I recently wrote a post about the call for a replacement for the Foley catheter, which has been around for 76 years and used virtually unchanged since then. Dr. Roger Feneley narrated the video in that post that showed the kind of damage a Foley can do to the bladder wall – uggh! See that post and video here: Indwelling Foley Catheters Becoming A Thing Of The Past?
Dr. Bruce Wiita, a Board Certified Urologist who has been practicing for 45 years, has invented what could (should) be a much better and safer alternative to the Foley for long-term indwelling catheterization. It’s called the Duette ™ by Poiesis Medical. The major difference is the second balloon at the tip, which makes it less “pokey” so it doesn’t stick into the bladder wall, which the Foley often does (watch the video). The other difference is that the drainage hole is between the two balloons, which prevents “aspiration,” which basically means the tissues of the bladder wall don’t get sucked into the holes (again, watch the video). these things reduce the chances of CAUTI (catheter induced UTI), and other damage to the bladder.
Also, the Douette operates just like the traditional Foley as far as inserting and inflating, so very little, if any, additional training would be required of medical workers.
Where and when the Douette will begin appearing in hospitals and medical supply stores I don’t know. But hopefully it will be soon. I’m sure I am not alone wanting to replace my indwelling Foley catheter. I’ve been lucky with the whole not-getting-a-UTI thing so far (only one). But my bladder is very inflamed, as evidenced by the extreme pain I feel by just having my catheter changed. I’m betting a Douette would help that.
Check out the Poiesis promo video here:
You can order from the below link (if in the US):
Duette 100% Silicone Dual-Balloon 2-Way Foley Catheter 16 Fr
they are about $17. Of course, if you can get them from your insurance company or urologist/doctor, you’ll save some money.
Ken,
Just wanted to draw your attention to one key fact, Dr. Feneley, with whom we have been conversing and is very supportive of our efforts and who graciously provided us with the dramatic video from inside the human bladder, is not the inventor of the Duette. That credit goes to Dr. Bruce Wiita, a Board Certified Urologist who has been practicing for 45 years. Dr. Wiita served as an Air Force surgeon, and as Chief Medical Officer for two hospitals here in South Florida. Dr. Wiita is currently in private practice. Please visit our website for additional information.
Frank,
Thanks so much for the comment and the correction! I have updated the article with the correct information.
Cheers!
ps – I currently have an indwelling Foley (suprapubic) and really hope I can have it changed for a Duette at some point.
Ken,
Your effort to express the Duette™ was very much appreciated. Regardless of who actually invented the Duette™ we at Poiesis are simply attempting to offer a product that aligns itself with the body’s natural function and innate protection system.
As you know most individuals will be bacteriological challenged (especially women) many times on a weekly basis. Why then does not every event cause symptomatic infections (not simple bacteriuria)? The main players are the bodies (first line) innate defense system, mucosal lining (if intact) and the voiding process. Both of these in the catheterized individuals are compromised by the 75 year old Foley design.
Duette™ seeks to eliminate the tip damage an the catheter blocking, that occurs when using the Foley. The results to date have been nothing less than amazing. All common adverse events of catheter use have been reduced/eliminated. The infection events are the most impressive, many patients are reporting no infections, as well as many patients keeping the catheters in for a longer period of time. While Poiesis does not recommend this it does go to a better designed product.
The main issue however is not whether the Duette™ is better, results prove it functions more efficiently, with less collateral damage than a Foley. The issue is the healthcare industry and large companies in the market. Both serve as barriers to entry. CR Bard is perhaps the biggest offender, by bundling products and informing hospitals if they switch products, pricing on other products will increase. Hospitals also are very slow to engage innovation and are cumbersome. Many speak about more patient centric care but few actually address the subject.
It truly is sad that once upon a time “to first do no harm” actually meant something.
Greg Wiita
President and CEO
Poiesis Medical
Thanks for that comment, Greg! I’m with you on all counts. I was given a product by nurses while hospitalized – a catheter securement device called the GRIP-Lok – that I could not get my hands on after I got out! Even the urology clinic only use the stretchy/velcro kind, which are truly dangerous for ambulatory patients with indwelling catheters. As consumers, you can only get these devices in boxes of 100 if you want to pay $500 for it. So I made a deal with Zefon, the manufacturer of the GRIP-Lok, to sell 10-packs to end-users. I hope this will help make these much safer devices more available to folks.
