A new Spectrum Health Innovations product is expected to cut down on catheter-related infections in women and push convenience ratings up.
Mary Tibbe, a nurse practice associate for Spectrum Health cardiothoracic services, noticed a need for an alternative to indwelling urinary catheters. Hence the creation of the external urinary device for women.
As part of a quality task group, Tibbe noticed catheter-associated urinary tract infections were prevalent, especially in critical care areas.
“As part of that, we were evaluating alternatives,” Tibbe said. “We realized females do not have a good alternative.”
A co-worker suggested Tibbe bring the issue to Spectrum Health Innovations.
In early 2015, Tibbe began working with Spectrum Health Innovations manager Scott Daigger, who then enlisted Grand Valley State University students to help in the design process.
The students built models, computer-assisted designs and 3-D prototypes.
A prototype is now available and about to enter the test phase. The discreet device attaches with adhesive and includes a tube for drainage. It can be used while the patient is in bed or up and walking around.
“I’m excited for it,” Tibbe said. “I think it will fill a large need that we have nationwide.”
The product could be used not only for hospital patients but for incontinent women and patients in long-term care facilities.
“I’m really excited we can provide something like this for patients to help them keep their dignity and keep them from harm (infections),” Tibbe said.
Kristina Emery, clinical innovations nurse at Spectrum Health Innovations, said the external urinary device is a great alternative to an indwelling catheter.
“I think it gives women and health care professionals an alternative to having to put in an indwelling catheter,” Emery said.
The goal is to reduce catheter use and hospital-acquired infections, according to Emery. Catheters are known for their potential to cause urinary tract infections.
“It’s a catheter alternative, which is fabulous,” she said. “Anytime a catheter is used, this is a risk for causing infection, which can be dangerous.”
Emery said the device is a perfect match for ICU patients who are unable to control their voiding. She also sees potential future use in long-term care and nursing home settings and for those who are incontinent.
“This is going to be an excellent device,” she said. “It’s modest and discrete and can hide under clothing.”
Spectrum Health Innovations is currently working with the Applied Medical Device Institute at Grand Valley State University on the next phase of development.
“We’re going to be doing some volunteer testing in May,” Emery said. “Volunteers will be testing the device for development purposes—Did the device stay on? Did the device collect urine like it should?”
Additional clinical testing could be as early as next year, Emery said.
“It’s going to be very exciting,” she said.
I work in the healthcare field and I think this is awesome. Less invasive and safer for patients.
Thank you! We too, are very excited to see this product come to life!
I am ready to try any help as I am using so many pads daily and I need to wash my clothes everyday. May I try this invention to see if I’m a possible participant?
My life is so limited and I must stay home close to my bathroom. I am so ashamed of leaking in public or having to carry a large amount of pads with me.
I can see a world of problems with adhesive tears, allergies and the fact you cannot read hourly urine output without an indwelling catheter. The other problem is it is much more demeaning to have something taped to a sensitive area that in slides the clit area.
Thank you for sharing these concerns and feedback. We are taking them into consideration.
Yet another great idea but for one problem many of us face — allergy to the medical adhesives . Sorry I can’t be enthusiastic about yet another product that WOULD be an improvement if we could actually use it . Even paper tape provokes an allergic reaction in me – this is true for far to many of us left out with medication patch delivery , need for bandaging , the list goes on and on . Please consider other methods of keeping this in place too – for example could coban straps work to do so ?
Good suggestion – I’ll pass along your comment to our Innovations team. Thanks Sarah!
Thank you. We are definitely considering all methods and the ones you have suggested for considerations of adhesives.
I have a huge problem with incontinence and have to wear pads on a daily basis for leakage and for the many times I can’t even make it to the bathroom in my own home. I’d love being a test subject. I also wanted to give you an idea for you to possibly explore due to the many complaints for the adhesive. What about an alternate “belt” to help keep it in place? Sort of like the belt used for sanitary napkins. It’s just an idea that I’m throwing your way that could be explored as an option….?
Hi Marilyn – I’ll be sure to forward your comment onto our Innovations team. Thank you! Also, I wanted to make sure you also knew about treatment options for incontinence. If you haven’t already, please do check out these stories: https://healthbeat.corewellhealth.org/freedom-from-troublesome-incontinence/ or https://healthbeat.corewellhealth.org/continence-center/ … there are options. Best wishes to you.
This is awesome!! I have known so many elderly women in nursing homes who suffer from recurring Urinary tract infections due to catheters!! This method has to be a better way to prevent those infections!
Thank you for the brains that dreamed this beautiful invention! I’m not at that stage of my life, but now I have one less thing to dread during the “Golden Years!”
Thank you for your excitement and positive feedback.
This is same as the male which have been used for years. Better off with indwell and no bag just tubing to go unscrew drain in commode.adhesive in peri area?
Aside from what others have stated about adhesives, it seems to me it would also greatly increase the chance of vaginal infections.
Thank you for sharing this concern. We are taking your concern into consideration.
When will this be available? as a suprapubic catheter user I would love to try this alternative anything external is worth a try! Can I have a trial sample or be included in clinical trials etc.?
When is the trial and can I be involved
This will aid women to be more self sufficient. I am a healthcare technical gal who would love to assist with clinical trials, etc.
Gail Long. 678 427 0496. Egaillo@live.com
Is this item available to purchase? If so, please give details. Thank you.
Hi E, Thank you for your inquiry. It appears this product may still be in development. Spectrum Health Innovations welcomes your inquiries, feedback and ideas. The best way to reach the Innovations team is by calling 616.486.2700. Best wishes to you!
Please provide info to me as I am interested in trial and purchase
Have you put this out for purchase yet? My mother needs one badly? Trying to find one like this is tough.
Hi Andrew. Thank you for your inquiry. Here’s the contact information for the Spectrum Health Innovations team: https://spectrumhealthinnovations.com/contact-us/. Best wishes to you and your mother.
Is this product available for purchase?
Hello! This is the product we’ve been looking for to help our mother. How do we get information about her being used in the testing period for the external female catheter?
Hi Lenore! Spectrum Health Innovations welcomes your inquiries, feedback and ideas. The best way to reach the Innovations team is by calling 616.486.2700. Best wishes to you and your mother.
As a pre op trans man this catheter looks ideal to insert into a stand to pee device, would it stay in place whilst walking?
I see this is about 6 years ago, so I am praying that it is proving a success! I have MS, 64 yrs. old, in a wheelchair because I can’t walk & can’t stand for more than a minute. Foley failed me with a UTI but the 1 week I had it was Great! I could go & empty my bag & not have to depend or disturb anyone to help me transfer. I pray that I will find something external because I want & need to stay active taking care of our goats, chickens, cow, donkey & most important my family, especially my grandchildren. Please email me with any info you may have that may help me!
Thank You & God Bless