| abstract |
A non-contaminating cather includes a generally hollow tube (12) having an axial lumen extending along the length thereof, and an elongated, tubular elastic membrane (14) disposed within the lumen. As the catheter is inserted into a patient, the membrane (14) is drawn through the tube and out the leading edge of the tube. Once the catheter is fulled inserted, the membrane circumscribes the tube; thus, contact between the tube and the patient is substantially, if not entirely, prevented during insertion of the cather. More particularly, the membrane is laid out as the catheter is urged along the anatomical canal and thus remains interposed between the exterior wall of the catheter and the patient's internal organs (e.g, the urethra). Sliding frictional contact between the catheter tube and the urethral mucosa is inhibited and the passive transportation of pathogens in the lower urinary tract concomitantly prevented. |