View source for Medicine:Medical device

{{Short description|Device to be used for medical purposes}}
{{Update|reason = the section related to E.U. needs further updates (esp. in sections 3.2 and 4.2.2) as the directives 93/42/EEC on medical devices and 90/385/EEC on active implantable medical devices have been fully repealed on 26 May 2021 by Regulation (EU) no. 2017/745 (MDR); furthermore, Brexit triggers updates in these sections (U.K. developed their own regulatory framework); but more updates are triggered as also the relation related to the recognition of conformity assessment certificates between the European Union and
Switzerland changed since 26 May 2021 |date=April 2022}}

[[File:Mundspatel.jpg|thumb|Tongue depressor, a Class I medical device in the United States]]
[[Image:Baxter Colleague CX infusion pump.JPG|thumb|Infusion pump, a Class II medical device in the United States]]
[[Image:St Jude Medical pacemaker with ruler.jpg|thumb|Artificial pacemaker, a Class III device in the United States]]

A '''medical device''' is any device intended to be used for medical purposes. Significant potential for [[Hazard|hazard]]s are inherent when using a device for medical purposes and thus medical devices must be proved safe and effective with reasonable assurance before regulating governments allow marketing of the device in their country. As a general rule, as the associated risk of the device increases the amount of testing required to establish safety and efficacy also increases. Further, as associated risk increases the potential benefit to the patient must also increase.

Discovery of what would be considered a medical device by modern standards dates as far back as {{circa|7000 BC}} in Baluchistan  where [[History:Neolithic|Neolithic]] dentists used flint-tipped [[Engineering:Drill|drill]]s and [[Engineering:Bowstring|bowstring]]s.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4882968.stm|title=Stone age man used dentist drill|date=6 April 2006|via=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Study of [[Earth:Archaeology|archeology]] and Roman medical literature also indicate that many types of medical devices were in widespread use during the time of ancient Rome.<ref name=tools>{{cite web | url=http://exhibits.hsl.virginia.edu/romansurgical/ | title=Surgical Instruments from Ancient Rome | publisher=University of Virginia Claude Moore Health Services Library | date=2007 | access-date=16 September 2014}}</ref> In the United States it was not until the [[Medicine:Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act|Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act]] (FD&C Act) in 1938 that medical devices were regulated. Later in 1976, the Medical Device Amendments to the FD&C Act established medical device regulation and oversight as we know it today in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=A History of Medical Device Regulation & Oversight in the United States |url=https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/Overview/ucm618375.htm |publisher=U.S. Food & Drug Administration |access-date=16 March 2019 |date=2018-11-03 }}</ref> Medical device regulation in Europe as we know it today came into effect in 1993 by what is collectively known as the Medical Device Directive (MDD). On May 26, 2017, the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) replaced the MDD.

Medical devices vary in both their intended use and indications for use. Examples range from simple, low-risk devices such as [[Medicine:Tongue depressor|tongue depressor]]s, [[Medicine:Medical thermometer|medical thermometer]]s, [[Medicine:Medical glove|disposable gloves]], and [[Engineering:Bedpan|bedpan]]s to complex, high-risk devices that are implanted and sustain life. One example of high-risk devices are those with [[Embedded system|embedded software]] such as [[Artificial cardiac pacemaker|pacemakers]], and which assist in the conduct of [[Medicine:Medical test|medical test]]ing, [[Medicine:Implant|implants]], and [[Biology:Prosthesis|prostheses]]. The design of medical devices constitutes a major segment of the field of [[Medicine:Biomedical engineering|biomedical engineering]].

The global medical device market was estimated to be between $220 and US$250 billion in 2013.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Sastri V  |title=Plastics in Medical Devices: Properties, Requirements, and Applications |date=2013 |publisher=Elsevier |isbn=9780323265638 |edition=2nd}}</ref> The United States controls ~40% of the global market followed by Europe (25%), Japan (15%), and the rest of the world (20%). Although collectively Europe has a larger share, Japan has the second largest country market share. The largest market shares in Europe (in order of market share size) belong to Germany, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. The rest of the world comprises regions like (in no particular order) Australia, Canada, China, India, and Iran. This article discusses what constitutes a medical device in these different regions and throughout the article these regions will be discussed in order of their global market share.

==Definition==
[[File:Sommer, Giorgio (1834-1914) - n. 11141 - Museo di Napoli - Strumenti di chirurgia.jpg|thumb|Medical devices were used for surgery in ancient Rome.]]

A global definition for medical device is difficult to establish because there are numerous regulatory bodies worldwide overseeing the marketing of medical devices. Although these bodies often collaborate and discuss the definition in general, there are subtle differences in wording that prevent a [[Medicine:Global Harmonization Task Force|global harmonization]] of the definition of a medical device, thus the appropriate definition of a medical device depends on the region. Often a portion of the definition of a medical device is intended to differentiate between medical devices and [[Chemistry:Pharmaceutical|drugs]], as the regulatory requirements of the two are different. Definitions also often recognize In vitro diagnostics as a subclass of medical devices and establish accessories as medical devices.

