Patent ID: 7662146
Filing Date: 2010-02-16
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An indwelling urinary catheter assembly comprising: an indwelling catheter comprising a first end having a urine inlet, a second end having a urine outlet, a takeoff port having a port bore, an expander, and a urethra insertable portion; wherein the urine inlet and urine outlet are in fluid communication with one another and wherein the port bore and the expander are in fluid communication with one another; a pliable sheath comprising a lumen, wherein the sheath encloses at least a portion of the insertable portion; and an introducer attached to the sheath, wherein the introducer is dimensioned and configured to enclose and support the first end when in an initial position, the introducer slidingly receives the insertable portion during insertion of the insertable portion into the urethra of a patient, wherein the introducer is dimensioned and configured to be partially inserted into the urethra of a patient, and the introducer together with the sheath encloses all of the urethra-insertable portion when in the initial position; wherein the sheath further comprises a terminus directly coupled to an area of the catheter that includes a portion of the takeoff port; and wherein the terminus comprises a collar having at least one vent in fluid communication with the lumen and an environment outside the sheath, the vent being dimensioned and configured to relieve a pressure build-up within the sheath.