Urovalve, Inc. has developed proprietary technology to control fluid flow through catheters or tubing in urological applications. Simple, low-cost valves have been developed that can be activated remotely by a user to self-regulate flow. Proprietary catheters have been developed to retain a valve in place, without exposure to the external environment, and introducers and extractors have been developed to enable easy and rapid placement without the need for surgery. A valved-catheter has been developed that will free users from reliance on a Foley catheter and bag, frequent intermittent catheterization, or surgery followed by need for a condom catheter. These low-technology devices limit activities, impose dependence on others, damage the self-image of users and cause a high incidence of serious urinary tract infections (UTI). Catheter-associated UTIs affect approximately 840,000 U. S. patients annually and cost approximately $1,300 to test and treat each catheter-associated UTI. At the other end of the spectrum are very expensive, high technology devices, such as the nerve stimulator or the artificial sphincter that require irreversible, extensive surgery. No devices currently available or known to be in development combine the utility, ease of use, and cost benefits of the valved-catheter that has been developed and patented by Urovalve, Inc.