==Definitions by region==

===United States (Food and Drug Administration)===
Section 201(h) of the [[Medicine:Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act|Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) Act]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Is The Product A Medical Device? |url=https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/deviceregulationandguidance/overview/classifyyourdevice/ucm051512.htm |publisher=U.S. Food & Drug Administration |access-date=12 March 2019 |date=2018-11-03 }}</ref> defines a device as an "instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, contrivance, implant, in vitro reagent, or other similar or related article, including a component part, or accessory which is:
* recognized in the official National Formulary, or the United States Pharmacopoeia, or any supplement to them
* Intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, in man or other animals, ''or''
* Intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals, and
which does not achieve its primary intended purposes through chemical action within or on the body of man or other animals and which is not dependent upon being metabolized for the achievement of its primary intended purposes. The term 'device' does not include software functions excluded pursuant to section 520(o)."

===European Union===

According to Article 1 of Council Directive 93/42/EEC,<ref>{{cite web |title=Council Directive 93/42/EEC of 14 June 1993 concerning medical devices |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:01993L0042-20071011 |website=eur-lex.europa.eu |access-date=15 March 2019}}</ref> 'medical device' means any "instrument, apparatus, appliance, software, material or other article, whether used alone or in combination, including the software intended by its manufacturer to be used specifically for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes and necessary for its proper application, intended by the manufacturer to be used for human beings for the purpose of:
* diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment or alleviation of disease,
* diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, alleviation of or compensation for an injury or handicap,
* investigation, replacement or modification of the anatomy or of a physiological process,
* control of conception,

and which does not achieve its principal intended action in or on the human body by pharmacological, [[Biology:Immunology|immunological]] or metabolic means, but which may be assisted in its function by such means;"

====EU Legal framework====
Based on the ''New Approach'', rules that relate to safety and performance of medical devices were harmonised in the EU in the 1990s. The ''New Approach'', defined in a European Council Resolution of May 1985,<ref>{{cite web|url = http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31985Y0604%2801%29:EN:HTML|title = Eur-lex Europa|date = 2005|access-date = 15 June 2014}}</ref> represents an innovative way of technical harmonisation. It aims to remove technical barriers to trade and dispel the consequent uncertainty for economic operators, to facilitate free movement of goods inside the EU.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

The previous core legal framework consisted of three directives:{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}
* Directive 90/385/EEC regarding active implantable medical devices
* Directive 93/42/EEC regarding medical devices
* Directive 98/79/EC regarding ''in vitro'' diagnostic medical devices (Until 2022, the In Vitro Diagnosis Regulation (IVDR) will replace the EU's current Directive on In-Vitro Diagnostic (98/79/EC)).

They aim at ensuring a high level of protection of human health and safety and the good functioning of the Single Market. These three main directives have been supplemented over time by several modifying and implementing directives, including the last technical revision brought about by Directive 2007/47 EC.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url = http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2007:247:0021:0055:en:PDF|title = Directive 2007/47/ec of the European parliament and of the council|date = 5 September 2007|access-date = 15 June 2014|website = Eur-lex Europa}}</ref>

The government of each Member State must appoint a ''competent authority'' responsible for medical devices.<ref>{{Cite book | vauthors = Becker KM, Whyte JJ |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-v_-kQZrxRMC&dq=The+government+of+each+Member+State+must+appoint+a+competent+authority+responsible+for+medical+devices&pg=PA177 |title=Clinical Evaluation of Medical Devices: Principles and Case Studies |date=2007-11-05 |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |isbn=978-1-59745-004-1 |language=en}}</ref> The [[Social:Competent authority|competent authority]] (CA) is a body with authority to act on behalf of the member state to ensure that member state government transposes requirements of medical device directives into national law and applies them. The CA reports to the minister of health in the member state. The CA in one Member State has no jurisdiction in any other member state, but exchanges information and tries to reach common positions.

In the UK, for example, the [[Organization:Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency|Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency]] (MHRA) acted as a CA. In Italy it is the Ministero Salute (Ministry of Health) Medical devices must not be mistaken with medicinal products. In the EU, all medical devices must be identified with the CE mark. The conformity of a medium or high risk medical device with relevant regulations is also assessed by an external entity, the [[Notified Body]], before it can be placed on the market.

In September 2012, the European Commission proposed new legislation aimed at enhancing safety, traceability, and transparency.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://ec.europa.eu/health/medical-devices/documents/revision/index_en.htm|title = Revision of the medical device directives|date = 2013|access-date = 15 June 2014|publisher =European Commission }}</ref> The regulation was adopted in 2017.

The future core legal framework consists of two regulations, replacing the previous three directives:
* The Medical Devices Regulation (MDR (EU) 2017/745)
* The In Vitro Diagnostic medical devices regulation (IVDR (EU) 2017/746)

===Japan===
Article 2, Paragraph 4, of the [[Medicine:Pharmaceutical Affairs Act (Japan)|Pharmaceutical Affairs Law]] (PAL)<ref name="auto">{{cite book | vauthors = Wong J, Kaiyu RT |title=Handbook of Medical Device Regulatory Affairs in Asia |isbn=9789814411226|date=2013-03-27 |publisher=CRC Press }}{{page needed|date=May 2019}}</ref> defines medical devices as "instruments and apparatus intended for use in diagnosis, cure or prevention of diseases in humans or other animals; intended to affect the structure or functions of the body of man or other animals."

