Patent Publication Number: US-2009234311-A1

Title: Urine collection device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/971,592 filed Sep. 12, 2007 and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/283,445 filed Sep. 12, 2008. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates, in general, to urine collection and, more particularly, this invention relates to a urine collection device for use with a catheter when a lighted stent is used. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, as is generally well known in the prior art from a Foley catheter system, a ureteral stent/catheter is typically inserted, laparoscopically or otherwise, through the urethra and into the ureters. When a fiberoptic element is introduced into that catheter and connected to an infrared light source, urine leaks outside of the catheter system. The Foley catheter is a tube inserted into the bladder to continuously drain urine. Typically the Foley catheter drains the urine from the patient&#39;s bladder but urine leaks along the exterior stent which is connected to a light source. 
     The problem of urine leakage has been addressed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,214 issued to Hannah et al. which provides for a drainage adapter. However, this adapter is for a urethral catheter to illuminate the bladder. A ureteral catheter which is finer and longer is inserted up into the kidney(s) and usually drains into the bladder. However, when a lighted stent is introduced into the ureteral catheter and connected to a light source, the urine leaks. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,741 issued to Barbacci teaches the lighted stent but does not allow for urine collection with the device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides for a collection device for urine that otherwise would leak from the stent used in laparoscopic surgery or diagnostic procedures. The instant invention is a urine collection device for a lighted stent with ureteral catheter. The urine collection device includes a fluid-impervious latex-free collection bag formed from a first predetermined material. There is an open flap top having a first predetermined size and shape. Further, there is a means to close such flap top. An inverted arc shaped ridge/channel having a second predetermined size and shape is provided to accommodate at least one such lighted stent. Also, there is a stent retention means disposed generally adjacent each side of the top opening. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a urine collection device used with lighted stents. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that collects urine leaking in laparoscopic surgery and diagnostic procedures. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device that will allow for accurate urine output measurement. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that optionally collects leaked urine and is in fluid communication with a further drainage tube. 
     An important object of the present invention is that it maintains the integrity of the closed Foley drainage system by providing an alternate collection for the stent urine. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a collection bag that is secured to the patient&#39;s leg, to prevent free movement. 
     In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present invention described with some degree of specificity above, it should be obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The single FIGURE is a side elevation view of the device. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is now made, more particularly, to the FIGURE. Illustrated therein is a urine collection bag  10 . The collection bag  10  is preferably manufactured from a clear, fluid-impervious, latex-free material. Most preferably it is produced from plastic. The collection bag  10  includes an open flap  11  at the top thereof which can be closed with an adhesive strip  12  or other single fastener. One or two lighted stents  13  such as those used in laparoscopic surgery can be inserted at the fold line  23  and fitted under the inverted arc ridge/channel  14  in the interior of the bag  10 . In this position the urine running along the stent  13  drops into the bag  10 , as shown by number  16 . 
     The stent(s)  13  is further secured by tapes  15  on the lateral sides of the bag  10 . Preferably one side of these would have an inwardly facing surface coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     Preferably the collection bag  10  has an aperture  17  through the bottom of the bag  10  and a means  24  for closing the aperture  17 , such as a cap  18  or a conventional Foley drainage tubing system (not shown). When used with the Foley tubing, the collection bag  10  would be in fluid communication with a system separate from the Foley catheter. 
     The collection bag  10  preferably has lines as measurement  19  printed thereon. Whether the collection bag  10  is used with a cap  18  or connected to a Foley bag system (not shown), so that an accurate measurement of urine output can be made. 
     A securing means is attached to the collection bag  10  at a predetermined location to secure it against free movement. Preferably an elastic strap  20  is attached at the back of the bag. The strap preferably has a button and hole closure  21  with pre-made series of holes  22  for fitting on the patient&#39;s leg. 
     It can be seen from the above description that the present invention captures the urine by providing a collection bag which allows the stent(s) to pass through and along an interior ridge/channel in the shape of an inverted arc. This allows the urine to drop by gravity into the bag. The top is a flap which can be sealed over, with small flaps on the sides of the bag to also hold the stent(s) in place. Preferably these would have an adhesive strip, but snaps or hook and loop type fasteners could also be used. 
     The collection bag has an aperture in the bottom of the bag with a fitting that accommodates a cap or a Foley collection tubing so that the collection device, tubing, and Foley bag are in fluid communication. This is separate from the actual Foley catheter and collection system that may also be in place for surgery. 
     The bag may have measurement marks printed on the bag corresponding to the volume of the bag. When used with a cap, the patient&#39;s urine volume output can be accurately measured since the leaked urine is captured and measured. If the case is long the bag can be connected to a regular Foley collection bag system and measured in that bag. This output is separate from and in addition to urine collected from the bladder by the Foley catheter. 
     The bag has a securing means. Preferably the securing device is a strap attached to the back of the bag which can secure it to the patient&#39;s inner thigh, to prevent free movement or swinging, and keep it out of the operative field. 
     While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.