The Duette™ catheter
I’ve been writing about the logical replacement for the Foley catheter, which is 76 year old tech, and by its very design causes damage to the interior of the bladder. That logical replacement is called the Duette™ catheter, by Poiesis Medical. See The Duette – A Better Catheter Than The Foley, and Duette Catheter Kit Video Presentation for more on why the Duette is better.
It may be some time before the established medical supply system carries the Duette as standard in hospitals. But if you are a patient living with a long-term indwelling catheter, you may be able to use the Duette right now.
First, I would recommend asking your urologist/GP/nurse about replacing your Foley with the Duette.* It MAY be that if you show up with your own Duette kit, they will agree to use it instead of the Foley for your next catheter change.
But if you are one of the many patients who routinely change their own Foley catheters every month, you can order a Duette direct if you CLICK HERE.
Then the next time you get ready to change out your catheter, set up your kit and area as you normally would with a Foley. The ONLY difference in procedure is that you inflate two balloons with saline rather than just the one on the Foley. That’s it!
One you have the Duette in, you’ll likely never experience the discomfort of your bladder wall being sucked against and into the drainage holes of your catheter, which for me is one of the major sources of trauma and pain in the bladder. Likewise, you will experience a huge reduction in pokes to your bladder wall, which the tip of a Foley is regularly doing to you, especially if you are at least partially mobile.
All that translates into less pain, reduced risk of UTI, and overall a safer and more comfortable experience.
Prices are:
$16.50 for the single catheter
$25 for the kit
CLICK BELOW to order:
Duette 100% Silicone Dual-Balloon 2-Way Foley Catheter 16 Fr
It may be difficult getting a Duette outside the US at the moment. There are licensing issues and logistical problems. So shipping might be quite expensive. I’ll update this information when this changes.
I would like to try the Duette kit catheter without a prescription. I catherize 6 to 7 times a day with ic.
Hi Joseph. That’s awesome! Here is the information on how to purchase the Duette from Ally Medical Services:
Call toll free – 866-684-2507 (US)
Call direct – (813) 503-3669
E-mail Julio Valdivia at Juliov@ally247.com
More detailed information can be found on my post about purchasing a Duette here:
https://livingwithacatheter.com/here-is-where-you-can-buy-a-duette-catheter/
l have a supra pubic catheter – had it 20yrs now. l would like to try a Duette twin-ballooned catheter as l experience a lot of pain from spasms because the catheter l use gets adhered to the bladder wall. l live in the UK – and my provider said they have never heard of the Duette.
ls it possible to get the Duette in the UK?
Many thanks.
Hi Frances. I think you can. See the information on this page https://livingwithacatheter.com/here-is-where-you-can-buy-a-duette-catheter/ I just emailed the point-of-contact I had – Julio – about your question. But you can also contact Ally Medical directly. The phone numbers and email are on that page above. Is your provider willing to use a Duette if you bring him one? The phone number on the Poesis (inventor of the Duette) site: 877.487.5740.
Hi,
I am an able body female with a not working bladder, for 12 mths i have being looking for a catheter, that doesnt feel like sandpaper on my bladder, one that doesnt leave ulsers and in pain.
the Duette sounds amazing and i would love to try it. my home nurse will try anything that will help, they are also wanting to pass on any information that can help other clients.
I am going to email now so fingers crossed
Valora
Valora – I would be very interested to hear how that goes. Good luck. I hope you get relief from the pain!!
Cheers,
Ken
The Duette catheter is the best and I have the living proof to say that. I have a neurogenic bladder that works sometimes but not others on top of that I have a major problem with fluid retention. When I would wear the old foleys I would have urine that looked like blood and always had pain in my bladder. After i went to a specialist in Tampa he switched me to the duette now I have no more pain and no more blood. My only problem is why can’t we find it in more hospitals and medical supply stores. I hope that one day soon more urologist and doctors start to see the difference it makes for those of us who have to wear a foley.
Thanks Gail! That’s fantastic. I envy you:). I sooo wanted to have one when I was going through my ordeal. I have a friend whose father is going to get one for the next change. And I’ll hopefully get more feedback from them when he does.
Thanks for the information! I’m so glad it’s working well for you.
Cheers!
