A new self-retaining intraurethral device. An alternative to an indwelling catheter in patients with urinary retention due to infravesical obstruction.

A new self-retaining intraurethral catheter, designed as an alternative to an indwelling catheter, has been used in 14 patients. It was left in place for 2 to 18 weeks; 11 of the 14 patients were able to void freely, were continent and had neither residual urine nor urinary tract infection. This device may be used instead of an indwelling Foley catheter in patients with retention due to infravesical obstruction and may be an alternative to prostatectomy in patients who are at high risk for surgery.