===Rest of the world===

====Canada====
[[File:Bags of medical supplies and defibrillators.jpg|thumb|Bags of medical supplies and defibrillators at the York Region EMS Logistics Headquarters in Ontario, Canada]]
The term medical device, as defined in the Food and Drugs Act, is "any article, instrument, apparatus or contrivance, including any component, part or accessory thereof, manufactured, sold or represented for use in: the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of a disease, disorder or abnormal physical state, or its symptoms, in a human being; the restoration, correction or modification of a body function or the body structure of a human being; the diagnosis of pregnancy in a human being; or the care of a human being during pregnancy and at and after the birth of a child, including the care of the child. It also includes a contraceptive device but does not include a drug."<ref>{{cite web |title=Canada's Food and Drugs Act |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/legislation-guidelines/acts-regulations/canada-food-drugs.html |website=canada.ca|date=2008-07-11 }}</ref>

The term covers a wide range of health or medical instruments used in the treatment, mitigation, diagnosis or prevention of a disease or abnormal physical condition. [[Organization:Health Canada|Health Canada]] reviews medical devices to assess their safety, effectiveness, and quality before authorizing their sale in Canada.<ref name="Canada regulations">{{cite web |url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/SOR-98-282.pdf |title=Medical Devices Regulations SOR/98-282 |publisher=Department of Justice Canada |date=16 December 2011 |access-date=25 August 2014}}</ref> According to the Act, medical device does not include any device that is intended for use in relation to animals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Medical Devices Regulations (SOR/98-282) |url=https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-282/page-1.html |publisher=Food and Drugs Act |access-date=15 March 2019|date=2019-03-04 }}</ref>

====India====
There is no specific definition of the term 'medical devices' in Indian law.  However, certain medical devices are notified as DRUGS under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act. Section 3 (b) (iv) relating to definition of "drugs" holds that  "Devices intended for internal or external use in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of disease or disorder in human beings or animals" are also drugs.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Manu M, Anand G | title = A review of medical device regulations in India, comparison with European Union and way-ahead | language = en-US | journal = Perspectives in Clinical Research | volume = 13 | issue = 1 | pages = 3–11 | date = 2022 | pmid = 35198422 | pmc = 8815674 | doi = 10.4103/picr.picr_222_20 | doi-access = free }}</ref>  As of April 2022, 14 classes of devices are classified as drugs.

==Regulation and oversight==

===Risk classification===
[[File:Stetoskop.jpg|thumb|A [[Engineering:Stethoscope|stethoscope]] (U.S. FDA product code BZS), a popular Class I medical device as determined by the U.S. FDA, ubiquitous in hospitals.]]
The regulatory authorities recognize different classes of medical devices based on their potential for harm if misused, design complexity, and their use characteristics. Each country or region defines these categories in different ways. The authorities also recognize that some devices are provided in combination with drugs, and regulation of these combination products takes this factor into consideration.

Classifying medical devices based on their risk is essential for maintaining patient and staff safety while simultaneously facilitating the marketing of medical products. By establishing different risk classifications, lower risk devices, for example, a stethoscope or tongue depressor, are not required to undergo the same level of testing that higher risk devices such as artificial pacemakers undergo. Establishing a hierarchy of risk classification allows regulatory bodies to provide flexibility when reviewing medical devices.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

===Classification by region===

====United States====
{{Main|Medicine:Medical device manufacturing}}

Under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the U.S. [[Organization:Food and Drug Administration|Food and Drug Administration]] recognizes three classes of medical devices, based on the level of control necessary to assure safety and effectiveness.<ref name=classification>{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/Overview/ClassifyYourDevice/default.htm|title=Device Classification|work=Medical Devices|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|access-date=2010-10-15}}</ref>
* Class I
* Class II
* Class III

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"
! Device   Class
! Risk
! FDA Regulatory Control
! Examples
|-
| style="vertical-align:bottom;" | Class I
| style="vertical-align:bottom;" | Low Risk
| style="vertical-align:bottom;" | General Controls
| Tongue,   Electric Toothbrush, Bandages, Hospital Beds
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
| Class II
| Medium Risk
| General Controls + Pre-Market Notification (510K)
| Catheters, Contact Lenses, Pregnancy Test Kits
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
| Class III
| High Risk
| General Controls + Special controls (510K) + Pre-Market Approval (PMA)
| Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Implanted prosthetics, Breast implants
|}

The classification procedures are described in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, part 860 (usually known as 21 CFR 860).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=860|title=Title 21—Food and drugs: Chapter i—Food and drug administration: Department of health and human services: Subchapter H—Medical devices: Part 860 Medical device classification procedures|work=CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|access-date=15 Oct 2010}}</ref>

Class I devices are subject to the least regulatory control and are not intended to help support or sustain life or be substantially important in preventing impairment to human health, and may not present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury.<ref name="general controls">{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/Overview/GeneralandSpecialControls/ucm055910.htm|title=General Controls for Medical Devices|work=Medical Devices|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|access-date=2010-10-15}}</ref> Examples of Class I devices include elastic bandages, examination gloves, and hand-held surgical instruments.<ref name=controls>{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/Overview/GeneralandSpecialControls/default.htm|title=General and Special Controls|work=Medical Devices|publisher=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|access-date=2010-10-15}}</ref>

Class II devices are subject to special labeling requirements, mandatory performance standards and [[Medicine:Postmarketing surveillance|postmarket surveillance]].<ref name=controls /> Examples of Class II devices include acupuncture needles, powered wheelchairs, infusion pumps, air purifiers, surgical drapes, stereotaxic navigation systems, and surgical robots.<ref name=classification /><ref name=controls /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acaom.edu/faq-about-acupuncture/|title=Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture|publisher=American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318014923/http://www.acaom.edu/faq-about-acupuncture/|archive-date=2014-03-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | vauthors = Melkerson MN | date = May 2, 2018 | publisher = U.S. Food and Drug Administration | title = Stereotaxic Instrument |url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf18/K180352.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= Surgical Robotics: Systems Applications and Vision |publisher= Spring|date= 2011|isbn=978-1-4419-1125-4}}</ref>

