Catheter Brush Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel catheter brush device. The device is designed to offer a more effective method of removing blood clots and debris from the bladder without requiring additional surgery. The device comprises a brush with a blunt end with soft bristles, as well as a loop end that acts as a handle. Users remove the drainage tube from the catheter and insert the brush through the opening to the tip of the catheter. The brush is then moved in a gentle, circular motion to clear any clotting and blockages from the catheter. The brush is then removed, and the drainage tube reattached, such that urine can flow freely through the catheter. If sterility is maintained, process may be repeated as needed.

Claims

1. A catheter brush device that removes blood clots and debris from a Foley catheter, the catheter brush device comprising: a brush component comprised of a first end, a second end and a middle section; wherein the first end comprises a plurality of bristles; wherein the middle section comprises a tubing; and further wherein the brush component is inserted into the Foley catheter to remove blood clots and maintain urine flow through the Foley catheter.

2. The catheter brush device of claim 1, wherein the first end comprises a blunt end.

3. The catheter brush device of claim 2, wherein the second end comprises a wire loop that functions as a handle.

4. The catheter brush device of claim 3, wherein the blunt end is inserted through an opening of the Foley catheter and into a bladder.

5. The catheter brush device of claim 4, wherein once through the opening of the Foley catheter, the blunt end is moved in a gentle, circular motion to clear any clotting and blockages.

6. The catheter brush device of claim 1, wherein the Foley catheter comprises a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end comprising side drainage openings and the distal end comprising three lumen endings.

7. The catheter brush device of claim 5, wherein the catheter brush device is packaged as a sterile kit.

8. The catheter brush device of claim 7, wherein the sterile kit comprises a tray comprised of a pair of sterile gloves, a mask, a syringe, a plurality of disinfectant wipes, and at least one catheter brush device.

9. The catheter brush device of claim 1, wherein the tubing is comprised of a flexible material, such that the catheter brush device can be threaded through the Foley catheter.

10. The catheter brush device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of bristles are secured around the blunt end.

11. The catheter brush device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

12. The catheter brush device of claim 1, wherein the catheter brush device is manufactured from a polypropylene, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), a silicon, a polyethylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polyvinyl chloride or a polystyrene.

13. The catheter brush device of claim 12, wherein the catheter brush device is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable.

14. A catheter brush device that removes blood clots and debris from a Foley catheter, the catheter brush device comprising: a brush component comprised of a first end, a second end and a middle section; wherein the first end comprises a blunt end having a plurality of bristles; wherein the second end comprises a wire loop that acts as a handle; wherein the middle section comprises a flexible tubing; and wherein the brush component is inserted into a Foley catheter to remove blood clots and maintain urine flow through the Foley catheter; wherein once through the Foley catheter, the blunt end is moved in a gentle, circular motion to clear any clotting and blockages; and further wherein process can be repeated to remove additional clots and blockages, as long as the catheter brush device is not removed from the Foley catheter.

15. The catheter brush device of claim 14, wherein the catheter brush device is packaged as a sterile kit.

16. The catheter brush device of claim 15, wherein the sterile kit comprises a tray comprised of a pair of sterile gloves, a mask, a syringe, a plurality of disinfectant wipes, and at least one catheter brush device.

17. The catheter brush device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

18. The catheter brush device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of bristles are secured around the blunt end.

