DRY TO THE TOUCH VAPOR HYDRATION SLEEVE

摘要

A package for a hydrophilic coated catheter includes a sleeve with liquid water impermeable and water vapor impermeable walls. A liquid flow interfering element, such as a liquid water impermeable, vapor permeable membrane is provided within the sleeve. The sleeve may include a wicking element that is isolated from the catheter. Liquid water is provided on one side of the liquid flow interfering element. As the liquid water changes phase to a vapor, the vapor permeates through the liquid flow interfering element and activates the hydrophilic coating. The sleeve is collapsible during manipulation of the catheter through the wall of the sleeve so as to advance the catheter through an insertion tip to facilitate urethral insertion, with the exterior of the sleeve walls remaining dry to the touch. A funnel end of the catheter may remain in communication with the sleeve, such that the sleeve may be used to direct the flow of urine.