APTIMAX INSTRUMENT TRAY, INSTRUMENT MAT AND INSTRUMENT HOLDER
K013003 · Advanced Sterilization Products · FRG · Aug 28, 2002 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K013003
Device Name
APTIMAX INSTRUMENT TRAY, INSTRUMENT MAT AND INSTRUMENT HOLDER
Applicant
Advanced Sterilization Products
Product Code
FRG · General Hospital
Decision Date
Aug 28, 2002
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6850
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The APTIMAX™ Instrument Trays and accessories are designed to encase surgical instruments for sterilization. The APTIMAX™ Instrument Trays and accessories were previously indicated for use only with the Sterrad® Sterilization Systems. This Premarket Notification expands the Indications for Use for the APTIMAX™ Instrument Trays and accessories to also include their use in prevacuum steam and ethylene oxide sterilization cycles.
Device Story
APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray system consists of injection-molded liquid crystal polymer trays, silicone mats, and silicone holders; designed to organize and protect surgical instruments during sterilization. Trays feature perforated lids, bases, and side panels to facilitate sterilant diffusion. Prior to sterilization, trays are over-packaged with microbial barrier wraps or pouches. Used in clinical settings by healthcare personnel to prepare instruments for steam, ethylene oxide, or STERRAD® sterilization. System ensures sterility maintenance post-processing; protects delicate endoscopic and microsurgical instruments from damage during handling and sterilization cycles.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Efficacy validated using overkill method with biological indicators (B. globigii and B. stearothermophilus). Testing confirmed 6-log spore reduction in ethylene oxide, prevacuum steam, and STERRAD® (50, 100, 100S) cycles. Material compatibility studies confirmed structural integrity and acceptable residual levels after multiple sterilization cycles.
Technological Characteristics
Tray: Liquid Crystal Polymer. Mat/Holder: Silicone. Design: Perforated panels for sterilant diffusion. Compatibility: Steam (prevacuum), ethylene oxide, STERRAD® systems. Sterilization: Compatible with standard hospital sterilization methods. Connectivity: None. Software: None.
Indications for Use
Indicated for encasing surgical instruments for sterilization in prevacuum steam, ethylene oxide, and STERRAD® sterilization systems.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A sterilization wrap (pack, sterilization wrapper, bag, or accessories, is a device intended to be used to enclose another medical device that is to be sterilized by a health care provider. It is intended to allow sterilization of the enclosed medical device and also to maintain sterility of the enclosed device until used.
Predicate Devices
APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray for use in the STERRAD® Sterilization System
STERRAD® Instrument Tray
Instrument Management System (Hu-Friedy)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
**510(k) SUMMARY**
K013003
### SUBMITTED BY
Kevin Corrigan, R.A.C. Director, Regulatory Affairs Advanced Sterilization Products 33 Technology Drive Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 453-6410
April 15, 2002
This summary of 510(k) substantial equivalence information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR §807.92.
### CLASSIFICATION, COMMON OR USUAL NAME, DEVICE NAME
Common/Usual Name: Sterilizable Instrument Tray and Accessories
Product Classification: Class II
Proprietary Name: APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray, Instrument Tray Holder and Instrument Tray Mat
### PREDICATE DEVICES
The predicate devices are the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray for use in the STERRAD® Sterilization System, currently manufactured and distributed by Advanced Sterilization Products, the STERRAD® Instrument Tray which is also currently manufactured and distributed by Advanced Sterilization Products and the Instrument Management System manufactured by Hu-Friedy.
### INDICATIONS-FOR-USE
The APTIMAX™M Instrument Trays are designed to encase surgical instruments for sterilization in steam, ethylene oxide and STERRAD Sterilization Systems.
# DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray, Instrument Tray Mat and Instrument Tray Holder are intended to encase surgical instruments for sterilization in steam (with the exception of gravity displacement cycles), ethylene oxide and STERRAD® Sterilization Systems.
The instrument tray, available in various sizes, is injection molded with a Liguid Crystal Polymer, which is compatible with various sterilization systems such as the STERRAD® Sterilization System, steam sterilizers and ethylene oxide sterilizers.
{1}------------------------------------------------
The tray is designed with a high perforation area on the lid. base and side panels to enhance diffusion of sterilant during sterilization. The hole size and spacing is the same in all trays to enable the use of a common design instrument tray mats and holders.
Prior to sterilization, the tray is over-packaged with a microbial barrier, such as polypropylene CSR wrap or pouch, which is compatible with the sterilization method for maintaining sterility after sterilization.
Accessories for the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray include the Instrument Tray Holder and the Instrument Tray Mat. The holder and mat are designed to secure and provide protection of delicate endoscopic and microsurgical instruments in the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray.
