The Acanthus Condom Catheter provides a reusable and adjustable solution for male urinary incontinence care.
Millions of people suffer from urinary incontinence, so innovative and easy-to-use solutions are vital for better care. To address common issues with existing devices, Dr. Venkata Buddharaju and David Shelton introduced the Acanthus Condom Catheter. The reusable and adjustable device described in Cureus is securely held in place using waterproof pressure-sensitive adhesive, providing a practical alternative for urinary management.
Designed to address issues such as slipping, leakage and skin irritation, the Acanthus Condom Tube is made from flexible silicone and fits a variety of sizes. Unlike older models that relied on tape or required precise measurements, this device uses a mild adhesive that bonds securely to the skin without causing damage to reduce the need for frequent replacements and make it more cost-effective . “The product ensures ease of use, minimizes skin damage and has the potential to reduce care time spent on maintenance,” noted Dr. Buddhaharaju of Thorek Memorial Hospital.
The Acanthus condom catheter contains a vial of waterproof medical adhesive that is applied during use. According to Skinister Medical’s Shelton, “adhesive peel strength can be increased by 50% by applying the adhesive to both surfaces during use,” emphasizing that user-applied adhesives can achieve better results than factory-applied adhesives. Better results. Laboratory bench testing has shown that the combination is able to withstand high levels of pressure and tension (pull) without leaking or slipping. It reseals even after contact with urine, so it can be adjusted and reused over several days, adding to its convenience.
Careful evaluation by the hospital confirmed the effectiveness of the device. During patient use, caregivers found it easy to use, and nearly everyone surveyed preferred it to the old design. There have been no reports of skin irritation, which is a significant improvement compared to traditional devices that often cause skin redness or discomfort. Dr. Buddharaju emphasized, “Due to the elastic and stretchable dimensions, one size (medium-large) fit most patients in the study, thus eliminating the problem of finding the right size.”
Feedback from nurses highlighted its usefulness. One nurse explained: “The Acanthus Condom Catheter is easier to use and stays in place as the patient moves, solving a long-standing problem in urinary management.” Although a minor leak occurred in one case, it was very It was resolved quickly, proving the reliability of the device in actual use.
This design effectively solves common challenges with similar devices, such as finding the right size and preventing catheter slippage. Opt to apply gentle pressure or add a few extra drops of adhesive to the inner conduit wall just below the edge to keep it securely in place, even during movement. The reusable feature means it can be washed and used again for up to 3 days, which also means it can help reduce costs, especially in healthcare settings.
Further research could extend these findings. Although the results are encouraging, the study only involved a small group of participants and did not directly compare the catheter to other products on the market. Larger trials would help confirm its benefits and explore how it could save money in the long term.
The study concluded that the Acanthus Condom Catheter represents a meaningful improvement in medical devices. Its comfort, practicality and immobilization capabilities make it an excellent choice for urology 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. “The Acanthus Condom Catheter: A reusable and adjustable silicone male external catheter with pressure-sensitive silicone adhesive for urinary drainage.” Cureus, 2024.
About the author
Dr. Venkata Buddharaju is a board-certified pulmonary and critical care physician with over 25 years of practice and teaching experience in Chicago, USA. He is very curious about finding solutions to common problems in medical practice. As a result of this ongoing passion, he has designed and developed a variety of medical devices to help solve a number of problems. He formed Acanthus Medical Creations LLC and brought user-friendly devices to the market.
Acanthus condom catheter is one of his inventions to solve the problem of male incontinence using condom catheters. In addition, he has prepared a nasal cannula holder for people using oxygen tubes to reduce ear skin irritation; and a nose bridge protector for CPAP mask use. Another product in development is an adjustable chin lift to reduce snoring and sleep apnea. Outside of the medical field, he is an author and has published the book Better Sleep Happier Life to help people get a good night’s sleep.
David Sheldon is an aerospace engineer and the CEO of Skinister Medical, a registered medical device manufacturer based in Northern California. David has over 15 years of aerospace medical manufacturing experience, successfully completing high-risk projects for NASA and defense. His background includes composite structures, adhesives and polymers, mold manufacturing and quality management systems.
Under David’s leadership, Skinister Medical develops advanced medical adhesives and prosthetics for the fashion and medical industries, driving innovation that connects aesthetics and function. In addition to his career, David is an avid pilot and is currently restoring a retired NASA motor glider, reflecting his passion for aviation and innovation.
