A new assistive device for intermittent self-catheterization in men with tetraplegia

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether a new assistive device, the HouseHold (Flexlife Medical, Kingwood, Tex), allows for independent, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) in a population of individuals with tetraplegia who were previously unable to perform catheterization independently.

Design: Before-and-after trial with 1-month follow-up.

Setting: A free-standing spinal cord rehabilitation hospital.

Patients: Data were collected from 9 men with traumatic spinal cord injury, motor levels C5 through C7, who were unable to perform CIC independently.

Intervention: Each individual was instructed in the proper technique for CIC with the aid of the Household.

Main outcome measurement: The ability to perform CIC with the Household.

Results: With the aid of the HouseHold, all participants were able to perform all aspects of CIC independently within 5 minutes on their first attempt. All participants were satisfied with the comfort and ease of use of the HouseHold. At 1-month follow-up, all continued to use the HouseHold for CIC, except for 1 individual who regained sufficient hand function to allow for independence in CIC without an assistive device.

Conclusion: The HouseHold device offers an easily learned means for intermittent self-catheterization in a subgroup of persons with tetraplegia who otherwise would require an alternative method of neurogenic bladder management.