Hydrophilic Catheter Coatings For Reduced Friction

Hydrophilic coated catheters have received a lot of attention lately within the healthcare sector. For one they help reduce urinary tract infections in intermittent catheterization. This is due to their ability to reduce friction, resulting in a lower chance of injury or irritation. Hydrophilic catheter coatings have also received praise for their role in increased patient comfort and satisfaction. This is also due to the improved lubricity created by the coating. Reduced friction allows for smoother insertion and withdrawal from the body.  

In this article we take a deeper dive into hydrophilic catheter coatings, a type of medical device coating. We will cover what they are. Next, we will compare hydrophilic coated catheters vs uncoated ones and dive into the benefits of coated catheters. Then we will discuss how hydrophilic catheters are activated. Lastly, we discuss our coatings and contract services designed specifically for medical device companies. 

What Are Hydrophilic Catheters?

Hydrophilic coated catheters are medical devices that help make the procedure of inserting a catheter easier and less painful. The catheters are treated with a hydrophilic coating that reduces the friction between the catheter’s surface and the body tissue. Once the hydrophilic coating is activated with saline or water it helps with lubrication. The coating attracts and retain water molecules, which creates a smooth and well-lubricated outer surface on the catheter. 

Hydrophilic catheters are different from conventional, uncoated catheters. Uncoated versions require a lubricant to be added manually to obtain the same effects.

Catheters that have hydrophilic coatings are used for intermittent catheters and guidewires. They are also used for a wide range of applications in healthcare. 

Uncoated vs. Coated Catheters^1,2

The most basic type of a catheter is an uncoated catheter. They lack any surface coating and consist of a single material, often silicone or latex. For ease of insertion, an uncoated catheter has to be lubricated manually. 

On the other hand, there are hydrophilic coated catheters, which when activated improves lubricity and reduces friction. This makes their implantation relatively easy and improves patient comfort. Since many coated catheters come pre-lubricated, extra lubrication is usually not required. 

Below we discuss some major differences between uncoated and coated catheters.

Feature	Uncoated Catheters	Hydrophilic Coated Catheters
Coating	No coating	Coated with a lubricating substance such as a hydrogel
Surface Texture	Dry and prone to friction	Slippery and lubricious when activated
Lubrication	Requires manual application of external lubricant	The hydrophilic coating provides lubrication when activated
Insertion Experience	Higher friction and difficult to insert	Reduced friction for smoother insertion
Urethral Trauma	May be more likely to cause urethral trauma	Less likely to cause urethral trauma
Risk of Infection	Higher risk due to manual handling and contamination	Lower risk as they are pre-lubricated
Convenience	Additional steps required for lubrication	Ready to use after simple activation
Cost	Lower upfront cost	Higher upfront cost but potential long-term savings- requires less additional materials and preparation costs
Durability	May wear down more quickly during use	Coatings designed for durability in medical use

5 Benefits of Using a Hydrophilic Catheter^1,3

Hydrophilic coated catheters offer many benefits over traditional, uncoated ones. We briefly discuss some of these benefits below.

1. Hydrophilic coated catheters Reduce Friction and Trauma:
   • The slippery surface of hydrophilic catheters minimizes resistance during insertion and removal, reducing the likelihood of tissue damage and discomfort.
2. Improved Lubricity Lead to Enhanced Patient Comfort:
   • Patients often report significantly less pain and irritation compared to when using uncoated catheters.
3. Lower Risk of Infection:
   • The pre-lubricated nature of hydrophilic catheters reduces the need for manual handling, which minimizes the risk of contamination and urinary tract infections.
4. Improved Convenience:
   • Hydrophilic catheters eliminate the need for separate lubricants, making them easier and quicker to use, particularly for patients with limited dexterity.
5. Cost-Effectiveness:
   • Though the upfront cost of hydrophilic catheters may be higher, the reduced risk of complications and infections, as well as the cost of additional lubrication, can lead to overall savings in medical expenses.

How to Activate a Hydrophilic Catheter: 5 Steps

The process for activating a hydrophilic catheter is easy and straightforward. This is especially true vs manually lubricating a non-coated catheter. The general process for activating a hydrophilic coated catheter is discussed below. 

1. Preparation:
   • Ensure that you have all necessary materials, including the catheter, sterile water or saline (if required), and protective gloves.
2. Activation:
   • Hydrophilic catheters usually have an integrated activation mechanism. Most of them are immersed for a few seconds in sterile water or saline, but others have the saline solution that activates the coating when you open the packaging.
3. Lubrication:
   • Once activated, the catheter’s surface is smooth and ready to use. This ensures easy and painless insertion.
4. Insertion:
   • Follow the recommended sterile technique to insert the catheter into the body, ensuring minimal discomfort and maximum hygiene.
5. Disposal:
   • After using the catheter, dispose of it as indicated by the guidelines for medical waste.

