A Prospective Evaluation of the Catheter Science C3 "Umbrella Catheter."

The Catheter Science C3 "Umbrella Catheter" has been developed for management of urinary retention in patients who are either using a Foley or Self Intermittent Catheter. This device is inserted into the bladder in an extended state and once the stylet is removed the device folds into collapsed state. A thread is attached to the device and traverses thru the urethra and is attached to a bobber. With gentle traction on the thread the device engages the bladder neck and the central tube extends which allows for the flow of urine. Once voiding is complete, the thread is released and the device collapses back to the folded state into the bladder. Each voiding cycle is accomplished in a similar fashion. This is a novel technique in which the bladder is catheterized with the device from within the bladder into the bladder neck and urethra. The standard self catheter technique is for placement of a catheter from the outside into the urethra and into the bladder.