Product Evaluate: TruCath Duo Twin-Balloon Urinary Catheter

As a longtime suprapubic catheter person, I’ve all the time been baffled by the shortage of innovation round indwelling catheters. Whereas urological firms roll out new kinds of single-use catheters like Nike introduces new Air Jordans, indwelling catheter choices have stayed largely unchanged for many years. 

I’m all for the previous adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t repair it,” and I undoubtedly don’t want my catheters to return in new colours or fancy packaging. However years of catheter adjustments, UTIs and different mysterious bladder points have satisfied me that there’s room for — and wish for — an improved indwelling catheter. The TruCath Duo Twin-Balloon Urinary Catheter goals to deal with that want, and primarily based on my expertise utilizing it and speaking with different wheelchair customers who’ve tried it, I believe it has succeeded.  

The Double Bubble 

The Duo seems like a standard silicone catheter, the lone main distinction being a second port on the other aspect of the normal inflation port. This second port inflates the Duo’s huge innovation: a second balloon on the tip of the catheter. This smaller (5 cc) balloon is designed to enhance the catheter’s means to empty the bladder and cut back the irritation brought on by the catheter digging into and adhering to the bladder wall. 

Other than inflicting bodily discomfort, irritation on the bladder wall raises the possibilities of a UTI. Greg Wiita, co-designer of the Duo, explains why decreasing irritation within the bladder is so vital. “For those who had a laceration in your hand would you stroll right into a public lavatory and use that hand on any floor there? No, as a result of the barrier has been damaged. The identical goes within the bladder, when its mucosal lining is broken, it’s extra vulnerable.” 

Wiita’s father, Bruce, a urologist, designed the double-balloon catheter — then often called the Duette — within the Eighties as a response to seeing the rampant irritation brought on by indwelling catheters. A 3-year scientific examine at Tampa Normal Hospital confirmed a 13-to-1 discount price in UTIs that led the hospital to begin solely utilizing the twin balloon catheter. 

Regardless of loads of anecdotal and scientific proof exhibiting the catheter’s advantages, the Wiita’s firm, Poiesis Medical, struggled to disrupt the entrenched manufacturers and merchandise. In late 2023, Poeisis partnered with HR Healthcare to deal with the commercialization of the dual-balloon catheter for North America. The corporate has since rebranded the dual-balloon product to TruCath Duo and launched a 20 French dimension and an insertion package particularly for the dual-balloon catheter. 

Seen Outcomes and Peace of Thoughts 

Josh Basile, a C4-5 quad from Virginia, has been utilizing the dual-balloon for over six years and he’s excited for extra individuals to find it. “It was a sport changer for my bladder well being and the way in which that my bladder wall seems,” he says.  

Basile, a lawyer and the founding father of SPINALpedia, has been paralyzed for 20 years and struggled with recurring UTIs and bladder stones. His father, a urologist, prompt making an attempt the dual-balloon. He hasn’t seemed again. Along with coping with fewer UTIs, Basile says he has noticeably much less blood in his urine. He says the proof of the catheter’s superiority is apparent at any time when he goes in for a cystoscopy. “The bladder wall seems smoother and doesn’t look as offended and infected.” 

A 2021 analysis examine evaluating the chance of bladder most cancers and bladder most cancers mortality amongst catheter customers (indwelling or intermittent) to the overall inhabitants discovered that catheter customers had been at elevated threat for each. Basile believes much less irritation ought to translate to decrease odds for most cancers. “I’ve had a number of mates with indwelling catheters die of bladder most cancers, so utilizing the catheter provides me peace of thoughts realizing I’ve much less irritation,” he says.  

Alex Ghenis, a C5-6 quad from California, has solely been utilizing the Duo for 3 months, however is bought on the bodily and psychological peace it has introduced. “Simply from an engineering design perspective, the double balloon makes absolute excellent sense,” he says. “I can inform when the second balloon inflates; I felt slightly little bit of aid. I’ve fuzzy sensation, so it’s onerous to inform precisely, however I used to be like, OK, no matter this simply did, my physique likes it.” 

I’ve no sensation in my bladder, so I can’t confirm Ghenis’s feeling, however I’ve seen a lower in bladder spasms, and I haven’t had any UTIs since I began utilizing the Duo. I’m not saying the Duo is 100% chargeable for these realities, however I can credit score it for letting me relaxation simpler at evening realizing that the tip of my catheter isn’t digging into my bladder. Anybody who has struggled with the unpredictability of a neurogenic bladder ought to be capable of recognize how beneficial that’s in itself. 

I’ve additionally been impressed with the development of the catheters. The silicone appears slightly sturdier than others I’ve used, and the catheter appears much less prone to kink, one thing Ghenis additionally identified. Altering the catheter is barely extra difficult with the 2 balloons, however the directions and order for inflation and deflation are handily printed on the person packaging. 

I’ve spent extra time pondering what’s happening in my bladder than any individual ever ought to. When making an attempt to grasp what’s inflicting dysreflexia, why I’m incontinent or why I’m merely not feeling proper, 9 out of 10 instances my quest leads me again to the bladder. I’ve heard the identical from numerous mates with indwelling catheters. So, any product that reduces my bladder-related issues with out creating new ones is sweet in my guide. 

Based mostly on six months of utilizing the Duo and all the things else I’ve realized about it, I’m excited to say that it suits the invoice. The second balloon is a protracted overdue innovation that guarantees to enhance the bodily and psychological well being of indwelling catheter customers. 

The TruCath Duo Twin-Balloon Urinary Catheter is accessible by means of a rising variety of DME suppliers and residential well being companies. For assist discovering one, contact HR HealthCare by way of electronic mail or name 800/985-9048.