Abstract: A medical device, such as a catheter, is disclosed, comprising a substrate and having on its surface, on at least a part thereof, a hydrophilic surface layer providing low-friction surface character of the medical device when wetted by a wetting fluid. At least one base layer of the substrate, including the hydrophilic surface layer, is made of a polymer blend comprising at least one base polymer and at least one hydrophilic polymer, and wherein the concentration of the at least one hydrophilic polymer is higher in the hydrophilic surface layer than in the rest of the base layer. A method for producing such a medical device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a production method for medical devices with a hydrophilic coating, which ensures adequate adhesion to the substrate, as well as good water retention and low friction properties. Specifically, the method comprises providing a coating solution comprising a hydrophilic polymer to a surface of a substrate to form a non-cross-linked hydrophilic coating; and irradiating the coated substrate, thereby cross-linking the hydrophilic coating and simultaneously sterilizing the medical device. Hereby, a non-cross linked hydrophilic coating is first obtained which is not fit for use as a catheter coating. However, after the step of irradiating the coated substrate, the hydrophilic coating becomes cross-linked, and fit for use e.g. on a urinary catheter. Further, since one and the same irradiation step is used to effect both cross-linking and sterilization, the production can be made more efficient, using fewer production steps and with a shortened production time.