A feasibility study using cadaver: Efficacy and safety of the novel automatic urinary catheterization device

Intermittent catheterization is an effective bladder management strategy for patients with incomplete bladder emptying. For self-catheterization, sufficient hand function in both hands is necessary. We have developed a novel automatic urinary catheterization device to induce self-IC for patients with bladder dysfunction and upper extremity disability. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of this novel automatic catheterization device. This study was performed using 4 fresh cadavers. First, 400 mL of normal saline was filled into the cadaver bladder. Then, the catheter was inserted using the newly developed device. The catheter insertion was performed 3 times for each cadaver, with the penis positioned at 45°, 90°, and 135°, respectively. A transrectal ultrasonography was performed during the catheterization. We evaluated whether the catheter was successfully inserted into the bladder at each position of penis and whether the urethrovesical junction was injured when inserting the catheter. We also measured the volume of normal saline evacuated from the bladder after successful catheterization. With the penis positioned at 45° and 90°, catheter insertion was successful without any damage to the urethrovesical junction. However, when the penis was at 135°, the catheter could not be inserted into the bladder. When the automatic catheter insertion was successful, the bladder was successfully emptied. On average, 81.56 ± 3.26% of normal saline was discharged from the bladder and 11.13 ± 2.09% was remained. The newly developed automatic urinary catheterization device could insert the catheter effectively and safely. This device would be a useful tool for the urinary catheterization of bladder dysfunction patients with upper extremity disability.