There is a fairly large population of people with indwelling suprapubic catheters who routinely change their own. Will there be any way for Poiesis Medical to reach these folks directly? I know that the Foley is widely available to the public through medical supply sites. Perhaps the Duette(tm) could take that route? Not sure about the liability issues, if any. I’m sure it would feel a bit risky sending a new product to an end-user who could very well do something wrong and blame the wrong people.
Either way, if there is anything I can do to help spread the word about the Duette(tm), I’ll do it. My site is VERY new (about 5 weeks now), and though I’m an experienced internet marketer, it takes time for sites to gain traction and regular readership. But I expect it to increase steadily as I continue to provide content.
Thanks again for your comment!
Cheers,
Ken Theriot
HiKen,
In doing some research on cathiters, , I lhave had a Foley for quite a long time. You mentioned that some people change their own Foleys. I thought it was necessary to go into the office to have this done. Also one time I asked the doc is there was a plug I could use instead of a leg bag. I like to wear shorts in the summer. He gave me this plastic plug which worked but was a bit messy when removing it to drain. I made my own plug by taking the twist open and close drain from one of my leg bags and use that. Simply twist to drain and twist in other direction to close.
Bill
Hi Bill. I don’t think many people change their own transurethral (up the “normal” way) Foleys that often. Folks with long-term/lifetime SP catheters are more likely to be able to change their own. The opening tends to sort of scar open after a few months (if my terminology is wrong, remember that I am not a medical professional:)), acting a bit like a pierced ear. The pain is much reduced or even nill. And the worry of the opening closing up in the minute or two it takes to replace it is much reduced from the first couple of months when it could close completely within seconds. That’s why the docs usually put a guide wire into the hole – to prevent it closing up, as well as to help make sure the catheter goes where it is supposed to. There tends to be a lot more blood early on as well. But after you’ve had one for several months, things are a lot easier to do with less pain, worry and blood.
About the valve – My docs all just recommended using the flip-flow valve that comes already attached to the leg bags. they just cut it off and yanked it out if its sheath. And it fit perfectly into the outlet of my Foley. When I wanted to empty it, I just flipped it open, and closed it when I was done. No mess. However, I DID try a twist one and hated it! It wasn’t very secure and it did cause a mess. So you might want to try buying a leg bag HERE and removing the valve. Worked great for me.
Hope that helps!
Ken
Greg,
BTW, I removed the question mark from the end of the post title;).
-K
Greg,
Can I have your permission to use the official images of the Duette(tm) from the Poiesis Medical site? My rendering is rather crude and I’d like to give as accurate a picture as possible.
Cheers,
Ken
I will mention the Duette to my urologist next week when I get my SPC changed. I have been suffering from spasms which as you know are very painful. I suffer from stricture caused by excessive radiation. Currently not incontinent because scar tissue blocks my urethra. I had two Turps, no help. Ken…thanks for your interest in guys like me!
Mike. 77 years old
You’re welcome, Mike!
Ken
Can you go for a run with this in as a urinary catheter? And how long can you wear this for?
The recommended duration for a single catheter is no different from the current guidelines of 30 days before changing it. And as for going jogging, wow, I don’t know. I’ would recommend walking, yes. But jogging seems like asking for trouble. If I WERE to jog with it in though, I would ABSOLUTELY require very secure attachment of the catheter via something like the Freedom Belt (https://livingwithacatheter.com/get-active-freedom-belt/).
The belt allows you to hang your bag from the belt on sturdy straps. There is no other way to secure a catheter that I would have felt comfortable jogging with. Even my grip locks would not have been able to hold the bag in place, though it would at least have protected me from the a heavy, bouncing bag pulling the catheter out of my body!
So if you feel you must jog, make sure you have the best possible securement for the bag. As for the bounincg of the catheter inside – again, I think the Duette would make more sense since there is no “pokey” tip at the end to stab you inside.
All that said however, I would still recommend just walking rather than jogging. And if you must jog, maybe ask your doctor what he/she thinks first.
I hope that helps.
Ken
Thank you for all the information. And I was able to go for a 5 mile jog with little discomfort and no blood, but wasn’t the most pleasant thing. The main thing is some discomfort around the meatus from the irritation.
I think I am going to stick to the gym and use a catheter valve. That seems to be working fine. Just have to keep it clean and tucked away so it doesn’t show.
