of the sleeve 10 relative to the member 12 between the positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[00063] Again, with reference to FIG. 3 it can be seen that the tip 16 can preferably include a council or guide wire hole 17. This hole 17 can be substantially centrally disposed and can function to, e.g., provided as a way of verifying that the tip 16 has entered the patient's bladder. Once the tip 16 enters the bladder (even with the openings 20 closed off), a small amount of the patient's urine enters the council hole 17 and starts to flow into the catheter or member 12 and out of the funnel 18. This provides an indication to the patient or medical personnel that the catheter is fully or properly inserted into the bladder. The user can then pull back on the sleeve 10 so as to open the eyelets 20 and insert the member 12 a little further into the bladder. The council hole 17 can also be used to track or guide the catheter over an accessory guide wire (not shown) for patients that are difficult to catheterize.

[00064] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an alternative configuration for the distal end of the elongate member 12. In place of the array of staggered openings shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the distal end includes instead two generally oppositely, i.e., about 180 degrees apart, arranged elongate eyelets 20 disposed near the distal end of the member 12. Although not shown, these openings 20 can also be arranged axially offset from one another.

[00065] The member 12 and sleeve 10 may have a round cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, or any other cross-sectional shape that may facilitate insertion into the body of a user/patient, and, in particular, into the bladder of the user/patient through the urethra. The member 12 (in accordance with various embodiments) can preferably contain a biocompatible lubricious and/or antimicrobial coating on at least an outer surface thereof. Suitable non-limiting examples of such lubricious and antimicrobial coatings are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,585,666; 5,558,900; 5,077,352; 5,179,174; 6,329,488 (suitable for, e.g., polysiloxane substrates); 6,716,895; 6,949,598; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0116551, and, WO 2007/050685, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. [00066] The antimicrobial agent used on the catheter may be one listed in an over the counter (OTC) monograph. Biocompatible coatings conform with the following tests:

mucosal irritation, sensitization, cytotoxicity, acute systemic toxicity, and implantation. ("Tripartite Biocompatibility Guidance for Medical Devices," DSMA (April 24, 1987) (Updated May 21, 1996)). The purpose of the wetting fluid is to maintain hydration of the lubricious coating such that upon insertion of the conduit into a user, at least an outer portion thereof is extremely slippery, facilitating insertion.

[00067] The members 10, 12 may preferably be constructed from a suitable polymeric material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The components of the catheter disclosed herein can also be made from various well-known materials. For example, the portions of the assembly other than the member 12 can be made of polyvinyl propylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and other types of suitable polymeric materials. The components can be molded or extruded according to well-known manufacturing techniques.

[00068] Materials commonly used to make the member 12 include, but are not limited to natural rubber latexes (available, for example, from Guthrie, Inc., Tucson, Ariz.; Firestone, Inc., Akron, Ohio; and Centrotrade USA, Virginia Beach, Va.), silicones (available, for example, from GE Silicones, Waterford, N.Y., Wacker Silicones, Adrian, Mich.; and Dow Corning, Inc., Midland, Mich.), polyvinyl chlorides (available, for example, from Kaneka Corp., Inc., New York, N.Y.), polyurethanes (available, for example, from Bayer, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Rohm & Haas Company, Philadelphia, Pa.; and Ortec, Inc., Greenville, S.C.), plastisols (available, for example, from G S Industries, Bassett, Va.), polyvinyl acetate, (available, for example from Acetex Corp., Vancouver, British Columbia) and methacrylate copolymers (available, for example, from Heveatex, Inc., Fall River, Mass.). Natural rubber latexes, polyurethanes, and silicones are preferred materials. Any combination of the foregoing materials may also be used in making catheters. In one embodiment, a rubberize layer that includes latex and a methacrylate is used with build up and finish layers that include latex but not methacrylate. In another embodiment, a polyurethane rubberize layer is used with latex build up and finish layers. In another embodiment, a polyvinyl acetate and latex rubberize layer is used with latex build up and finish layers. Each of the foregoing embodiments in which specific Young's Modulus values are specified may be used with any material. [00069] The urinary catheter, and in particular member 12, of the present invention can be manufactured by a variety of well-known methods. For example, according to various embodiments, the catheter is manufactured by dipping. An elongated rod or "form" is dipped into a first liquid coating material to form a layer of coating material on the form. The form has the shape and dimensions of the lumen of the catheter. This first coating layer forms the inner or rubberize layer of the catheter. Once the first layer has dried, the form is then dipped into a second coating material to build up an intermediate or build up layer. Multiple dips into the second coating material may be desirable to build up an intermediate layer of appropriate thickness. The build up layer is then dried. The finish layer is applied with a subsequent dip and is dried. The catheter may be stripped from the form, and eyelets may then be formed thereon. Further manufacturing steps may be found in U.S. 2004/0133156, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[00070] The member 12 may preferably be in the range of about 8 cm to about 18 cm, and, it may have an elliptical cross-sectional shape similar to the shape of the male urethra. Different lengths, sizes (e.g., diameter, width, etc.), and configurations are possible for the catheter, depending on the user's anatomy. For female users, the insertable length may range from 40 to 100 mm, for example 50 to 80 mm, such as 55 to 75 mm. For male users, the insertable length can range from 170 to 260 mm, such as 190 to 240 mm, for example 230 mm. The tip design can vary according to the needs of a user, for example, the catheters disclosed herein can be provided with a coude tip. The catheter may have a round or substantially round cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, or any other cross- sectional shape that may facilitate insertion into the body of a user/patient, and in particular, into the bladder of the user/patient through the urethra. According to various embodiments, the shape of the catheter can also be variable along its length.

[00071] This invention has been described and specific examples of the invention have been portrayed. While the invention has been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the variations of figures described. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially