ENGS 89/90 Reports

Year of Graduation

2024

Project Advisor

Jack Hoopes

Instructor

Solomon Diamond

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

External urinary catheters are an important medical device frequently used for draining urine with patients who have been hospitalized, regardless of whether they are continent. External catheters are typically recommended over indwelling catheters given that they are less invasive and lower the risk of bacteriuria and symptomatic urinary tract infection. However, a major inadequacy with external catheters lies in the patient attachment mechanism, as it fails to accommodate variable peripenile anatomies. For obese male patients whose penile shaft has become partially or entirely hidden within the skin, suprapubic fat pad and edematous scrotum, an external catheter that effectively evacuates urine is not available. Furthermore, the lack of an anatomically accurate model of a patient with a hidden penis restricts the ability of caregivers to practice catheterization training, leading to further challenges in successfully caring for these patients. Our research project has addressed this gap in urological care for patients with hidden penises in two ways. First, we have developed an accurate and realistic anatomical model of a hidden penis patient. Second, we have designed a prototype external catheter anchoring device for patients with fully hidden penises. Our prototype can effectively drain urine when connected to suction, does not require adhesive and has been tested for safety, comfort and usability. Our calculations estimate this product could serve 350,000 patients annually in the US, improve the quality of care for these patients, and be an important step towards addressing the health care disparities morbidly obese patients face.

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