19. A method of removing blood clots from a Foley catheter comprising the steps of: providing a catheter brush device comprising a brush component with a blunt end with soft bristles and a loop at other end which acts as a handle; removing a drainage tube from a Foley catheter; inserting the catheter brush device through an opening of the Foley catheter and into a bladder; moving the catheter brush device in a gentle, circular motion to clear any clotting and blockages from the Foley catheter; and removing the catheter brush device and reattaching the drainage tube, such that urine can flow freely through the Foley catheter.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the process can be repeated to remove additional clots and blockages, as long as the catheter brush device is not removed from the Foley catheter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the catheter brush device of the present invention shown as a kit in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the catheter brush device of the present invention with the three-way irrigation channel in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the catheter brush device of the present invention wherein the device is inserted to access the blood clot in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the catheter brush device of the present invention wherein the blood clot is removed in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the catheter brush device of the present invention wherein the blunt tip and soft bristles are shown in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of removing blood clots from a Foley catheter using one potential embodiment of the catheter brush device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0030] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0031] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a catheter brush device that provides users with a modified brush capable of removing blood clots and blockages from a Foley catheter during post-operative care. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a catheter brush device that features a blunt end brush with a loop end for holding, which allows users to insert the sterile brush into the catheter to secure and remove the clot. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a catheter brush device that allows the process of clot removal to be repeated, if sterility is maintained, to safely remove all clots without causing additional pain and trauma to a patient. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that maintains optimal flow for urine through the catheter when the drainage tubing is reconnected. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a catheter brush device that offers a more effective method of removing blood clots and debris from the bladder without requiring additional surgery. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a catheter brush device that reduces trauma for a patient.

[0032] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel catheter brush device. The device is designed to offer a more effective method of removing blood clots and debris from the bladder without requiring additional surgery. The device comprises a brush with a blunt end with soft bristles, as well as a loop end that acts as a handle. Users remove the drainage tube from the catheter and insert the brush through the opening to the tip of the catheter. The brush is then moved in a gentle, circular motion to clear any clotting and blockages from the catheter. The brush is then removed, and the drainage tube reattached, such that urine can flow freely through the catheter. The present invention also includes a novel method of removing blood clots from a Foley catheter. The method includes the steps of providing a catheter brush device comprising a brush with a blunt end with soft bristles and a loop at the other end which acts as a handle. The method also comprises removing the drainage tube from the Foley catheter. Further, the method comprises inserting the brush device through the opening to the tip of the catheter. The method also comprises moving the brush device in a gentle, circular motion to clear any clotting and blockages from the catheter. Finally, removing the brush device and reattaching the drainage tube, such that urine can flow freely through the catheter.

[0033] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the catheter brush device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the catheter brush device 100 is an improved catheter brush device that removes blood clots and debris from a Foley catheter or other suitable catheter as is known in the art. The device 100 is especially designed to maintain optimal flow for urine through the catheter for any suitable user as is known in the art, such as nurses, doctors. More specifically, the device 100 comprises a brush component 102 with a first end 104 comprising a blunt end 106 with a plurality of soft bristles 108 and a second end 110 comprising a wire loop 112 that acts as a handle 114. Typically, users insert the brush device 100 with the blunt end 106 leading through the opening 116 of the catheter 118. The brush device 100 is then moved in a gentle, circular motion to clear any clotting and blockages from the catheter 118. The brush device 100 is then removed, such that urine can flow freely through the catheter 118.

[0034] The catheter brush device 100 is typically used with a standard Foley catheter 118 as is known in the art but can be utilized with any suitable catheter as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Generally, the Foley catheter 118 comprises a proximal end 122 and a distal end 124. The proximal end 122 comprises side drainage openings 126, wherein as the distal end 124 of the catheter 118 preferably has three lumen endings 128. Typically, the largest diameter lumen ending is preferably the drainage lumen 130 extending from the side drainage openings 126 to the drainage lumen ending 130. This drainage lumen ending 130 is preferably used to drain urine from the bladder 120. The drainage lumen ending 130 preferably has a fitting (not shown) to connect the lumen to a catheter bag (not shown). Furthermore, the catheter lumens 128 are preferably made of silicon, or any other suitable flexible material as is known in the art.

[0035] In one embodiment, the catheter brush device 100 is packaged as a sterile kit 132, as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, a tray 134 or other suitable device would be used to hold the components, such as a standard size of the catheter brush device 100, sterile gloves 136, mask 138, syringe 140, disinfectant wipes 142, etc., or any other suitable components as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, the catheter brush device 100 comprises flexible material for the tubing 144 and would be sterile packed in plastic.