Ken
Hi Ken
I am enquiring on behalf of my father who has been in excruciating pain with both urethral and now supra public types of catheter for approx. 2 years and has been told regularly, ‘this should not be the case’ and given many types of pain killers including morphine, to no real effect, other than making him age somewhat and lead a much less active lifestyle etc.
I would be very interested to learn, if it would be possible to persuade his medical care team to use the Duette catheter, what would it cost to receive a years supply in the UK on the basis of say one catheter per month being used?
Your advice would be very welcome, in order to start discussions with the appropriate doctors etc.
Many thanks in advance.
Hi Trevor. I’m sorry to hear about your father. I just got in touch with the sales team for the Duette, and unfortunately they are not authorized to sell outside the US at this time, which sucks. I have asked about their plans to be able to do so. I also asked if there was anything at all that could be done for your father in the face of this. I’ll let you know what they say. I suspect it’s a matter of government approval of medical devices, such as our FDA, etc. But as I said, I will update the page above when this changes.
Sorry about that. Best of luck to both you and your father in the mean time.
Ken
How do I get a sample to try Thx Jerry
Hi Jerry.
Check the contact info in the article above. They can tell you if a sample is available. But they are only available at all inside the US.
Good luck!
Ken
Hi there I live in New Zealand & I have a Suprapubic catheter since 2007 it’s a normal one & I would love to try the new catheter but where would I be able to purchase one from ?
Shane. I don’t know if they ship overseas (they are US based) yet. I’m on the road this week and part of next week. Can you ask again around the 25th? Then I can check and see if they can ship to New Zealand. BTW, I’m not part of the company or anything.
I’ll talk to you soon.
Ken
Ditto for Australia please – I just cant seem to source them here….
I am a Kaiser patient, have had a cathater for 8+ years. Needless to say I had so many problems with leakage, going thru lots of Depends, I should of bought stock in the company 8 years ago!! I got a severe rash a couple months ago, was recommended this cream to get rid of rash, meanwhile I’ve gone back to the Urologist, they recommended the “Duette”!! OMGosh, what a change, I will be with this til my next journey, that is when I check into heaven-!! NO more leakage, in fact I really do not even know it’s there!!! MY THANKS TO WHOEVER CAME UP WITH THIS ONE!! I carry a card telling whoever what I have plus how to do the change!! Again, THANK YOU. :???
Jo-Ann – thank you so much for your comment! I was never lucky enough to get a Duette. So I’m really glad to hear from someone who has. And it’s awesome to hear that it’s working so well for you!! Dr. Bruce Wiita of Poiesis Medical (https://www.poiesismedical.com/) is the one who came up with it:).
Best of luck going forward! And thanks again for your comment:).
Ken
Is there an update on the availability of the Duette catheter in the uk yet?
Hi John. I just called them to ask and left a message for them to call me back. I’ll let you know when I find out.
Cheers!
Ken
Hi Ken, I am in Australia. Any chance of getting the Duette here? Also how long can they stay in? Are they 7 Days, 30 Days or 3 Months? Appreciate your help
Michelle
Michelle,
Since I’m not associated with the company, there really isn’t anything I can do to help get the Duette there, unfortunately. I’ve been in contact with the company and they assure me they are planning on expanding. But that’s frustrating, I know. I did hear from others (one of the comments here – would need to find it) that you can get them in Australia if you can afford the shipping. Or that possibly a 3rd-party company is shipping them? I’ll try to find that info and post it.
About how long you can leave them in – I always assumed it was the same as any indwelling catheter – change them every month. I can verify that though and also let you know.
Cheers,
Ken
John,
Unfortunately, the Duette is not available in the UK yet. I spoke with the Sales folks at Poiesis Medical – https://www.poiesismedical.com/products/duette/ – and they said they have plans to make it available there, but it’s a funding and logistics issue. they are hoping for 2017.
Sorry about that! the only thing I could recommend is to have a doctor with an open mind allow you to use one that you a friend in the US mail you or something? Just fishing on that one.
Wish I had better news.
Cheers,
Kenm
I live in Australia and have been a C4 Quad since I was 13 years old.
Now fast forward 28 years and now I can no longer use condom drainage due to me bladder becoming lazy. So for he past 4 years I have been on a foley urethral catheter.
This week I done research on trying the Duette by Poiesis, I first contacted Poiesis myself via email asking them that I really wanted to try the Duette catheter.
This is the email I received from Poiesis below.
