Abstract: The present invention is directed to a super-absorbent trayliner for use in a sterilization process and, more particularly, to a super-absorbent trayliner for cushioning surgical instruments and providing an advantageous moisture absorption functionality during and after completion of a sterilization process. The super-absorbent trayliner functions advantageously with steam or ethylene oxide gas as the sterilization agent. The super-absorbent trayliner is fabricated from a material having a desired level of moisture absorption, e.g., on the order of at least about thirty percent (30%) by dry weight, and is preferably fabricated from a hydrophilic polymeric foam material, e.g., a hydrophilic polyurethane foam. The disclosed super-absorbent trayliner may be advantageously utilized in sterilizing surgical instruments such that potential residual moisture is eliminated from the surface of the sterilized surgical instruments.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing an article in a sterilization unit, the method including placing the article within a foam plastic instrument pouch having a closed cell construction, and positioning the closed cell foam plastic instrument pouch containing the article within the sterilization unit. The sterilization unit is then operated such that the article within the instrument pouch is sterilized, whereby the instrument pouch containing the article is removed from the sterilization unit. An instrument pouch for containing and protecting an article during sterilization is also provided. The pouch includes a foam plastic backing sheet for lining a base of a tray, the base having a multiplicity of holes, and a foam plastic pocket secured to the backing sheet such that at least a portion of an article can be received between the pocket and the backing sheet.

Abstract: A movable stabilizing structure for use with an instrument organizer including an elongated base having a uniform, predetermined width and fixed posts extending upwardly from the base. The movable stabilizing structure includes two gripping legs with opposing, inwardly facing surfaces spaced-apart a distance substantially equal to the predetermined width of the base of the organizer, so that the opposing, inwardly facing surfaces of the two gripping legs will grip opposite sides of the base of the organizer so that the movable stabilizing structure can be attached to the base at any point between the fixed posts of the organizer and held in place by the gripping legs to help maintain instruments in an organized and upright state on the organizer.