Patent ID: 8523843

Claim:
A catheter assembly comprising a catheter having a hydrophilic coating on at least a part of its length intended to produce a low-friction surface on the catheter when treated with a hydrating substance, a catheter package formed of a gas impermeable sheet material defining an interior space, a gas permeable, liquid impermeable mid-package film or membrane secured to the sheet material forming the catheter package, the mid-package film or membrane cooperating with the sheet material to physically divide the interior space in the catheter package into first and second cavities, the first cavity accommodating the catheter and the second cavity accommodating a wicking material and a rupturable container enclosing a quantity of liquid, the wicking material being disposed within the second cavity for liquid flow communication with the rupturable container to absorb the liquid when the rupturable container has been breached, the liquid absorbed by the wicking material being capable of changing phase into vapor capable of passing from the second cavity, through the gas permeable, liquid impermeable mid-package film or membrane, and into the first cavity, the vapor passing into the first cavity serving as the hydrating substance for treatment of the hydrophilic coating to produce the low-friction surface on the catheter.