The instrument holder and mat, available in various sizes, are manufactured from a silicone material. which is compatible with various sterilization systems such as the STERRAD® Sterilization system, steam sterilizers and ethylene oxide sterilizers.
# COMPARISON TO THE PREDICATE DEVICE
The APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray and accessories for use in steam and ethylene oxide sterilization are substantially equivalent to the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray for use in the STERRAD® Sterilization System, the STERRAD® Instrument Tray and the Instrument Management System. All of these devices are intended to encase instruments for sterilization. In addition, all of these devices have a long-standing, basic design concept. Based on the basic design concept, the use of established well known materials, feature comparisons and results of the validation testing. ASP has demonstrated that these devices are substantially equivalent to existing legally marketed devices.
# DISCUSSION OF NONCLINICAL STUDIES
# Validation Testing
Overkill method was used to demonstrate cvcle lethality.
- 1) Efficacy Testing of the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray, Mat and Holder in Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Cycles Sub-process cycle exposures were performed on the Instrument Tray, Mat and Holder in order to validate the biological effectiveness of a half-cycle Ethylene Oxide gas exposure using Biological Indicator carriers inoculated with B. globigii endospores (>10°).
Following half-cycle exposure, all test samples were tested for the presence of surviving microorganisms and were found to be sterile, demonstrating a 6-log spore reduction after half-cycle exposure.
#### Efficacy Testing of the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray and Mat in 2) Prevacuum (wrapped) and Flash (unwrapped) Sterilization Cycles
{2}------------------------------------------------
Efficacy testing in prevacuum and prevacuum flash sterilization cycles was performed using the APTIMAX Tray and Mat. Stainless steel coupons inoculated with B. stearothermophilus endospores (>10°) were placed in the center of stainless steel lumens. The validation was performed at minimum temperature parameters and half cycle exposure with a maximum load.
For 132.2 ℃ pre-vacuum and flash cycles, lethality was achieved with a 1.5 minute half-cycle in lumen configuration (maximum load and test temperature of 131.7 ℃). No growth was observed at half cycle for three consecutive runs for both prevacuum and flash cycles.
#### 3) Efficacy Testing of the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray Holder in Prevacuum (wrapped) and Flash (unwrapped) Sterilization Cycles
Efficacy testing in prevacuum and prevacuum flash sterilization cycles was performed on the Instrument Tray and Holder. Paper spore strip coupons inoculated with B. stearothermophilus endospores (>10°) were placed between instruments and the contacting surfaces of the holders. The validation was performed at minimum temperature parameters and half cycle exposure with a maximum load.
For 132.2 ℃ pre-vacuum and flash cycles, lethality was achieved with a 1.5 minute half-cycle (test temperature of 131.7 ℃) for both prevacuum and flash cycles. No growth was observed at half cycle for three consecutive runs.
#### Efficacy Testing of the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray, Mat and Holder in 4) the STERRAD 100 Sterilization System
Efficacy testing was performed on the APTIMAX Instrument Tray, Mats and Holder in the STERRAD 100 Sterilization System. A stainless steel coupon inoculated with B. stearothermophilus endospores (>10°) was placed in the middle of a 3 mm x 400 mm stainless steel lumens and between an instrument and the contacting surface of the holder, simulating worst case locations for sterilization.
Complete inactivation of challenge biological indicators was achieved for three consecutive runs at half-cycle with minimum injection volume. The results demonstrated a minimum sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10-6.
#### ર) Efficacy Testing of the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray, Mat and Holder in the STERRAD 100S Sterilization System
Efficacy testing was performed on the APTIMAX Instrument Tray, Mats and Holder in the STERRAD 100S Sterilization System. A stainless steel coupon inoculated with B. stearothermophilus endospores (>10°) was placed in the middle of a 3 mm x 400 mm stainless steel lumen and between an instrument and the contacting surface of the holder, simulating worst case locations for sterilization.
{3}------------------------------------------------
Complete inactivation of challenge biological indicators was achieved for three consecutive runs at half-cvcle with minimum injection volume. The results demonstrated a minimum sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10 °.
#### Efficacy Testing of the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray, Mat and Holder in 6) the STERRAD 50 Sterilization System
Efficacy testing was performed on the APTIMAX Instrument Tray, Mats and Holder in the STERRAD 50 Sterilization System. A stainless steel coupon inoculated with B. stearothermophilus endospores (>10°) was placed in the middle of a 3 mm x 400 mm stainless steel lumen to simulate a worst case location for sterilization.
A glass substrate spore carrier was inoculated with B. stearothermophilus endospores (>10°). It was placed between an instrument and the contacting surface of the holder, simulating a worst case location for sterilization.