Class III devices are usually those that support or sustain human life, are of substantial importance in preventing impairment of human health, or present a potential, unreasonable risk of illness or injury and require premarket approval.<ref name=controls /><ref name=classification /> Examples of Class III devices include implantable pacemakers, pulse generators, HIV diagnostic tests, automated external defibrillators, and endosseous implants.<ref name=controls />

====European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA)====
The classification of medical devices in the European Union is outlined in Article IX of the Council Directive 93/42/EEC and Annex VIII of the EU medical device regulation. There are basically four classes, ranging from low risk to high risk, Classes I, IIa, IIb, and III (this excludes ''[[In vitro|in vitro]]'' diagnostics including software, which fall in four classes: from A (lowest risk) to D (highest risk)):<ref>MDCG 2020-16 Guidance on Classification Rules for in vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices under Regulation (EU) 2017/746</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"
! Device   Class
! Risk
! Examples
|-
| style="vertical-align:bottom;" | Class I (Class I, Class Is, Class Im,   Class Ir)
| style="vertical-align:bottom;" | Low Risk
| Tongue,   Wheelchair, Spectacles
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
| Class IIA
| Medium Risk
| Hearing aids
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
| Class IIB
| Medium to High Risk
| Ventilators, Infusion pumps
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
| Class III
| High Risk
| Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Implanted prosthetics, Breast implants
|}

'''Class I Devices:''' Non-invasive, everyday devices or equipment. Class I devices are generally low risk and can include bandages, compression hosiery, or walking aids. Such devices require only for the manufacturer to complete a Technical File.

'''Class Is Devices:''' Class Is devices are similarly non-invasive devices, however this sub-group extends to include sterile devices. Examples of Class Is devices include stethoscopes, examination gloves, colostomy bags, or oxygen masks. These devices also require a technical file, with the added requirement of an application to a European Notified Body for certification of manufacturing in conjunction with sterility standards.

'''Class Im Devices:''' This refers chiefly to similarly low-risk measuring devices. Included in this category are: thermometers, droppers, and non-invasive blood pressure measuring devices. Once again the manufacturer must provide a technical file and be certified by a European Notified Body for manufacturing in accordance with metrology regulations.

'''Class IIa Devices:''' Class IIa devices generally constitute low to medium risk and pertain mainly to devices installed within the body in the short term. Class IIa devices are those which are installed within the body for only between 60 minutes and 30 days. Examples include hearing-aids, blood transfusion tubes, and catheters. Requirements include technical files and a conformity test carried out by a European Notified Body.

'''Class IIb Devices:''' Slightly more complex than IIa devices, class IIb devices are generally medium to high risk and will often be devices installed within the body for periods of 30 days or longer. Examples include ventilators and intensive care monitoring equipment. Identical compliance route to Class IIa devices with an added requirement of a device type examination by a Notified Body.

'''Class III Devices:''' Class III devices are strictly high risk devices. Examples include balloon catheters, prosthetic heart valves, pacemakers, etc. The steps to approval here include a full quality assurance system audit, along with examination of both the device's design and the device itself by a European Notified Body.

The authorization of medical devices is guaranteed by a Declaration of Conformity. This declaration is issued by the manufacturer itself, but for products in Class Is, Im, Ir, IIa, IIb or III, it must be verified by a Certificate of Conformity issued by a [[Notified Body]]. A Notified Body is a public or private organisation that has been accredited to validate the compliance of the device to the European Directive. Medical devices that pertain to class I (on condition they do not require sterilization or do not measure a function) can be marketed purely by self-certification.

The European classification depends on rules that involve the medical device's duration of body contact, invasive character, use of an energy source, effect on the central circulation or nervous system, diagnostic impact, or incorporation of a medicinal product. Certified medical devices should have the CE mark on the packaging, insert leaflets, etc.. These packagings should also show harmonised pictograms and EN standardised logos to indicate essential features such as instructions for use, expiry date, manufacturer, sterile, do not reuse, etc.

In November 2018, the Federal Administrative Court of Switzerland decided that the "Sympto" app, used to analyze a woman's menstrual cycle, was a medical device because it calculates a fertility window for each woman using personal data. The manufacturer, Sympto-Therm Foundation, argued that this was a didactic, not a medical process. the court laid down that an app is a medical device if it is to be used for any of the medical purposes provided by law, and creates or modifies health information by calculations or comparison, providing information about an individual patient.<ref>{{cite news |title=BVGer-Urteil zur rechtlichen Qualifikation von Gesundheitsapps: Die App "Sympto" ist ein Medizinprodukt |url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=afb9b14e-25cd-48bd-b05e-903b4860e055 |access-date=13 December 2018 |publisher=Lexology |date=6 November 2018}}</ref>

