A sterilized medical device assembly comprises a medical device (1) having a hydrophilic surface on at least a part thereof, such as a hydrophilic urinary catheter, and a package (3) forming a closed compartment accommodating the medical device. The medical device is arranged in an activated state in the package, with the hydrophilic surface being wetted with a wetting fluid (2). In addition, a small amount of wetting liquid is freely arranged in the closed compartment of the package, and in direct contact with the hydrophilic surface of the medical device. The volume of the wetting liquid corresponds to between 0.01% and 10% of a volume of the closed compartment. The medical device assembly is steam sterilized, and it has been found that the extra small amount of free liquid is very efficient in ensuring a reliable and efficient steam sterilization.