“Thank you for reaching out, unfortunately we are U.S. based and not distributing outside of the U.S. at this time.
We do have long range plans for global distribution as we grow and work with industry leaders in the space.
The Duette is actually primarily used urethral in the acute space, the video on our web site showing the SP tube patient was the only way to video what actually occurs in a catheterized bladder. The bladder collapsing on the catheter occurs whether SP tube or urethral, this is contrary to what industry has “fed” the market in the U.S. where a simple google search shows pictures depicting the bladder extended looking like a hard ball with the Foley designed catheter not coming into contact with the bladder mucosa. Our studies and continued market validation are proving the science for dual balloon technology.
Hoping to be introducing the Duette to your side of the world soon!
Best Regards
Poiesis”
Personally I don’t believe a word that Poiesis are saying Regarding “We do have long range plans for global distribution as we grow and work with industry leaders in the space.”
Simply because I have heard the same reply from others wanting to get there hands on these Dueete catheters and these people wanting to purchase the Duette product many over 6 years ago, have been receiving very similar emails to what I received yesterday the 3rd of August 2016.
HOWEVER that being said the Duette product seems to be a revelation in catheter history, especially when reading all the reviews, they seem PHENOMENAL and I can totally understand why.
To me personally its a no brainer as to why these Duette catheters are like a miracle for those who are dependent on indwelling catheters such as myself.
In my week of intense research on this product, it just hurts me to hear the company repeat the same thing over and over to individuals GLOBALLY such as myself basically willing to do anything to TRY their product.
From what I understand its the FDA, seems to have certain or absurd regulations so to speak, and I believe this is more than likely what seems to stop companies such as Poiesis Duette for example from selling or even sending samples to other countries unless they can fork up insane amounts of dollars, which obviously won’t happen as a small company.
OK NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS, AFTER A FEW MORE DAYS DIGGING AROUND, I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT THERE ARE SITES IN AMERICA THAT HAVE THE DUETTE BY POIESIS AND THEY DO SHIP INTERNATIONALLY.
I LITERALLY JUST ORDERED (FIVE) DUETTE CATHETERS TODAY FROM THIS WEBSITE AND ALTHOUGH THE CATHETERS ARE CHEAP AT ONLY $13.60 USD EACH THE SHIPPING IS EXPENSIVE.
FOR EXAMPLE (FIVE) DUETTE CATHETERS INCLUDING SHIPPING TO AUSTRALIA IN VICTORIA THE TOTAL CAME TO $176.83 USD OR $242 AUD
Especially when the government pays for the catheters here in Australia, meaning most if not ALL Australians don’t pay for there catheters providing you can get them in Australia from most incontinent wholesalers, which clearly like the rest of the world is not the case regarding the Duette catheter.
It doesn’t bother me personally, IF in fact I find these Duette catheters to do exactly as everyone is raving on about and its amazing the differences between your standard foley catheter compared to the Duette catheter, then I am happy to pay for them even though they cost 4 times the amount of your average catheter when purchasing them from the USA.
Generally speaking I am the type of guy who is very sceptical, however after reading about these Duette catheters and watching a few video’s on them, I am almost certain they will be the next MIRACLE so to speak regarding long term catheters users such as myself.
NOTE – VERY IMPORTANT:
ALSO BEFORE ORDERING A FEW CATHETERS ASK FOR THE EXPIRY DATE OF THESE CATHETERS BECAUSE I GENERALLY CHANGE MY CATHETER EVERY 8 TO 9 WEEKS USING THE SILICONE RAYLEEN CATHETERS AND BECAUSE THESE DUETTE CATHETERS ARE ALSO SILICONE I AM PRESUMING THEY CAN STAY IN LONG TERM UP TO 12 WEEKS LIKE MOST SILICONE CATHETERS, UNLIKE THE LATEX VERSION.
THE REASON I AM ADVISING TO FIND OUT THE EXPIRY DATE, IS BECAUSE WHEN I ORDERED MY 5 DUETTE CATHETERS TODAY I ASKED THEM TO PLEASE NOT SHIP THEM IF THEY EXPIRED PRIOR TO DECEMBER 2017 AND UNFORTUNATELY THEY DID EXPIRE WELL BEFORE (DECEMBER 2017)
HOWEVER I RECEIVED A PROMPT EMAIL FROM THE WEBSITE AND THERE REPLY WAS AND I QUOTE:
We have sent a request directly to the manufacturer so you can receive the items with the expiration date you need.”