====Japan====

Medical devices (excluding in vitro diagnostics) in Japan are classified into four classes based on risk:<ref name="auto"/>
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="font-weight:bold; vertical-align:bottom;"
! style="color:#202122;" | Device   Class
! Risk
|- style="color:#202122;"
| style="vertical-align:middle;" | Class I
| style="color:#202124;" | Insignificant
|- style="vertical-align:middle;"
| style="color:#202122;" | Class II
| style="vertical-align:bottom;" | Low
|- style="vertical-align:middle;"
| style="color:#202122;" | Class III
| style="vertical-align:bottom;" | High Risk on Malfunction
|- style="vertical-align:middle;"
| style="color:#202122;" | Class IV
| style="vertical-align:bottom;" | High Risk could cause life-threatening
|}

Classes I and II distinguish between extremely low and low risk devices. Classes III and IV, moderate and high risk respectively, are highly and specially controlled medical devices. In vitro diagnostics have three risk classifications.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Theisz V  |title=Medical Device Regulatory Practices: An International Perspective |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=9789814669115 |date=2015-08-03 }}</ref>

==== Rest of the world ====
For the remaining regions in the world, the risk classifications are generally similar to the United States, European Union, and Japan or are a variant combining two or more of the three countries' risk classifications.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

=====Australia=====
The classification of medical devices in Australia is outlined in section 41BD of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and Regulation 3.2 of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 2002, under control of the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Similarly to the EU classification, they rank in several categories, by order of increasing risk and associated required level of control. Various rules identify the device's category<ref>{{cite web | work = The Therapeutics Goods Administration | publisher = Australian Government | title =  Australian regulatory guidelines for medical devices (ARGMD) Version 1.1 | date = May 2011 | url =  http://www.tga.gov.au/pdf/devices-argmd-01.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140308014810/http://www.tga.gov.au/pdf/devices-argmd-01.pdf | archive-date = 8 March 2014 }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+Medical device categories in Australia
! Classification !! Level of risk
|-
| Class I || Low
|-
| Class I - measuring or Class I - supplied sterile or class IIa || Low - medium
|-
| Class IIb || Medium - high
|-
| Class III || High
|-
| Active implantable medical devices (AIMD) || High
|}

=====Canada=====
[[File:Stretchers at the York Region EMS logistics headquarters.jpg|thumb|Spinal boards wait to be used at the York Region EMS logistics headquarters in Ontario]]
The Medical Devices Bureau of [[Organization:Health Canada|Health Canada]] recognizes four classes of medical devices based on the level of control necessary to assure the safety and effectiveness of the device. Class I devices present the lowest potential risk and do not require a licence. Class II devices require the manufacturer's declaration of device safety and effectiveness, whereas Class III and IV devices present a greater potential risk and are subject to in-depth scrutiny.<ref name="Canada regulations" /> A guidance document for device classification is published by Health Canada.<ref name=HealthCanada />

Canadian classes of medical devices correspond to the European Council Directive 93/42/EEC (MDD) devices:<ref name=HealthCanada>{{cite web|url=http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/md-im/applic-demande/guide-ld/gd_rbc_non_ivdd_lg_scr_autres_idiv-eng.php|title=Guidance Document - Guidance on the Risk-based Classification System for Non-In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (non-IVDDs)|publisher=Health Canada|date=2015-04-23|access-date=2016-04-21}}</ref>
* Class I (Canada) generally corresponds to Class I (ECD)
* Class II (Canada) generally corresponds to Class IIa (ECD)
* Class III (Canada) generally corresponds to Class IIb (ECD)
* Class IV (Canada) generally corresponds to Class III (ECD)
Examples include surgical instruments (Class I), contact lenses and ultrasound scanners (Class II), orthopedic implants and [[Engineering:Hemodialysis|hemodialysis]] machines (Class III), and [[Medicine:Cardiac pacemaker|cardiac pacemaker]]s (Class IV).<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Medical Device Regulation In Canada: A Primer |url=https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/hta_thupdate_issue5_e.pdf |magazine=Health Technology Update |issue=5 |pages=2–3 |location=Ottawa |publisher=Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health |date=2007-01-12 |access-date=2016-04-21 }}</ref>

=====India=====
Medical devices in India are regulated by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Medical devices under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 are classified as per Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF) based on associated risks.

The CDSCO classifications of medical devices govern alongside the regulatory approval and registration by the CDSCO is under the DCGI. Every single medical device in India pursues a regulatory framework that depends on the drug guidelines under the Drug and Cosmetics Act (1940) and the Drugs and Cosmetics runs under 1945. CDSCO classification for medical devices has a set of risk classifications for numerous products planned for notification and guidelines as medical devices.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"
! Device   Class
! Risk
! Examples
|-
| style="vertical-align:bottom;" | Class A
| style="vertical-align:bottom;" | Low Risk
| Tongue depressors, Wheelchairs, Spectacles, Alcohol Swabs
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
| Class B
| Low to Moderate Risk
| Hearing aids, Thermometers
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
| Class C
| Moderate to High Risk
| Ventilators, Infusion pumps
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
| Class D
| High Risk
| Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Implanted prosthetics, Breast implants
|}

=====Iran=====
[[Religion:Iran|Iran]] produces about 2,000 types of medical devices and medical supplies, such as appliances, dental supplies, disposable sterile medical items, laboratory machines, various biomaterials and dental implants. 400 Medical products are produced at the C and D risk class with all of them licensed by the Iranian Health Ministry in terms of safety and performance based on EU-standards.

Some Iranian medical devices are produced according to the [[Social:European Union|European Union]] standards.

Some producers in Iran export medical devices and supplies which adhere to [[Social:European Union|European Union]] standards to applicant countries, including 40 Asian and European countries.