Complete inactivation of challenge biological indicators was achieved for three consecutive runs at half-cycle with minimum injection volume. The results demonstrated a minimum sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10°.
# Material Compatibility Studies
- Residual Testing of the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray, Mat and Holder 1) Following Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Following full-cycle exposure, tensile bars (representative of tray and matholder material) were tested for Ethylene Oxide, Ethylene Chlorohydrin and Ethylene Glycol residuals. Residual results were far below limits proposed in the Federal Register of June 23, 1978.
- 2) Material Compatibility of the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray, Mat and Holder with Steam Sterilization Processing
This study was designed to simulate the possible material degradation in hospital processing conditions for steam sterilization of trays and accessories over multiple cycles. The 180 mm x 75 mm x 30 mm Instrument Tray was chosen as the sample for this study because it has the smallest physical size as well as the thinnest wall thickness, therefore, it represents the worst case scenario for chemical stress cracking. Tensile bars (fabricated from the same raw materials used for the mat and holder) were used in order to test for tensile strength, indicating bulk phase material degradation. The mats and holders are included in this study so the effect of steam sterilization on design configuration could be evaluated.
{4}------------------------------------------------
The cycle chosen was a gravity-displacement sterilization cycle set at a temperature of 270°F with an exposure time of 15 minutes. This cycle condition was chosen to represent the high temperature range cvcle of the longest duration time within the cycle.
The trays are loaded with approximately .25 lb. of weight to simulate the heaviest loading of microsurgical instruments.
After processing all of the samples in fifty steam cycles, no change in surface characteristics was observed. The physical properties, represented by tensile strength, had changes within the acceptable limit.
It is therefore concluded that the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray, Mat and Holder are compatible with steam sterilization processes.
#### Material Compatibility of the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray, Mat and 3) Holder in the STERRAD 100 Sterilization System
The purpose of this study was to simulate possible material degradation of the APTIMAX Trays, Mats and Holders over multiple cycles of STERRAD Sterilization processing. The STERRAD 100 cycle was chosen to represent a typical cycle of all STERRAD Systems. It was chosen due to the fact that materials processed by the STERRAD 50 and the STERRAD 100S generally have less hydrogen peroxide residual than the materials processed in the STERRAD 100. Therefore, the compatibility of most materials processed in the STERRAD 50 and STERRAD 100S are expected to be equal to or better than the STERRAD 100.
After processing the APTIMAX Trays and Tensile bars (representative of tray and mat/holder material) in one hundred full cycles, no change in surface characteristics was observed. The physical properties, as represented by tensile strength had changes within the acceptable limit (<10%) for the trays. All but one of the tensile bars were within acceptable limits. The one that was over the acceptable limit was an one-hundred cycle sample. The tensile bar was tested for hardness change and the results indicated that the change was not significant.
### CONCLUSION
Results of validation testing demonstrate that the APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray, Mat and Holder are compatible for use in steam and ethylene oxide sterilization cycles.
{5}------------------------------------------------
### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image is a black and white seal for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The seal is circular and contains the words "HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the top half of the circle. The bottom half of the circle contains a symbol of three stylized human profiles facing to the right.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
# AUG 2 8 2002
Ms. Natalie Bennington Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Advanced Sterilization Products 33 Technology Drive Irvine, California 92618
Re: K013003
Trade/Device Name: APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray and Accessories Regulation Number: 880.6850 Regulation Name: Sterilization Wrap Regulatory Class: II Product Code: FRG Dated: July 2, 2002 Received: July 3, 2002
Dear Ms. Bennington:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting vour device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies.
{6}------------------------------------------------
### Page 2 - Ms. Bennington
You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 21 CFR Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4618. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours,
Timothy A. Ulatowski Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{7}------------------------------------------------
### ADVANCED STERILIZATION PRODUC a younsonal Johnon compa REGULATORY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
# 510(k) Number (K013003):
APTIMAX™ Instrument Tray and Accessories Device Name:
### Indications-For-Use:
Prescription Use (PER 21 CFR 801.109)
The APTIMAX™ Instrument Trays and accessories are designed to encase surgical instruments for sterilization.
The APTIMAX™ Instrument Trays and accessories were previously indicated for use only with the Sterrad® Sterilization Systems. This Premarket Notification expands the Indications for Use for the APTIMAX™ Instrument Trays and accessories to also include their use in prevacuum steam and ethylene oxide sterilization cycles.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED) Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Qlin S. Lim
Division Sinn-Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital Infection Control. Dental Devices
510(k) Number: K013003
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
DIVISION OF ETHICON, INC. . . 33 TECHNOLOCY DRIVE . IRVINE, CA 92618 . (949) 581-5799 . FAX (949) 789-3900
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.