[0036] Generally, the catheter brush device 100 comprises a brush component 102 with a first end 104 comprising a blunt end 106 with a plurality of soft bristles 108. The blunt end 106 can be any suitable shape as is known in the art, as long as the end does not comprise any sharp edges to damage the catheter 118 during insertion. Typically, the blunt end 106 is a rounded end. The plurality of soft bristles 108 are then secured to the blunt end 106 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as glue, adhesive, etc. Any suitable number of bristles 108 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, bristles 108 are secured all around the blunt end 106 and down the sides forming a tube-like shape of bristles 108 at the blunt end 106. In one embodiment, more bristles 108 can be utilized on the catheter brush device 100 for removing large blood clots and clogs within the catheter 118, and less bristles 108 can be utilized on the catheter brush device 100 for removing smaller blood clots and clogs within the catheter 118. Typically, any size catheter brush device 100 with any number of bristles 108 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user, as long as they meet the specific diameter of the foley lumen.

[0037] Furthermore, the brush component 102 of the catheter brush device 100 comprises a second end 110 comprising a wire loop 112 that acts as a handle 114. Typically, the second end 110 can comprise any suitable shape as is known in the art, such as a circle, square, rectangle, etc., as long as a user can easily grasp the second end 110 like a handle 114 when using the device 100. In one embodiment, the second end 110 can be straight and not have a loop 112 or other shape. In this embodiment, the user would merely grasp the straight second end 110 to manipulate the device 100.

[0038] Additionally, the brush component 102 comprises a middle section 146 of flexible tubing 144. The middle section 146 can be any suitable size as is known in the art, depending on the size of the catheter 118 in use or based on the needs and/or wants of a user. The middle section 146 of flexible tubing 144 allows the device 100 to be threaded up through a catheter 118 for use.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, in use, the catheter bag (not shown) is removed from the drainage lumen ending 130 and/or the drainage tube 130 is removed from the catheter 118. A user then inserts the catheter brush device 100 with the blunt end 106 first through the catheter opening 116 to the end of the catheter 118. The device 100 is always contained within the catheter 118 to prevent perforation of the bladder 120. Once in position, the brush component 102 is moved in a gentle, circular motion to clear any clotting and/or blockages. Once the clotting and/or blockages are cleared, the device 100 is removed from the catheter 118. The drainage tubing 130 and/or catheter bag is re-attached and urine can flow freely through the catheter 118. If needed, the device 100 can remain in the catheter 118 and used to remove additional clots, blockages, etc. The process can be repeated as many times as necessary. As long as the device 100 has sterility maintained, the brush component 102 remains sterile, allowing for multiple blood clots and/or blockages to be removed. Accordingly, blood clots and blockages are removed without additional surgical incisions, which reduces trauma for the patient.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the catheter brush device 100 is manufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), silicon, or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, thermoplastics, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the catheter brush device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable or comprises a coating that is water resistant or water permeable. The catheter brush device 100 is also reusable provided that it is properly sterilized between uses.

[0041] In another embodiment, the catheter brush device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The brush component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the brush component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be catheter or health/brand related.

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of removing blood clots from a Foley catheter. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a catheter brush device comprising a brush component with a blunt end with soft bristles and a loop at the other end which acts as a handle. The method also comprises at 602, removing the drainage tube from the Foley catheter. Further, the method comprises at 604, inserting the brush device through the opening to the tip of the catheter. The method also comprises at 606, moving the brush device in a gentle, circular motion to clear any clotting and blockages from the catheter, wherein the process can be repeated to remove additional clots and blockages, once the debris/clots are removed from the brush. Finally, at 608, removing the brush device and reattaching the drainage tube, such that urine can flow freely through the catheter.

[0043] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “catheter brush device”, “brush device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the catheter brush device 100 of the present invention.

[0044] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the catheter brush device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the catheter brush device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the catheter brush device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the catheter brush device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the catheter brush device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user’s needs and/or preferences.

[0045] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0046] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.