Using a Self-help Intermittent Balloon Catheter Device in Paraplegia with Palsy in Both Ulnar Nerves / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

ABSTRACT

We report the use of a self-help intermittent balloon catheter device in paraplegia with palsy in both ulnar nerves. A 77-year-old man developed paraplegia and neurogenic bladder dysfunction following postoperative complication of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Palsy in both ulnar nerves was found in the medical history. Self-catheterization was necessary as urination control for neurogenic bladder dysfunction using an intermittent balloon catheter for nocturia. However, it was difficult for the patient to grasp the reservoir and inject fixed water into the balloon, and to clamp it while maintaining injection due to the ulnar nerve palsy. In addition, the clamp was easily dislodged by nighttime patient rolling, and the reservoir caused insomnia. Therefore, we removed the clamp and the reservoir and we installed an FF connector and a closed needleless connector and used a lock-syringe for fixative infusion. Subsequently, patient self-operation became easy, and the clamp did not come off when the lock-syringe was removed, and the patient's distress caused by the reservoir also disappeared.