END QUITE.
I THOUGHT THIS WAS LOVELY FOR THEM TO WRITE BACK STRAIGHT AWAY AND GO THROUGH ALL THAT TROUBLE.
I AM NOT GOING TO COUNT MY CHICKENS BEFORE THEY HATCH AS I HAVE JUST ORDERED THEM.
HOWEVER IF I DO RECEIVE THEM WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS OR SO AND IF I FIND THEM TO WORK WONDERS AS ALL REPORTS INDICATE, THEN I PROMISE YOU ALL THAT I WILL GET BACK TO YOU WITH ALL THE INFO…
Lastly Ken Theriot, Why is it you continuously state, I was never lucky enough to get a Duette? Are you also out of the USA mate and are you wanting to try them also?
Wow! Thanks so much for your post, Dean! I’m sooo glad you found a way to have the Duette shipped internationally and that you shared that information here. I would be really interested in finding out how well it works for you. Will you let us know?
And to answer your question – my catheterization period lasted for about 7 months. I didn’t find out about the Duette until about half-way through that time. And my care was provided by the Veterans Administration, who have pretty strict rules as to the equipment they are allowed to use. So I couldn’t get them to approve the use of the Duette before I was done with my surgery and no longer needed a catheter. But if I had to have one long-term like you, I promise that I would definitely have used a Duette, VA or not:).
Thanks again. And good luck!
Ken
Ken,
Yeah mate I will keep you all informed in the coming weeks as to when I receive them and so forth.
Totally understand why you were unable to use the Duette now, however thankfully your no longer in need for a catheter, that’s a massive plus.
Awesome work BTW Ken, keeping all informed and trying to help those that require catheters, keep up the awesome work mate, its much appreciated.
Regards
Dean
OMG Dean: I too am in Victoria Australia and am Desperate to Source the Durette System. Could you please tell me what site you were able to buy them from and shipped here? I would be so Appreciative. I am in the Yarra Valley ( near Healesville) in Victoria
Kind Regards
Michelle
Could you give me the name of the company that sold you the Duette Catheters? I live in Canada and want to get one for my mother.
Thanks,
Ted
Hi Ted. Try this link –
Sorry the links in the article were broken. I just fixed them.
Duette 100% Silicone Dual-Balloon 2-Way Foley Catheter 18 Fr
For People living in Australia and Many other Countries….. Discount Catheters ( based in Florida USA) Sell the Duette Catheters. As Dean stated above, the Postage is Absolutely Horrendous, But if they are as Awesome as Everything points to them being, I’m happy to pay. Site had a Drop Down Box and a great Many Countries were listed as being able for the Duette Catheters to be Posted to. I also will let you know what I think of them and if they are worth it. I, like Dean sent a Message requesting that the Expiry Date was at Least December 2017, as I too am assuming they are Long Term Catheters, hence can be left in for up to 12 Weeks
Cheers
Yeah. I am hoping they can start shipping these overseas as soon as possible. I appreciate your letting us hear back about your thoughts!
Ken
I just talked with Poiesis Medical. Technically, and legally, the Duette is no different from most indwelling catheters in that they should be changed out every 30 days. So it is NOT true that these are “long-term” catheters in any sense. Everyone is different with different resistances to bacteria, different ph in body fluids, etc. So some folks may be able to use them longer. But there is no real way to know for sure if you are one of those people. So officially, know that the Duette is a 30-day indwelling catheter like other indwelling catheters.
Hope that helps.
Ken
ps – Poiesis is actively working on the issues preventing them from distributing overseas. This includes a maze of legal fees, and approvals for distribution into various channels. But they are confident that they will have them available internationally soon. The “bootleg” catheters you are finding are skirting around some of these hurdles by passing those logistics costs off to the end-user. But Poiesis is NOT distributing to anyone except US-based DMEs (durable medical equipment providers) currently. So they are not the ones responsible for the high cost. Store fronts like Discount Catheters are obtaining the Duettes from SOME DME(s) and then “scalping” them to folks who want them.
-K
I had my Duette inserted on Friday the 9th of September and so far so good.