Yes, that (using the valve only) is what I found to be most comfortable when I was able to do it.
Hi Ken , I am about to have my 4th. SPC change. I am really praying it gets easier. I have a problem with extreme pain in my
penis 6 or more times a day. I have ask the Doctor about it and
was just told , that just happens
too some people. I really need a way to make the pain stop. I don’t know what to do about it. I even ask another Doctor , no help. Can’t even tell me what makes me
have this pain. I also have been fighting prostate cancer. I would really appreciate any information that you or anyone could help me with. Thanks for being so understanding with the people you try to help. May GOD Bless you for what you do. Thanks
Hi Eugene. With a spurapubic catheter, penis pain seems unusual. Do you ALSO have a regular urethral catheter? With the latter, it’s usually due to pressure of the tube against the entrance to the penis. But with just and SPC, I don’t know what could cause it. Since I am not a medical professional, I obviously can’t help much at this point. But you might try this new catheter hotline. I wrote about it Friday. Here is the link to the post: https://livingwithacatheter.com/catheter-questions-call-new-free-catheter-hotline/. And here is the number. It’s free. You have nothing to lose by calling and seeing if they might have some helpful information for you. 833-MY-CATH-911 (833-692-2849). If they can help you, can you write back and let me know? Thanks. And I Hope things get better!!
Ugh!!! Trying to sleep – it’ 4:50 AM – but “THAT” PAIN!!
I found this site a bit ago looking for bladder pain felt in the penis. Ken, here, recommends the Duette catheter, but I wore 6 of them and none lasted longer than 2 weeks, even half filled. That amounts to about 5-6 times the out of pocket expense and my retirement just won’t cover it.
Oh! the pain! Sometimes I get it down massaging my penis and doing relaxing of my lower pelvic region. At other times there is a stool trying to pass, which causes pain, sometimes, intense. I have near constant constipation.
I did a 3 day no water no food fast that seemed to help a little. Amazing how the body converts fat cells to water and energy. But my weight loss was down to 167, a bit low for my 74″
UTI can be very painful. I read Dr. Sircus’ book on iodine deficiency and take 5-10 Icelandic kelp tabs daily, and inject about 2-3 cc povodone iodine direct up the catheter into my bladder. I’ve had very cloudy urine clear to near perfect in an hour. Povodone is what OR docs clean hands with and applied to topical wounds. I apply to my suprapubic wound.
Iodine also maintains zero bio film crustation in catheters. Permanently. I’ve worn Foley indwelling ones for months before their balloon failed, with zero bio film.
All these things can contribute to bladder pain I feel in my penis frenulum and urethra. Terrible at times.
Does any one have any advice on a three week old Foley? I am constantly ‘wiggling around’ trying to stop the irritation. Also I have week hands and need help popping of the bag hose to the Foley. Also have difficulty unstrapping the travel bag. Stiff leg joints.
Cannot leave rehab to go home until I can strap and unstrap but can barely reach my thighs. Duette sounds like it would help with pain but still will the “popping off” the bag from the catheter. Hands just cannot hold, twist, pull, and turn very easily. Greatly in need of encouragement.
Thanks to all for help.
Hi Johnny. I’m unclear about your problem? Is your catheter coming unconnected from your bag? What is it that your are trying to hold, twist and pull? Then I might be able to offer some assistance. Whatever it is – hang in there!
OK, disregard my earlier question. I now think I understand your question. You might want to look into getting a “Freedom Belt.” this is a belt that has straps on it to hold the bag up, making the straps on a leg bag less of an issue. Check out more about it here: https://freedombelt.com/ Hope that helps!
My catheter is driving me up the wall? After 6years because of (stroke ) each day Urenecomes to the surface with extreme pain and leaves 2 or 3 drops of urene in my under pants,this happens 8 to 10 times per day.pls help this 74 yre old with enough other ailments also to deal with. Barry Donaldson (Christian ).
Hi Barry. That sounds so very unpleasant. I’m sorry to hear it. So what kind of catheter do you have? Is it the most common – a Foley catheter going into your penis? Also, I’m not sure what you mean when you say urine comes to the surface with extreme pain. Most importantly, if you have had a catheter for 6 years, I assume it is “indwelling?” In other words, does it stay in all the time, or do you use an intermittent catheter? If it’s the indwelling type that is in all the time, you must have it changed monthly. Does your doctor change it for you? If so, have you spoken to him/her about this?