Hydrophilic Coatings for Catheters

Hydrophilic coatings are a vital component of modern catheter technology. One notable example of these coatings are Hydromer® Hydrophilic Coatings. Our custom, high-quality catheter coatings are designed to provide superior lubricity and biocompatibility. They also are able to adhere to a wide variety of substrates, making them an excellent choice in a wide range of medical devices.

Hydromer®  Hydrophilic Catheter Coatings

Hydromer®, Inc. is a globally renowned surface modification and medical coatings manufacturer. Our custom formulated, hydrophilic coatings are pioneers in the medical coatings space and provide the following:

• Enhanced Biocompatibility:
  • Our catheter coatings and other medical coatings are biocompatible and safe for use within the human body, minimizing adverse reactions.
• Durable Performance:
  • Retains lubricity and durability, even during prolonged medical procedures.
• Versatility:
  • Hydromer coatings can be applied to a diverse range of medical devices, including polymer-coated and metallic guidewires, catheters, and custom tubing.
• Thromboresistant Coatings:
  • We supply thromboresistant coatings specifically engineered to prevent blood clot formation on medical devices
  • Ideal for cardiovascular implants like stents and vascular grafts
• One-Step Coatings:
  • Hydromer One-Step Coatings allow for an easier coating application process by combining multiple functions in a single layer and making it easier to maintain device performance.

Custom Hydrophilic Tubing for Medical Applications^4-7

Hydrophilic coatings are highly beneficial when used with customized tubing in medical procedures. Such coatings enhance the performance of the tubing by lowering friction and improving patient comfort and outcomes. These coatings are used within:

• Interventional Cardiology:
  • Hydrophilic coated guidewires and catheters ensure smooth navigation through the vascular system and in vascular applications.
• Urology:
  • Hydrophilic catheters are essential for reducing trauma during urinary catheterization.
• Gastroenterology:
  • Coated endoscopic devices improve maneuverability as well as patient comfort.

Suitable Substrates for Hydrophilic Catheter Coatings⁸

Hydrophilic coatings can be applied to various substrates as it relates to catheters and medical devices. Common coating substrates include:

1. Metals:
   • Stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum benefit from hydrophilic coatings in applications requiring corrosion resistance, lubricity, and easy cleaning. 
2. Plastics:
   • Common plastics such as PEBAX, polyurethanes, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride are frequently coated to improve their functionality in medical applications. 

Conclusion

Hydrophilic catheter coatings, have transformed medical science by overcoming some of the key challenges related to catheterization. These innovative coatings significantly decrease friction and increase the comfort levels of the patients. Both of these benefits improve the clinical outcomes and the quality of health care at large. Products like Hydromer Hydrophilic Medical Coatings epitomize this technology, providing dependable solutions for catheters and other medical device applications in medicine. With demand rising for more minimally invasive and patient-friendly devices, hydrophilic coatings are becoming more and more important.

Please contact us for more information or to start your project with us.

References

1. Goetz LL, Droste L, Klausner AP, Newman DK. Catheters Used for Intermittent Catheterization. In: Newman DK, Rovner ES, Wein AJ, eds. Clinical Application of Urologic Catheters, Devices and Products. Springer International Publishing; 2018:47-77.
2. Stensballe J, Looms D, Nielsen PN, Tvede M. Hydrophilic-coated catheters for intermittent catheterisation reduce urethral micro trauma: a prospective, randomised, participant-blinded, crossover study of three different types of catheters. European Urology. 2005;48(6):978-983. 
3. Dwyer A. Surface‐treated catheters—A review. Wiley Online Library; 542-546.
4. Khoynezhad A, Kruse MJ. Guidewires, catheters, and sheaths used for thoracic endografting procedures. Journal of cardiac surgery. 2009;24(2):113-119. 
5. Hydrophilic catheters: an evidence-based analysis. Ontario health technology assessment series. 2006;6(9):1-31. 
6. Chapter I. Endoscopes, and Accessories Guidewires. ERCP E-Book. 2012:32. 
7. Clayman M, Uribe CA, Eichel L, Gordon Z, McDougall EM, Clayman RV. Comparison of guide wires in urology. Which, when and why? The Journal of urology. 2004;171(6 Part 1):2146-2150. 
8. Hydromer. Hydrophilic Coatings: What They Are and Common Uses. https://hydromer.com/hydrophilic-coatings-comprehensive-guide/