TUTTNAUER EZ PLUS SERIES ELECTRONIC TABLETOP AUTOCLAVES
K111736 · Tuttnauer Co. , Ltd. · FLE · Dec 8, 2011 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K111736
Device Name
TUTTNAUER EZ PLUS SERIES ELECTRONIC TABLETOP AUTOCLAVES
Applicant
Tuttnauer Co. , Ltd.
Product Code
FLE · General Hospital
Decision Date
Dec 8, 2011
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6880
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The EZ Plus Series autoclaves are autoclaves designed for sterilizing medical and surgical goods, including both wrapped and unwrapped, solid, hollow, and porous products and goods defined as hollow A (e.g., dental hand pieces; suction pipes) in ophthalmic, dental, and medical clinics; in first aid rooms; and in small laboratories.
Device Story
Tabletop steam sterilizer; uses electric heating elements to generate steam within a pressure vessel; sterilizes medical/surgical instruments (solid, hollow, porous). Operated by clinic staff; features digital display for monitoring/control; optional printer for cycle documentation. Safety features: door locking mechanism, automatic shutoff, dual thermostats, pressure relief valve. Benefits: ensures sterility of instruments via validated cycles (121°C or 132°C).
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Validation performed per AAMI/ANSI ST55:2003 and AAMI ST8. Sterility validated to 10^-6 SAL using biological indicator overkill method. Thermal profile testing confirmed temperature maintenance during exposure phase. Dry time testing met criteria for wrapped cycles.
Technological Characteristics
Steam sterilizer; stainless steel chamber; electric heating elements; electronic control system. Dimensions: EZ9 (230mm diameter), EZ11 (280mm diameter), EZ15 (380mm diameter). Connectivity: optional printer. Sterilization: steam. Software: electronic control system with four pre-programmed cycles.
Indications for Use
Indicated for sterilization of medical/surgical goods (wrapped/unwrapped, solid, hollow, porous, hollow A) in ophthalmic, dental, medical clinics, first aid rooms, and small laboratories.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A steam sterilizer (autoclave) is a device that is intended for use by a health care provider to sterilize medical products by means of pressurized steam.
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# 510(k) Summarv
| Submitter: | Tuttnauer USA Co. Ltd.<br>25 Power Drive<br>Hauppauge, NY 11788<br><br>Phone: (631) 737-4850<br>Fax: (631) 737-0720 |
|----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Name: | Robert R. Basile |
| Date Prepared: | June 14, 2011 |
| Common Name: | Electronic autoclave, steam sterilizer |
| Trade Name: | Tuttnauer EZ Plus Series Electronic Tabletop<br>Autoclaves (EZ9 Plus, EZ11 Plus, and EZ 15 Plus) |
| Classification Name: | Steam Sterilizer<br>Class II Device - 21 C.F.R. § 880.6880 |
#### Substantial Equivalence:
The Tuttnauer autoclaves that are the subject of this 510(k) (EZ Plus Series autoclaves) are claimed to be substantially equivalent to the autoclaves cleared under K090783. K063711. K021504, and K993856. These predicate devices are equivalent in chamber size and general operation principles. The door design and software for the EZ Series autoclaves have been The nominal parameters (e.g., sterilization temperature and time: dry time; and changed. maximum/average cycle times) are not identical to those for the predicate devices, but follow ANSI/AAMI guidelines. The EZ Plus autoclaves and all predicate devices use steam as the sterilization agent.
#### General Description:
The EZ Plus autoclaves are autoclaves designed for sterilizing medical and surgical goods, including both wrapped and unwrapped, solid, hollow, and porous products and goods defined as hollow A (e.g., dental hand pieces; suction pipes) in ophthalmic, dental, and medical clinics; in first aid rooms; and in small laboratories. The device uses electrically generated heat to produce steam as the sterilizing agent. The device is equipped with multiple safety features. The door containing a safety locking mechanism that does not permit operation unless the door is closed, and does not permit the door to be opened until the internal chamber pressure is at atmospheric pressure. Additional EZ Plus safety features include an automatic safety shutoff to prevent chamber overheating; two (2) thermostats to detect overheating of the generator and the chamber; and a safety pressure valve for the pressure vessel. A digital display is used for monitoring and control purposes. There is an optional printer available to record cycle parameters.
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Only United States Food and Drug Administration cleared accessories such as sterilization wraps, sterilization pouches, chemical indicators, biological indicators, and sterilization cassettes should be used with this autoclave.