Yes as Michelle Donkin has stated Discount Catheters ship them globally but be prepared to pay $60 (AUD) per catheter when having them shipped to Australia as its the shipping that really hikes up the prices, because the Duette catheters themselves from Discount Catheters are not expensive at $13.60 USD which equates to $18 AUD for each catheter.
As far as I am aware ALL silicone catheters are (Long Term catheters) and have a maximum of 12 weeks usage.
These Duette catheters are 100% silicone so I am quite confident that they also are a “Long Term” catheter with a maximum usage span up to 12 weeks depending on the person obviously.
I read that Ken stated and I quote:
“I just talked with Poiesis Medical. Technically, and legally, the Duette is no different from most indwelling catheters in that they should be changed out every 30 days. So it is NOT true that these are “long-term” catheters in any sense. Everyone is different with different resistances to bacteria, different ph in body fluids, etc. So some folks may be able to use them longer. But there is no real way to know for sure if you are one of those people. So officially, know that the Duette is a 30-day indwelling catheter like other indwelling catheters.”
END QUOTE.
I’m NOT going to say that Ken is incorrect Re: Duette being only a 30 day catheter as im not 100% sure.
However I do know that almost ALL if not ALL silicone catheters are “Long Term” catheters with a usage span up to 12 weeks, so I will be very surprised if the Duette is a “Short Term” catheter.
Traditionally “Short Term” catheters are made from plastic (PVC), Latex rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE (Teflon) coated latex and have a recommended usage span of up to 28 days.
That being said I will keep you all updated as to how my Duette is doing once I feel that its due for a change.
Regards
Dean
Thanks Dean!! I’m so glad you were able to get a Duette. I’m kinda jealous as I never got one:). As for the short-term versus long-term thing, I’m only passing on what the “official” word was. I’m sure you understand that I am reluctant to give any advice that would contradict guidelines having to do with safety (in terms of risk of UTI, etc.). My advice is – as always – use the available (and reliable/valid) data to guide your decisions.
And thanks for the price/cost information. I’ll pass that along to Poiesis Medical.
Cheers!
Ken
Ken,
After reading this, I emailed Charlene from Poiesis and in a nut shell you are correct in stating the Duette is a 30 day catheter, because this is exactly what Poiesis state as Ken stated, so I apologise.
I have copied and pasted my emails below to Charlene from Poiesis so you can all see.
“Dear Charlene,
I have a query, what is the maximum life span of the Duette catheter, is it like all other 100% silicone catheters which have a maximum usage span of up to 12 weeks obviously depending on the individual who uses them.
Or does the Duette only have a recommended usage span of 30 days?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards
Dean”
“Hello Dean,
Great question, all indwelling urinary catheters are under FDA labeling guidelines, please see attached, which are 30 days or less.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Best Regards
Charlene Johnson”
“Charlene,
Firstly thank you for replying so promptly.
I’m a little confused, I currently use 100% silicone Releen catheters which I change every 8 to 10 weeks.
So would I be correct to say these Duette catheters aren’t like most silicone catheters regarding their usage span being “Long Term” up to 12 weeks?
If this is the case im just curious do you know why the Duette catheters only have a maximum usage period of 30 days?
Sorry about all the questions but I am just curious to find out as much info as possible as I prefer to change my catheters every 8 weeks or so as it means less catheter changes which is important also.
Regards
Dean”
“Hello Dean,
Many patients report being able to use silicone catheters for a longer period compared to latex, however all companies are required to abide by FDA regulations for these class two devices.
Hope this answers your question, if not please let me know.
Best Regards
Charlene Johnson”
Ok now back to typing.
The great thing about Poiesis is they get back to you within 24 hours and every time I have emailed them Charlene has always replied back to me, they are a AWESOME company that clearly care about individuals, which is bloody rare these days as customer support is nothing like it used to be 20+ years ago.
I spoke to some individuals who also have SCI, via a forum I have been with for many years.
They stated the same thing as I did regarding there should be no reason why the Duette catheter isn’t treated as a long term or up to a maximum 12 week usage span considering its 100% Silicone, obviously depending on the individual.
That being said I’m not saying that is the case as I personally don’t know as yet and won’t know whats best for me regarding the Duette for quite a while, however I’ll get back to why later.
I was told by others with SCI to play it by ear, just see how the Duette is going at 4 weeks, if all seems fine, (If its draining well & you feel fine) they advised me to keep it in for 5 weeks and see how I was going, again if all seems fine they advised me to leave it for 6 weeks before doing the first catheter change.
