Catheter Reservoir Seal

Abstract

A reservoir is incorporated in between a guide portion and an introducer tip of the introducer member. A spherical or similarly shaped plug is inserted into the guide portion. The plug is designed such that it forms a seal within the guide portion, preventing any fluid flow between the reservoir and an environment external to a distal end of the guide portion. This prevents a liquid or gel contained inside the reservoir from drying or leaking. The plug may further be held in place against a distal opening of the reservoir by positive pressure within the reservoir. The plug may further be held in place within the guide portion by a plurality of bumps or notches. When the catheter is advanced through the guide portion, the catheter tip pushes the plug into the reservoir, thereby breaking the seal and lubricating the catheter.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An introducer member for a urinary catheter assembly, the introducer member comprising:
 a proximal end being adapted for urethral insertion;   a distal end for receiving a catheter;   a throughbore extending from a first opening at said proximal end to a second opening at said distal end;   a reservoir portion disposed within said throughbore, the reservoir portion including a lubricant; and   a plug placed in between the reservoir portion and the second opening, the plug providing a seal between the reservoir portion and an environment external to the second opening.