## Design and Materials:
The EZ Plus Series autoclaves are steam sterilizer composed of a sterilization chamber, electronic heating elements, a clean water reservoir, housing, and control system. The EZ Plus Series is electronically controlled, and includes four pre-programmed sterilization cycles. All components in the sterilization path are constructed of grades of stainless steel that are deemed acceptable for steam sterilizers.
Indications for Use: The EZ Plus Series autoclaves are autoclaves designed for sterilizing medical and surgical goods, including both wrapped and unwrapped, solid, hollow, and porous products and goods defined as hollow A (e.g., dental hand pieces; suction pipes) in ophthalmic, dental, and medical clinics; in first aid rooms; and in small laboratories.
Key program features, including sterilization times, temperature, maximum load sizes, and recommended use of each program are listed in the following chart:
| Program | Recommended<br>Use | Sterilization<br>Temperature | Number of<br>Dynamic Air<br>Removal Pulses | Sterilization<br>Time<br>(minutes) | Dry<br>Time |
|---------|--------------------------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------|
| 1 | unwrapped<br>instruments | 132°C | EZ9 - 0 (gravity)<br>EZ11 - 1<br>EZ15 - 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 2 | wrapped<br>instruments,<br>pouches | 132°C | EZ9 - 1<br>EZ11 - 2<br>EZ15 - 1 | 4 | 30 |
| 3 | unwrapped<br>delicate<br>instruments | 121°C | EZ9 - 0 (gravity)<br>EZ11 - 1<br>EZ15 - 1 | 30 | 1 |
| 4 | handpieces | 132°C | EZ9 - 7<br>EZ11 - 7<br>EZ15 - 5 | 4 | 30 |
# EZ Plus Series
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| Property | EZ9 Plus | EZ11 Plus | EZ15 Plus |
|--------------------------|--------------------|--------------------|-----------------|
| Chamber<br>diameter | 230 mm (9") | 280 mm (11") | 380mm (15") |
| Chamber<br>depth | 504 mm (19.8") | 504 mm (19.8") | 760mm (30") |
| Chamber<br>volume | 19.8 ltr (5.2 gal) | 28.5 ltr (7.5 gal) | 84 ltr (22 gal) |
| Maximum load<br>per tray | 2.0 kg (4.4 lbs) | 2.0 kg (4.4 lbs) | 6 kg (11 lbs) |
| Maximum solid<br>load | 3.6 kg (8.0 lbs) | 5.4 kg (12 lbs) | 10 kg (22 lbs) |
| Number of<br>trays | 3 | 5 | 2 |
# Technology:
The EZ Plus Series autoclaves are steam sterilizers composed of a pressure vessel that utilize electric heating elements to produce the sterilizing agent, steam. These autoclayes contain an electronic control system that makes the device automatic and fully-configurable.
## Non-Clinical Testing:
Tuttnauer conducted validation studies in accordance with AAMI/ANSI ST55:2003. Testing shows that the EZ Plus Series autoclaves meet all aspects of the standard, including physical and microbiological performance requirements.
Since the EZ15 Plus autoclave is larger than provided under the table top standard of AAMI/ANSI ST55:2003, and since that standard therefore does not technically apply to the EZ15 Plus autoclave, Tuttnauer provides a summary of non-clinical testing performed for that model:
- . Sterilization efficacy validation testing according to AAMI ST8. Handpiece testing was conducted to AAMI ST55, even though the model size technically removes the device from this standard. Sterility was validated to a sterility assurance level of 10 using the biological indicator overkill method. The testing consisted of a one-half cycle tests based on each of the 4 pre-programmed sterilization cycles. Testing with a fully loaded chamber. The test loads included instruments such as handpieces and lumen devices in the appropriate cycles.
- . Thermal profile testing was conducted based on the AAMI ST8 guidelines. The testing was conducted using cycles based on the 4 pre-programmed sterilization cycles; however, in some cases, less air removal pulses were necessary to achieve the required sterilization temperature. Recorded temperature data demonstrated that the EZ15 Plus autoclaye achieves the appropriate temperatures throughout the sterilization chamber, and that these
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temperatures can be maintained in a steady state during the exposure phase of the sterilization cycles.
- . Dry time testing was conducted based on the dry time tests outlined in AAMI ST8 and AAMI ST55 for wrapped cycles only (cycles 2 and 4). Testing included fabric wrapped instruments as well as paper/plastic pouch wrapped instruments. All results met or exceeded the minimum dry time criteria under the standards.
