Medical product package

Abstract

A catheter and package combination including a package having opposed front and rear panels that are sealed together to define a sealed interior cavity. The package also has top and bottom edges and opposed side edges. The cavity has a first height extending in a direction between the top and bottom edges. The front and rear panels are configured to tear adjacent to one of the side edges in the direction between the top and bottom edges to form an opening in communication with the cavity wherein the opening has a second height in the direction between the top and bottom edges that is smaller than the first height of the cavity. A urinary catheter in a compact configuration is disposed within the cavity.

1 . A catheter and package combination, comprising:
 a generally rectangular package having opposed front and rear panels that are sealed together to define a sealed interior cavity, the package having top and bottom edges and opposed side edges;   the cavity having a first height extending in a direction between the top and bottom edges;   the front and rear panels being configured to tear adjacent to one of the side edges in the direction between the top and bottom edges to form an opening in communication with the cavity, the opening having a second height in the direction between the top and bottom edges that is smaller than the first height of the cavity; and   a urinary catheter in a compact configuration disposed within the cavity.   
     
     
         2 . The catheter and package combination of  claim 1  wherein the front and rear panels tear in a desired line. 
     
     
         3 . The catheter and package combination of  claim 2  wherein the desired line is substantially straight. 
     
     
         4 . The catheter and package combination of any of the preceding claims further including a directional tear element associated with the front and rear panels for propagating the tearing of front and rear panels. 
     
     
         5 . The catheter and package combination of  claim 4  wherein the directional tear element comprises a first tear tape overlying an exterior surface of the front panel and a second tear tape overlying an exterior surface of the rear panel. 
     
     
         6 . The catheter and package combination of  claim 4  wherein the directional tear element comprises an oriented polymer. 
     
     
         7 . The catheter and package combination of any one of  claims 4 - 6  further including a tear initiation element. 
     
     
         8 . The catheter and package combination of  claim 7  wherein the tear initiation element comprises a tear-line, precut-line, notch, slit, or score-line. 
     
     
         9 . The catheter and package combination of any one of  claims 7  and  8  wherein the tear initiation element extends from the top edge to at or near the directional tear element. 
     
     
         10 . The catheter and package combination of any one of the preceding claims wherein the package is formed from a foil. 
     
     
         11 . The catheter and package combination of any one of the preceding claims wherein the package is formed from a multilayered packaging film. 
     
     
         12 . The catheter and package combination of any one of the preceding claims wherein the catheter includes a hydrophilic coating. 
     
     
         13 . The catheter and package combination of  claim 12  wherein an amount of liquid is disposed in the sealed cavity for hydrating the hydrophilic coating of the catheter. 
     
     
         14 . The catheter and package combination of  claim 13  wherein the liquid contacts the hydrophilic coating of the catheter to hydrate the hydrophilic coating. 
     
     
         15 . The catheter and package combination of  claim 13  wherein the liquid donates a vapor that hydrates the hydrophilic coating of the catheter. 
     
     
         16 . The catheter and package combination of  claim 15  further including a wicking element containing the liquid. 
     
     
         17 . The catheter and package combination of any one of  claims 15  and  16  further including a gas permeable, liquid impermeable barrier disposed within the sealed cavity, the barrier dividing the sealed cavity into a first compartment containing the catheter and a second compartment containing the liquid.