12 DISC
Development of Male incontinence device
Urinary incontinence is a problem not only in aging population but also in young soldiers who develop neurogenic bladder either due to spinal cord injury or as a complication of some other surgery. This has a significant negative impact on the physical, mental, emotional, social, and economic wellbeing of the patient.
To tackle this problem there are few options available but each one of them is plagued with complications and other issues. These options and the issues with them are as under:
1. Use of absorptions devices such as diapers: Use of diapers is associated with greater risk of urinary tract infections and skin excoriation besides the issue of frequent diaper changes. Also, it may be uncomfortable to wear in a warm tropical climate.
2. Use of penile clamps: The physical device is not suitable for elderly bed bound patients. Also, a regular use of these clamps may lead to penile ulcerations and at times gangrene.
3. Use of U drains or condom catheters: This is the better option of the lot but again its application may be an issue with frequent slippage and urine spills besides development of penile ulcers on prolonged usage.
4. Use of indwelling catheter: Prolonged use of catheter can not only increase the incidence of urinary tract infection but also the brings about changes in the bladder mucosa due to chronic irritation and also allows stone formation.
The hunt for an ideal urinary incontinence device is ongoing. A device which is not bulky, comfortable to wear, does not leak, does not cause skin changes and does not increase the chances of urinary tract infection.
For this purpose, it is proposed to develop a condom like device which does not stick but is kept in place by some other mechanism without causing any trauma. The condom should have a chamber within it with a non-return valve and a solidifying material which turns the urine into a gel form preventing spillage and hence chances of skin complications or UTI.