They majority of people I spoke with stated to change the first one at 6 weeks, even if it was draining well & I was feeling fine, they suggested inspect the catheter and if all looked well with the Duette to then keep it in for 8 weeks the next time providing all was fine.
I could be wrong and stand to be corrected, however I think Poiesis must stipulate that the Duette is a 30 day catheter due to the FDA regulations.
Because I live in Australia and I know for a fact that the Releen 100% Silicone catheters are classed as long term or up o 12 weeks here in Australia.
It would be interesting to know whether the 100% Silicone Releen catheters are classed as 30 day catheter or a 12 week catheters.
Does anyone from America know this answer?
However in closing, over the last 2 to 3 days I noticed my Duette urethral catheter wasn’t draining as much and my urine in the mornings (6am) & late evenings (10pm) was extremely concentrated, it was a orange colour.
I had the Duette in for only 17 days and unfortunately at 3am this morning I started sweating profusely due to dysreflexia because the catheter was completely blocked with sediment, this has only happened twice to me in 4 years thank God, the first time it happened was about 3 years ago when I was using a 12 french Releen and last night with the 14 French Duette. It scared the hell out of me, it really did .
After looking at the catheter later this morning and inflating both balloons with water, one with 10cc the other with 5cc as instructed by Poiesis.
It didn’t take me long to realise why this most likely occurred.
Unfortunately my belief is because there are two balloons in the Duette the actual eyelets or holes, that are in-between the two balloons is raised approximately 7 to 10 milometers, which is the whole point so the actual eyelets/holes don’t touch the bladder wall and in turn protect the bladder wall.
My belief is that these Duette catheters don’t drain the bladder completely and this is why over the 17 days the sediment went from virtually very little sediment to a ton of sediment within 48 to 72 hours, when I say a ton I mean so much more then usual because I always had sediment in my urine since becoming a Quadriplegic in 1988.
I believe the Duette catheters leave a residual of urine in the bladder simply because the eyelets/holes are raised and not touching the bladder at all (Which is the whole point of the Duette)
As soon as I had my father change it, back to the 14 French Releen which I might add the Releen catheters have smaller eyelets compared to the Duette however the urine just poured out instantly thankfully and OMG what a relief it was.
I will give the Duette another try down the track just to make sure it wasn’t a coincidence and in a way im grateful it happened way prior to the 30 days as recommended because had it of been in for 6 weeks and then this happened, I would then blame myself because of leaving it in longer then recommended from Poiesis.
If you use the Duette and start noticing your output is less then usual and if the urine is concentrated, I recommend changing it straight away.
Once I try the second Duette, I will again keep you all posted, however I won’t be using it any time soon, it will most likely be next year some time.
In saying this the Duette has had some very positive feed back, hence why I wanted to try them ASAP, so because this happened to me, it clearly doesn’t mean it will happen to all.
Maybe the Duette just isn’t good for my bladder and maybe it doesn’t leave any residual urine at all.
That’s just my opinion after experiencing what I did and after actually seeing the Duette inflated in person so to speak.
Keep this thread going as the more people post the more educated we become and can help each other and others.
Regards
Dean
Thanks for all that information, Dean! Amazing. So did you get a chance to ask Charlene about this? I’d be interested to know what she had to say.
Either way, that info should help others who might experience something similar.
Thanks again!
Ken
Hello,
Keeping this thread going.
Is there any progress towards buying the dual balloon catheter in England?
JohnF
John,
At the moment they do not officially ship outside the US yet. But like some of the other folks – specifically some from Australia – who have ordered from a 3rd party vendor in the US who will ship overseas. But the cost can get pretty high for doing that. But I’ll keep in contact with the folks at Poeisis and let everyone know when they are able to ship officially, meaning that insurance can pay for them, etc.
Ken
Hi Ken
I just want to say thank you Dean and Michelle for your remarks about this catheter like yourselves I’m in Canberra Australia and was looking how to get is catheters once I got told about them especially when I just live with UTI infections all the time and the worse always on antibiotics and we all want to try something that will make our lives easier at the moment I use a super cath 20 gauge catheter and having to replace mine every five weeks but I always seem prone to infections so am hoping that I can try these catheters to see they make a difference to myself but I do hope soon that that will make it easier and have suppliers in Australia that would be willing to sell his product and also put trials in hospitals here in Australia like everybody is willing to put their hands up to try anything that will make their lives better I do know a couple years ago I went on a trial through Prince of Wales Hospital Sydney and they were doing a trial on taking some tablets I will have to go back and check the exact name of what the tablets were but I know people are always looking to find something so hopefully we might be able to get a study done in Australia with these catheters you think that would be possible Ken ?