Some Iranian producers export their products to foreign countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://imed.ir/Default.aspx?PageName=ENNews&ID=3453|title=Iran's Medical Devices at a glance|website=IMED.ir|access-date=2018-11-10|archive-date=2018-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110235942/http://imed.ir/Default.aspx?PageName=ENNews&ID=3453|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Validation and verification===
{{Main|Medicine:Validation and verification (medical devices)}}
Validation and verification of medical devices ensure that they fulfil their intended purpose. Validation or verification is generally needed when a health facility acquires a new device to perform [[Medicine:Medical test|medical test]]s.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

The main difference between the two is that validation is focused on ensuring that the device meets the needs and requirements of its intended users and the intended use environment, whereas verification is focused on ensuring that the device meets its specified design requirements.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

=== Standardization and regulatory concerns ===
The [[Organization:International Organization for Standardization|ISO]] standards for medical devices are covered by ICS 11.100.20 and 11.040.01.<ref name="ISO11.100">{{cite web
  | last = [[Organization:International Organization for Standardization|International Organization for Standardization]]
  | title = 11.100.20: Biological evaluation of medical devices
  | url = http://www.iso.org/iso/products/standards/catalogue_ics_browse.htm?ICS1=11&ICS2=100&ICS3=20&
  | access-date = 10 April 2009
  }}</ref><ref name=meg>{{cite web
  | last = [[Organization:International Organization for Standardization|International Organization for Standardization]]
  | title = 11.040: Medical equipment
  | url = http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_ics/catalogue_ics_browse.htm?ICS1=11&ICS2=040
  | access-date = 26 April 2009
  }}</ref> The quality and [[Risk management|risk management]] regarding the topic for regulatory purposes is convened by [[ISO 13485]] and [[ISO 14971]]. ISO 13485:2016 is applicable to all providers and manufacturers of medical devices, components, contract services and distributors of medical devices. The standard is the basis for regulatory compliance in local markets, and most export markets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail?csnumber=36786|title=ISO 13485:2003 - Medical devices -- Quality management systems -- Requirements for regulatory purposes|website=www.iso.org|date=September 2014 |access-date=27 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/md-im/qualsys/index-eng.php|title=Quality Systems ISO 13485 - Canada.ca | author = Canada Health|date=2003-01-02|website=www.hc-sc.gc.ca|access-date=27 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/PostmarketRequirements/QualitySystemsRegulations/UCM134625.pdf|title=ISO 13485 in USA|website=fda.gov|access-date=27 March 2018}}</ref> Additionally, ISO 9001:2008 sets precedence because it signifies that a company engages in the creation of new products. It requires that the development of manufactured products have an approval process and a set of rigorous quality standards and development records before the product is distributed.<ref>{{cite web|title=ISO Standards Applied to Medical Device Manufacturing|url=http://www.mkprecision.com/wp-content/uploads/ISO-Standards-Applied-to-Medical-Device-Manufacturing.pdf|publisher=MK Precision|access-date=27 October 2014}}</ref> Further standards are IEC 60601-1 which is for electrical devices (mains-powered as well as battery powered), EN 45502-1 which is for Active implantable medical devices, and [[IEC 62304]] for medical software. The US FDA also published a series of guidances for industry regarding this topic against 21 CFR 820 Subchapter H—Medical Devices.<ref name=dp>{{cite web | work = U.S. Food and Drug Administration | url = https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/Standards/default.htm | title = Standards (Medical Devices)] | date = 11 March 2014 | access-date = 18 May 2014 }}</ref> Subpart B includes quality system requirements, an important component of which are design controls (21 CFR 820.30). To meet the demands of these industry regulation standards, a growing number of medical device distributors are putting the complaint management process at the forefront of their [[Quality management|quality management]] practices. This approach further mitigates risks and increases visibility of quality issues.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://blog.spartasystems.com/feed/preparing-your-complaintsemdr-system-for-upcoming-fda-mandate|title = Preparing a Complaints/eMDR System for Upcoming FDA Mandate|date = 18 May 2015|publisher = Sparta Systems}}</ref>

Starting in the late 1980s,<ref>{{cite web|title=Therac-25 Timeline | publisher=Computingcases.org | url=http://computingcases.org/case_materials/therac/supporting_docs/therac_resources/Timeline.html | access-date=2011-01-04}}</ref> the FDA increased its involvement in reviewing the development of medical device software. The precipitant for change was a radiation therapy device ([[Therac-25]]) that overdosed patients because of software coding errors.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Formal Methods-based verification approach to medical device software analysis | vauthors = Jones P, Jetley R, Abraham J | publisher= Embedded Systems Design | date=2010-02-09 | url=http://www.embedded.com/design/prototyping-and-development/4008888/A-Formal-Methods-based-verification-approach-to-medical-device-software-analysis | access-date=2016-04-21}}</ref> FDA is now focused on regulatory oversight on medical device software development process and system-level testing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Infusion Pump Software Safety Research at FDA | last=FDA| publisher = FDA | date=2010-09-08 | url=https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/GeneralHospitalDevicesandSupplies/InfusionPumps/ucm202511.htm | access-date=2010-09-09}}</ref>

A 2011 study by Dr. Diana Zuckerman and Paul Brown of the National Center for Health Research, and Dr. Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic, published in the ''Archives of Internal Medicine'', showed that most medical devices recalled in the last five years for "serious health problems or death" had been previously approved by the FDA using the less stringent, and cheaper, 510(k) process. In a few cases, the devices had been deemed so low-risk that they did not they did not undergo any FDA regulatory review. Of the 113 devices recalled, 35 were for cardiovascular issues.<ref name="Zuckerman 2011">{{cite journal | vauthors = Zuckerman DM, Brown P, Nissen SE | title = Medical device recalls and the FDA approval process | journal = Archives of Internal Medicine | volume = 171 | issue = 11 | pages = 1006–1011 | date = June 2011 | pmid = 21321283 | doi = 10.1001/archinternmed.2011.30 | doi-access =  }}</ref> This study was the topic of Congressional hearings re-evaluating FDA procedures and oversight.

