Millions of people experience urinary incontinence, making innovative and easy-to-use solutions essential for better care. To address common problems with existing devices, Dr. Venkata Buddharaju and David Shelton introduced the Acanthus Condom Catheter. This reusable and adjustable device, described in Cureus, uses a waterproof pressure sensitive adhesiveto stay securely in place, offering a practical alternative for urinary management.
Designed to fix issues like slipping, leaks, and skin irritation, the Acanthus Condom Catheter is made of flexible silicone that can fit various sizes. Unlike older models that rely on adhesive tape or require exact sizing, this device uses a gentle adhesive, a material that bonds securely to the skin without causing harm, to reduce the need for frequent replacements and make it more cost-effective. Dr. Buddharaju, from Thorek Memorial Hospital noted, “This product ensures ease of use, minimizes skin damage, and potentially reduces nursing time spent on maintenance.”
The Acanthus condom catheter includes a small bottle of waterproof medical adhesive that is applied at the time of use. According to Shelton of Skinister Medical, “Adhesive peel strength is up to 50% greater when adhesive is applied to both surfaces at the time of use,” underscoring how user-applied adhesive may achieve superior results over factory-applied adhesives. Laboratory bench testing showed the combo is able to endure high levels of pressure and tensile (pulling) forces without leaks or slippage. Its ability to reseal, even after contact with urine, allows it to be adjusted and reused for several days, adding to its convenience.
Careful evaluation in hospitals confirmed the device’s effectiveness. During its use with patients, nurses found it easy to apply, and it was preferred over older designs by nearly everyone surveyed. There were no reports of skin irritation, a significant improvement compared to traditional devices, which often cause redness or discomfort on the skin. Dr. Buddharaju emphasized, “One size (medium-large) fits most of the patients in the study due to elasticity and stretch dimensions, which eliminated the problem of finding the right size to use.”
Feedback from nurses highlighted its practicality. One nurse explained, “The Acanthus condom catheter was easier to use and stayed in place during patient movements, solving a long-standing issue in urinary management.” While a minor leak occurred in one case, it was quickly resolved, proving the device’s reliability in real-world use.
Challenges common to similar devices, like finding the right size and keeping the catheter from slipping, are effectively addressed by this design. Options of applying gentle pressure or applying few additional drops of adhesive to inner catheter wall under the rim, keeps it firmly in place even during movement. The reusable feature, meaning it can be cleaned and used again for 3 days also means it could help reduce costs, especially in healthcare settings.
Further research could expand on these findings. Although the results were promising, the study involved a small group of participants and did not compare the catheter directly with other products on the market. Larger trials would help confirm its benefits and explore how it could save money in the long run.
Conclusion from the study suggests the Acanthus Condom Catheter represents a meaningful improvement in medical devices. Its comfort, practicality, and ability to stay in place make it an excellent option for urinary care. Healthcare providers may find it a valuable addition to patient care, helping to improve outcomes while saving time and resources.
Journal Reference
Buddharaju V, Shelton D. “Acanthus Condom Catheter: A Reusable and Adjustable Silicone Male External Catheter With Pressure-Sensitive Silicone Adhesive for Urinary Drainage.” Cureus, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.69482
About the Authors
Dr. Venkata Buddharaju is a Board Certified Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician in practice and teaching over 25 years in Chicago, USA. He is very curious in finding solutions to common problems in the practice of medicine. Due to this ongoing passion he designed and developed multiple medical devices to help solve some of the problems. He incorporated Acanthus Medical Creations LLC and brought user friendly devices to the market.
Acanthus Condom Catheter is one of those inventions he made to solve the problems of condom catheter use for male incontinence. In addition, he has nasal cannula holder for people on oxygen cannula to reduce skin irritation over ears; nose bridge protector for cpap mask use. One other product in pipeline is an adjustable chin lift to reduce snoring and sleep apnea. Outside of the medical field, he is a writer and published a book “Better Sleep Happier Life” to self-help people to get a good night sleep.
David Shelton is an aerospace engineer and the CEO of Skinister Medical, a registered medical device manufacturer based in northern California. With over 15 years of experience in aeromedical manufacturing, David has successfully completed high-stakes projects for NASA and national defense. His background encompasses composite structures, adhesives and polymers, mold-making, and quality management systems.
Under David’s leadership, Skinister Medical has developed advanced medical adhesives and prosthetics for both the fashion and medical industries, driving innovation that bridges aesthetics and functionality. Outside of his professional endeavors, David is an avid pilot and is currently restoring a retired NASA motorglider, reflecting his passion for aviation and innovation.