Thanks again Dean and Michelle
Ray
Ray,
I’ve spoken with the company often and they know about the demand coming form Australia, as well as other countries, and are actively working on getting the licensing and other memoranda worked out in order to allow shipments to other countries. I will certainly let folks know as soon as that happens. Sadly, in the mean time the only option seems to be to pay a company in the US that will gladly sell you some at a high price and then charge really high shipping charges. It’s not something that most people can afford to do.
Best of luck. And I hope to let folks know as soon as possible.
Ken
Hi Ken, I found your page through the search of “feel like need to wee” with suprapubic catheter lol and here you are with all this great info! I’m glad it’s not just me who felt like this. I like the idea of the duette but I too am in Australia so please keep me in the loop of availability. I’m definitely willing to give this a try. 🙂 Lucy
Hi Lucy. That’s funny:) – the search term part. Yeah, it’s frustrating about the Duette not being available outside the US unless you pay through the nose for a 3rd-party supplier (outside insurance loop). I’ll be checking up with the developers again in the coming weeks and will announce here if/when it gets approved.
Until then – best of luck!
Ken
Can I get a free sample without a Rx? Im in the US.
Rachelle,
I don’t think you can get a free sample. But you can get one for $17 by clicking here.
Hope that helps!
Ken
Hey everyone. Could you help me out? I put together a VERY short survey tor subscribers on this site to help me understand how I can help folks with their catheter problems better. It would really be a help to me if you could take just a couple of minutes (seriously 🙂 ) to do this survey. If you can do this, just click here to go to the survey. Thanks so much!!
Ken
Hi, Ken. I would like to join your forum on the Duette catheter. I live in the northeastern USA (Vermont). The benefits I seek to derive are quite different to those of most of the other members. At present I practice CIC successfully using a straight intermittent catheter but, should I ever get into a situation where I need an indwelling device, such as a Foley or Duette, then I would be in big trouble.
My problem is one of catheter length. The few manufacturers remaining in business today have consolidated the market to a common length of 16 inches in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. I have obtained three sample Duettes, courtesy Charlene Johnson and, upon trying the first one found that it was longer than the standard 16 inch by about 2 1/2 inches and therefor fine for my purpose.
When I update my emergency tag I shall state “Start with straight intermittent catheter while wife delivers special purpose indwelling catheter”, or words to that effect.
I shall fill you in with more details, and also include anyone else with a catheter length problem, as our relationship develops, which I hope it will.
Warm regards, AlanTooBig
Warm regards, Alan.
Hi, Ken. I would like to join your forum on the Duette catheter. I live in the northeastern USA (Vermont). The benefits I seek to derive are quite different to those of most of the other members. At present I practice CIC successfully using a straight intermittent catheter but, should I ever get into a situation where I need an indwelling device, such as a Foley or Duette, then I would be in big trouble.
My problem is one of catheter length. The few manufacturers remaining in business today have consolidated the market to a common length of 16 inches in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. I have obtained three sample Duettes, courtesy Charlene Johnson and, upon trying the first one found that it was longer than the standard 16 inch by about 2 1/2 inches and therefor fine for my purpose.
When I update my emergency tag I shall state “Start with straight intermittent catheter while wife delivers special purpose indwelling catheter”, or words to that effect.
I shall fill you in with more details, and also include anyone else with a catheter length problem, as our relationship develops, which I hope it will.
Warm regards, AlanTooBig
Thanks for that info, Alan. I didn’t actually know that. Did you tell Charlene that their cath is longer?
You mentioned joining the Duette forum. Did I set aside a sub-forum for it? (I SHOULD know that shouldn’t I?). I’ll check. Are you having trouble with the forum in general? I must admit that I don’t check that as often as I probably should. Most of my involvement is on the comments to these posts, like this. Anyway, thanks again! I’ll go check on the forum right now.
I don’t have a specific forum for specific catheter types. That would all come under the General Discussion forum. Let me know if you have any trouble with that.