A 2014 study by Dr. Diana Zuckerman, Paul Brown, and Dr. Aditi Das of the National Center for Health Research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, examined the scientific evidence that is publicly available about medical implants that were cleared by the FDA 510(k) process from 2008 to 2012. They found that scientific evidence supporting "substantial equivalence" to other devices already on the market was required by law to be publicly available, but the information was available for only 16% of the randomly selected implants, and only 10% provided clinical data. Of the more than 1,100 predicate implants that the new implants were substantially equivalent to, only 3% had any publicly available scientific evidence, and only 1% had clinical evidence of safety or effectiveness.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Zuckerman D, Brown P, Das A | title = Lack of publicly available scientific evidence on the safety and effectiveness of implanted medical devices | journal = JAMA Internal Medicine | volume = 174 | issue = 11 | pages = 1781–1787 | date = November 2014 | pmid = 25265047 | doi = 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.4193 | doi-access =  }}</ref> The researchers concluded that publicly available scientific evidence on implants was needed to protect the public health.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

{{anchor|Medical Device Single Audit Program|MDSAP}}In 2014-2015, a new international agreement, the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP), was put in place with five participant countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, and the United States. The aim of this program was to "develop a process that allows a single audit, or inspection to ensure the medical device regulatory requirements for all five countries are satisfied".<ref name="trautman2015">{{cite web | url=http://blogs.fda.gov/fdavoice/index.php/2015/01/australia-brazil-canada-japan-and-the-us-safeguarding-medical-devices/ | publisher=Food and Drug Administration | title=Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, and the US: Safeguarding Medical Devices | vauthors = Trautman K | date=16 January 2015 | website=FDA Voice }}</ref>

In 2017, a study by Dr. Jay Ronquillo and Dr. Diana Zuckerman published in the peer-reviewed policy journal Milbank Quarterly found that electronic health records and other device software were recalled due to life-threatening flaws. The article pointed out the lack of safeguards against hacking and other cybersecurity threats, stating "current regulations are necessary but not sufficient for ensuring patient safety by identifying and eliminating dangerous defects in software currently on the market".<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ronquillo JG, Zuckerman DM | title = Software-Related Recalls of Health Information Technology and Other Medical Devices: Implications for FDA Regulation of Digital Health | journal = The Milbank Quarterly | volume = 95 | issue = 3 | pages = 535–553 | date = September 2017 | pmid = 28895231 | pmc = 5594275 | doi = 10.1111/1468-0009.12278 }}</ref> They added that legislative changes resulting from the law entitled the 21st Century Cures Act "will further deregulate health IT, reducing safeguards that facilitate the reporting and timely recall of flawed medical software that could harm patients".

A study by Dr. Stephanie Fox-Rawlings and colleagues at the National Center for Health Research, published in 2018 in the policy journal Milbank Quarterly, investigated whether studies reviewed by the FDA for high-risk medical devices are proven safe and effective for women, minorities, or patients over 65 years of age.<ref>Fox-Rawlings S,. Gottschalk L.B., Doamekpor L., Zuckerman D.M. (2018) Diversity in Medical Device Clinical Trials: Do We Know What Works for Which Patients? Milbank Quarterly, 96 (3); 499-529.
</ref> The law encourages patient diversity in clinical trials submitted to the FDA for review, but does not require it. The study determined that most high-risk medical devices are not tested and analyzed to ensure that they are safe and effective for all major demographic groups, particularly racial and ethnic minorities and people over 65. Therefore, they do not provide information about safety or effectiveness that would help patients and physicians make well informed decisions.

In 2018, an investigation involving journalists across 36 countries coordinated by the [[Organization:International Consortium of Investigative Journalists|International Consortium of Investigative Journalists]] (ICIJ) prompted calls for reform in the United States, particularly around the 510(k) [[Biology:Substantial equivalence|substantial equivalence]] process;<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lenzer J | title = FDA recommends "modernizing" review of devices in wake of global investigation | journal = BMJ | volume = 363 | pages = k5026 | date = November 2018 | pmid = 30482750 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.k5026 | s2cid = 53727846 }}</ref> the investigation prompted similar calls in the UK and Europe Union.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Coombes R | title = Surgeons call for compulsory registers of all new medical devices | journal = BMJ | volume = 363 | pages = k5010 | date = November 2018 | pmid = 30478186 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.k5010 | s2cid = 53762864 }}</ref>

