| abstract |
An indwelling urinary catheter having semi-rigid tubular portions for holding open the entrance of the bladder and the urethral exit and a collapsible tubular portion extending through the urethra. The collapsible tube is closed by the normal urethral mechanism and opened upon the flow of urine, thus blocking bacterial migration into the body and avoiding abnormal, continuous distention of the urethra and consequent discomfort to the patient. Avoided, as well, is the transmission of infection occasioned by the sliding motion of rigid-tube catheters within the urethra. |