Blogs from Patient Guard

In medical device design, the efficacy, safety, and user experience is paramount. While the technical function of a device is unquestionably significant, its usability can often determine its real-world impact. This is where standards like IEC 62366-1 come into play, offering a structured approach to integrating user-centred design principles into the development process. In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into the significance of IEC 62366-1, its underlying principles, practical implementation strategies, and the broader implications for medical device innovation and patient care.

All Medical Devices that are placed on the market in the EU and the UK must undergo Clinical Evaluation. Clinical Evaluation is a review of all the data that has been generated by the medical device manufacturer; pre-clinical, clinical and post market. The review of this data is performed to assess that the benefits of using the medical device outweigh the risks associated with using the medical device within the devices clinical intended purpose. 

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, ensuring the quality of your Medical Device products and services is paramount. Professional Quality Assurance (QA) support is the unsung hero that can help your business thrive. Whether you’re a start-up or an established enterprise, effective QA support can make a significant impact on the quality of your Management System and Devices. In this blog post, we’ll explore how professional QA support can benefit your business.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, medical device software plays a pivotal role in patient care. To ensure the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of these software-driven devices, regulatory standards are in place. One such crucial standard is the IEC 62304. In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of IEC 62304, exploring its significance, key concepts, and its impact on the development of medical device software.

In the world of medical devices, ensuring both safety and compliance with industry standards is paramount. One such crucial standard is ISO 14971, a guideline that outlines the application of risk management to medical devices. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of ISO 14971 in medical device compliance and explore how tools like Patient Guard can aid in achieving and maintaining compliance with this essential standard.

ISO 13485 is an international standard for mapping what is required from a medical device. The system ensures that medical devices are effective and consistent throughout their life cycle, from planning and production to disposal.

Ensuring consistency is extremely important for medical devices, as patient safety could be at risk. Implementing quality management systems can also provide protection for manufacturers and their reputations, as risks can be easily identified and rectified.

Medical device regulation varies based on the classification of the medical device being manufactured. All parties are required to demonstrate compliance, from the medical device manufacturing process to the disposal of the product.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of product development, especially within the health and wellness sector, it’s crucial for developers and manufacturers to understand the regulatory implications of their innovations. One burning question that often arises is, “Is my product a medical device?” The classification of a product as a medical device carries significant regulatory and legal implications, impacting market access, safety standards, and compliance requirements. In this blog, we’ll explore the criteria that determine whether a product falls into the medical device category and shed light on the importance of regulatory compliance in this complex field.

Commercialising your medical device or IVD first requires you to obtain registration and approval from regulatory agencies in each country where you plan to sell your device. Device registration requirements can vary significantly from country to country, which can create compliance challenges for companies pursuing multiple-market strategies. 

Depending on where you plan to sell your device(s), successful registration may involve a substantial effort to meet premarket technical and clinical submission requirements or leveraging your existing registrations and approvals to gain faster access to new markets.

Planning for the design and development of a medical device is a requirement of regulatory systems. All manufacturers of Medical Devices are required to maintain a Quality Management System, in the USA this is determined under the CFR Title 21 part 820. Within the European Union, it is placed within demonstrating certificated compliance with international standard EN ISO 13485. The USA has recently indicated that they will also use the ISO 13485 standard for the requirements of manufacturers being compliant for QMS purposes. 

The CE marking of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs) is a requirement of EU regulations (EU 2017/745 for medical devices and EU 2017/746 for IVDs) to lawfully place medical devices on the EU market. Manufacturers must affix the CE mark on the medical device or IVD itself and on the primary packaging (or just on the packaging if affixing to the device itself it not possible). The CE mark should also be placed on any instructions for use and any labelling. The use of the CE mark identifies that a medical device or IVD conforms to EU regulatory requirements and is a symbol that a device meets safety standards.

A medical device technical file is a concise set of documents created by a manufacturer to explain the performance and safety of a particular Medical Device in a clear, well-organized, easily searchable, and unambiguous manner.

In order to prove compliance with the general safety and performance criteria of the legislation, the manufacturer must have – and keep up-to-date – this technical documentation, regardless of  medical device class.

Post-market surveillance (PMS) is a pivotal aspect that governs the continued monitoring and assessment of medical devices after they have entered the market. Across the EU, UK, and USA, distinct regulatory frameworks shape PMS protocols, fostering safety, and innovation simultaneously.

The EU Authorised Representative role for medical devices has existing since before the introduction of the Medical Device and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulations (EU MDR 2017/745 and EU IVDR 2017/746) were introduced in 2017 and was a requirement of their predecessors the medical device directives.

Since the MDR and IVDR Regulations were introduced the role of the EU Authorised Representative has become wider in scope and responsibilities.

Manufacturers who are not registered businesses in the UK but wish to place medical devices or In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) on the UK market, are not allowed to do so without having in place an agreement with a UK registered organisation. This organisation is the UK Responsible Person, and represents and registers the manufacturers medical devices and IVDs with the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). 

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices are indispensable tools, providing invaluable insights into patients’ health conditions. With the introduction of Regulation (EU) 2017/746, commonly known as IVDR, the European Union has implemented stringent regulations to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of these diagnostic instruments. As of May 26, 2022, this regulation has ushered in a new era, shaping the practices of manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and patients as they navigate the complexities of this comprehensive regulatory framework.

In healthcare, ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices is paramount. Patients rely on these devices for diagnosis, treatment, and improved quality of life.  Biological evaluation plays a pivotal role in determining the biological safety of these devices. Governed by international standards, most notably the ISO 10993 series, biological evaluation involves a thorough assessment of a device’s interaction with living tissues. This blog delves into the importance of biological evaluation, highlighting the critical biological endpoints outlined in ISO 10993, the significance of a robust biological evaluation plan, and the crucial role of qualified experts in this process.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the development and deployment of cutting-edge medical devices have become indispensable. With advancements in technology, the need for stringent regulatory and quality assurance services has never been more crucial. In this dynamic environment, medical device consultancy plays a pivotal role, guiding innovators through the complex web of regulations, ensuring compliance, and facilitating the delivery of safe and effective devices to patients worldwide.