The experience of performing self-catheterization is easy for some but can be difficult and painful for others (Guinet-Lacoste et al, 2016).

40% of study participants said they had pain (catheterization hurts) (Roberson et al, 2021).

Thirty-one percent of people with hydrophilic-coated catheters had blood in their urine (Rognoni and Tarricone, 2017).

Over the years, various strategies have been explored to reduce urethral trauma, including external gel lubrication (Wyndaele JJ et al, 1990) and subsequent hydrophilic-coated catheters (Waller L et al, 1995). However, in a meta-analysis of studies investigating hydrophilic-coated catheters, 31% of patients with hydrophilic-coated catheters contained blood in their urine, which was higher than uncoated catheters. (Rognoni C et al, 2017). Hydrophilic-coated catheters improve ease of insertion, but adherence or ‘stickiness’ of the catheter to the lining of the urethra during withdrawal has been demonstrated (Fader M et al, 2001). Hydrophilic coatings become very lubricious when fully wetted and become adhesive when the hydration level of the coating decreases (Bager K et al, 2020). This effect may contribute in part to both the ‘stickiness’ during handling of hydrophilic-coated catheters and trauma or bleeding from the urethra, a risk that increases with increasing duration of catheterization. (Lundgren J et al, 2000).

To address these issues, Convatec has launched GentleCath.^TMs Series of Catheters Incorporating Pioneering FeelClean^TMs technology.

Gentle Cass^TMs Catheter with FeelClean^TMs The technology uses next-generation materials that are inherently slippery when wet without the need for coatings. Less friction during insertion and less stickiness upon removal reduces the risk of trauma and bleeding, and the pain it can cause (in vitro data, files).

90% of users have rated GentleCath^TMs feel clean^TMs Technology superior to regular catheters for comfort (Convatec, 2018).

No coating, Gentlecas^TMs Catheters are minimally disruptive and produce less residue than other catheters (in vitro data on file). So users can feel clean inside and out all day long.

Alison Hodgson has multiple sclerosis and is a Gentle Cass^TMs user.

“I have tried several different catheters and found that in others the hydrophilic lubricant was sticky and left residue in the urethra when the catheter was withdrawn, resulting in a UTI. I cried when I discovered my GentleCath catheter. The GentleCath Glide Catheter contains a small amount of water that activates the hydrophilic properties built into the catheter to make it easier to glide. This means that No sticky coating. I have been using GentleCath for 18 months and have seen a significant reduction in infections. ”

Gentle Cass^TMs intermittent catheter range

Gentle Cass^TMs glides for men and women

Gentle Cass^TMs air for men

Gentle Cass^TMs air for women

Intermittent catheter users deserve more than sticky, uncomfortable and messy catheters.

No stickiness, minimal mess and residue, breakthrough peace of mind (in vitro data, on file).

References

Bager K, Thingbak FSW (Coloplast) (2020) Urethral Catheter. (WIPO (PCT) Patent No. WO2020160738). World Intellectual Property Organization.

convatech (2018) A multicenter clinical study to evaluate the performance of the GentleCathTM Glide Intermittent Catheter. Study U378 GentleCathTM Glide Final Report. July 2018. data on the file.Convatech Co., Ltd.

Fader M (2001) Coated catheters for intermittent catheterization: smooth or sticky? BJUMore International884: 373-7.

Guinet-Lacoste A and others (2016) Intermittent Catheterization Difficulty Questionnaire (ICDQ): A new tool for assessing patient difficulty with clean intermittent self-catheterization. neurology and urodynamics35:1, 85-9.

Rundgren J et al. (2000) Importance of osmotic pressure in intermittent urethral catheterization. spinal cord38:1, 45-50.

Perrouin-Verbe B and others (1995) clear intermittent catheterization from the acute stage in patients with spinal cord injury. Long-term assessment of urethral and genital resistance. paraplegia 33: 619-624.

Roberson D et al. (2021) Patient-reported results of the Intermittent Catheterization Experience (Price) Study. neurology and urodynamics40: 8, 2008-2019.

Rognoni C, Taricone R (2017) Intermittent catheterization with hydrophilic and non-hydrophilic urinary catheters: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. BMC Urology; 17: 1, 4.

Waller L et al. (1995) Clean intermittent catheterization in patients with spinal cord injury: Long-term follow-up of hydrophilic low-friction techniques. journal of urology153:2, 345-8.

Windale JJ, Mays D (1990) Clean intermittent self-catheterization: 12-year follow-up. journal of urology143:5, 906-8.

WHRI6933 TA 1369 FeelClean Phase 1 ReportWHRI7131 TA 1486 v2.