#### Conclusion:
The EZ9 Plus and EZ11 Plus autoclaves conform to all appropriate standards including the AAMI ST55 standard for table-top autoclaves. Additionally, as described in the summary comparison table, the characteristics of the autoclaves are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices in size, technology and operation. The EZ15 Plus also generally conforms to AAMI ST55 (except for chamber size) as well as AAMI ST8 for larger autoclaves. The testing to those standards is summarized above. The tests are appropriate for the EZ15 Plus based on intended use of the autoclave. The EZ15 Plus autoclave is also substantially equivalent in size, technology, and operation to the predicates summarized in the comparison table.
For all of the foregoing reasons, Tuttnauer believes that the EZ Plus Series autoclaves described in this 510(k) notification may be safely marketed in the United States.
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized depiction of an eagle or bird-like figure with three curved lines representing its wings or body. The logo is encircled by the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" in a circular arrangement.
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -W066-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Tuttnauer Company, Limited C/O Mr. Theodore Sullivan Counsel Buchanan Ingersoll & Roonev, P.C. 1700 K Street N.W., Suite 300 Washington, District of Columbia 20006
DEC - 8 2011
Re: K111736
Trade/Device Name: Tuttnauer EZ9 Plus Electronic Table-Top Autoclave; EZ11 Plus Electronic Table-Top Autoclave; and EZ15 Plus Electronic Autoclave
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.6880 Regulation Name: Steam Sterilizer Regulatory Class: II Product Code: FLE Dated: November 23, 2011 Received: November 25, 2011
Dear Mr. Sullivan:
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. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your 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.
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#### Page 2 - Mr. Sullivan
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. 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); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the clectronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices /ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Nh for
Anthony D. Watson, B.S., M.S., M.B.A. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
K川436
510(k) Number:
Device Name:
Tuttnauer EZ9 Plus Electronic Table-top Autoclave; EZ11 Plus Electronic Table-top Autoclave; and EZ15 Plus Electronic Autoclave
The EZ Plus Series autoclaves are autoclaves designed for sterilizing Indications for Use: medical and surgical goods, including both wrapped and unwrapped, solid, hollow, and porous products and goods defined as hollow A (e.g., dentil hand pieces; suction pipes) in ophthalmic, dental, and medical clinics; in first aid rooms; and in small laboratories.
Key program features, including sterilization times, temperature, maximum load sizes, and recommended use of each program are listed in the following chart:
| Program | Recommended<br>Use | Sterilization<br>Temperature | Number of<br>Dynamic Air<br>Removal Pulses | Sterilization<br>Time<br>(minutes) | Dry<br>Time |
|---------|--------------------------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------|
| 1 | unwrapped<br>instruments | 132°C | EZ9 - 0 (gravity)<br>EZ11 - 1<br>EZ15 - 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 2 | wrapped<br>instruments,<br>pouches | 132°C | EZ9 - 1<br>EZ11 - 2<br>EZ15 - 1 | 4 | 30 |
| 3 | unwrapped<br>delicate<br>instruments | 121°C | EZ9 - 0 (gravity)<br>EZ11 - 1<br>EZ15 - 1 | 30 | 1 |
| 4 | handpieces | 132°C | EZ9 - 7<br>EZ11 - 7<br>EZ15 - 5 | 4 | 30 |
#### EZ Plus Series
| Property | EZ9 Plus | EZ11 Plus | EZ15 Plus |
|--------------------------|--------------------|--------------------|-----------------|
| Chamber<br>diameter | 230 mm (9") | 280 mm (11") | 380mm (15") |
| Chamber<br>depth | 504 mm (19.8") | 504 mm (19.8") | 760mm (30") |
| Chamber<br>volume | 19.8 ltr (5.2 gal) | 28.5 ltr (7.5 gal) | 84 ltr (22 gal) |
| Maximum load<br>per tray | 1.4 kg (3.0 lbs) | 1.4 kg (3.0 lbs) | 6 kg (11 lbs) |
| Maximum solid | 4.1 kg (9.0 lbs) | 6.8 kg (15 lbs) | 10 kg (22 lbs) |
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| And and of<br>load<br>-------- | -------- | | Property of Children Company of |
|--------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Number of | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>------------------------------------ | <br>1 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>J |
| trays<br>ANNUA BELLEAS OF | A. All A. A. All Allerian St | 1<br> | |
Prescription Use (21 C.F.R. 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-the-Counter Use _X (21 C.F.R. 801 Subpart C)
# (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE -- CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Shale A. Murphy, Mph, E. Elmore-Williams
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospltal Infection Control, Dental Devices
510(k) Number: K 111736
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.