Adaptive Equipment to Assist With One-Handed Intermittent Self-Catheterization: A Case Study of a Patient With Multiple Brain Injuries
By Carver, Mandi Doolin; American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol. 63, No. 3, pp. 333-336Publication Date: May/June 2009
Case study describes adaptive equipment fabricated to allow a male patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to continue intermittent self-catherization after a second injury resulting in hemiplegia. The patient, a 57-year-old man with a neurogenic bladder from a TBI sustained at the age of 32, was no longer able to perform self-catherization after the second injury. To enable the patient to perform the task with one hand, a penile prop was constructed that was curved to fit the shape of the penis for stabilization, angled to point the end of the penis upward for access to the urethra, and equipped with supporting legs to maintain equipment position. The device was fabricated of low-temperature thermoplastic material chosen for its excellent conforming qualities. The completed prop was shaped like an M with a rounded center. Following three treatment sessions scheduled around the patient’s catherization times, first with verbal cueing and assistance with placement of the prop, followed by verbal cues only, and finally performing the catherization without assistance, the patient was able to perform independent intermittent self-catherization.
Published by: American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA) (Website:http://www.aota.org)
Link to text: http://www1.aota.org/ajot/abstract.asp?IVol=63&INum=3&ArtID=13&Date=May/June%202009
