Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Protocol for Relative Hydrodynamic Assessment of Tri-leaflet Polymer Valves
Published on: October 17, 2013
A multicentre comparative evaluation of catheter valves
M Fader1, L Pettersson, R Brooks
1CPE Network, St Pancras Hospital, London.
Insights
Catheter valves offer an alternative to leg bags for urine drainage. Performance varied widely, with ease of use, leak prevention, comfort, and discretion being key factors for successful valve selection.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Device Evaluation
Background:
- Catheter valves are an alternative to leg bags for urinary drainage.
- No prior studies have compared the performance of different catheter valves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of seven catheter valves available in the UK market.
- To identify key attributes contributing to successful catheter valve performance.
Main Methods:
- 19-36 subjects tested each valve type for one week.
- Subjects rated product performance using a three-point scale.
- 33 subjects with manual impairment assessed ease of opening/closing.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in performance scores among the tested catheter valves.
- Ease of manipulation, leak-free function, comfort, and discretion were critical for success.
- Ease of opening/closing varied among valves, particularly for users with manual impairment.
Conclusions:
- Catheter valve performance differs significantly, necessitating informed selection by healthcare prescribers.
- Product selection should consider ease of use, leak prevention, comfort, and discretion for optimal patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Catheter valves are an alternative to leg bags for urine drainage, but no studies have yet been published which have compared the performance of different valves. This study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of the seven catheter valves available on the UK market in April 1996. The study was carried out by the Continence Products Evaluation (CPE) Network funded by the Medical Devices Agency (Department of Health). Each valve type was tested for 1 week by 19-36 cognitively unimpaired and manually dextrous subjects recruited from 11 test centres. At the end of each week, subjects completed an evaluation form (based on a three-point rating scale) to record product performance. The same catheter valves were also tested for ease of opening/closing by 33 subjects (mostly catheter users) who had some manual impairment. Performance scores varied widely between products. It was found that, to be successful, a valve needs to be easy to manipulate, leak-free, comfortable and inconspicuous. Prescribers need to be aware of the strengths and limitations of different valves for appropriate product selection.