====Packaging standards====
[[File:Curette in sterile packaging.jpg|thumb|Curette in sterile pouch. Porous tyvek material allows gas sterilization]]
Medical device [[Social:Packaging|packaging]] is highly regulated. Often medical devices and products are sterilized in the package.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dacy D | title = Optimizing Package Design for EtO Sterilization | journal = Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry | volume = 33 | issue = 1 | year = 2010 | url = http://www.mddionline.com/article/optimizing-package-design-eto-sterilization}}</ref>
Sterility must be maintained throughout distribution to allow immediate use by physicians. A series of special packaging tests measure the ability of the package to maintain sterility. Relevant standards include:
* ASTM F2097 – ''Standard Guide for Design and Evaluation of Primary Flexible Packaging for Medical Products''
* ASTM F2475-11 – Standard Guide for Biocompatibility Evaluation of Medical Device Packaging Materials<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.astm.org/SNEWS/SO_2009/enright2_so09.html|title=ASTM International - Standards Worldwide|website=www.astm.org|access-date=2017-08-23|archive-date=2020-03-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317170600/https://www.astm.org/SNEWS/SO_2009/enright2_so09.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* EN 868 ''Packaging materials and systems for medical devices to be sterilized, General requirements and test methods''
* ISO 11607 ''Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices''

[[Engineering:Package testing|Package testing]] is part of a [[Quality management system|quality management system]] including [[Engineering:Verification and validation|verification and validation]]. It is important to document and ensure that packages meet regulations and end-use requirements. Manufacturing processes must be controlled and validated to ensure consistent performance.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Bix L, Fuente J | chapter = Medical Device Packaging | veditors = Yam KL | title = Wiley Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology | publisher = Wiley | date = 2009 | isbn = 978-0-470-08704-6 }}{{page needed|date=May 2019}}</ref><ref>
{{cite journal | vauthors = Fotis N, Bix L | title = Sample Size Selection Using Margin of Error Approach | journal = Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry | volume = 28 | issue = 10 | year = 2006 | pages = 80–89 | url = http://www.mddionline.com/article/sample-size-selection-using-margin-error-approach}}</ref> EN ISO 15223-1 defines symbols that can be used to convey important information on packaging and labeling.

==== Biocompatibility standards ====
* [[ISO 10993]] - Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices

====Cleanliness standards====
Medical device cleanliness has come under greater scrutiny since 2000, when Sulzer Orthopedics recalled several thousand metal hip implants that contained a manufacturing residue.<ref>{{cite conference |url=http://ors.org/Transactions/49/1346.pdf | vauthors = Spiegelberg SH, Deluzio KJ, Muratoglu OK |title=Extractable residue from recalled Inter-Op acetabular shells |conference=49th Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society |year=2003 }}</ref> Based on this event, ASTM established a new task group (F04.15.17) for established test methods, guidance documents, and other standards to address cleanliness of medical devices. This task group has issued two standards for permanent implants to date: 1. ASTM F2459: Standard test method for extracting residue from metallic medical components and quantifying via gravimetric analysis<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.astm.org/Standards/F2459.htm|title = Standard Test Method for Extracting Residue from Metallic Medical Components and Quantifying via Gravimetric Analysis|access-date = 15 June 2014|website = ASTM International Products and Services}}</ref> 2. ASTM F2847: Standard Practice for Reporting and Assessment of Residues on Single Use Implants<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.astm.org/Standards/F2847.htm|title = Standard Practice for Reporting and Assessment of Residues on Single Use Implants|access-date = 15 June 2014|website = ASTM Products and Services}}</ref> 3. ASTM F3172: Standard Guide for Validating Cleaning Processes Used During the Manufacture of Medical Devices<ref name="astm.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.astm.org/Standards/F3208.htm|title=ASTM F3208 - 17 Standard Guide for Selecting Test Soils for Validation of Cleaning Methods for Reusable Medical Devices|website=www.astm.org|access-date=27 March 2018}}</ref>

In addition, the cleanliness of re-usable devices has led to a series of standards, including:
* ASTM E2314: ''Standard Test Method for Determination of Effectiveness of Cleaning Processes for Reusable Medical Instruments Using a Microbiologic Method (Simulated Use Test)"<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.astm.org/Standards/E2314.htm|title = Standard Test Method for Determination of Effectiveness of Cleaning Processes for Reusable Medical Instruments Using a Microbiologic Method (Simulated Use Test)|access-date = 15 June 2014|website = ASTM International - Products and Services|archive-date = 10 May 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200510154119/https://www.astm.org/Standards/E2314.htm|url-status = dead}}</ref>''
* ASTM D7225: ''Standard Guide for Blood Cleaning Efficiency of Detergents and Washer-Disinfectors''<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.astm.org/Standards/D7225.htm|title = Standard Guide for Blood Cleaning Efficiency of Detergents and Washer-Disinfectors|date = 2014|access-date = 15 June 2014}}</ref>
* ASTM F3208: ''Standard Guide for Selecting Test Soils for Validation of Cleaning Methods for Reusable Medical Devices''<ref name="astm.org"/>

The ASTM F04.15.17 task group is working on several new standards that involve designing implants for cleaning, selection and testing of brushes for cleaning reusable devices, and cleaning assessment of medical devices made by additive manufacturing.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/F04.htm|title = Committee F04 on Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices|date = 2014|access-date = 15 June 2014}}</ref> Additionally, the FDA is establishing new guidelines for reprocessing reusable medical devices, such as orthoscopic shavers, endoscopes, and suction tubes.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/ReprocessingofReusableMedicalDevices/default.htm|title = Reprocessing of Reusable Medical Devices|date = 2014|access-date = 15 June 2014|website = U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Food and Drug Administration - Medical Devices}}</ref> New research was published in ACS Applied Interfaces and Material to keep Medical Tools pathogen free.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/researchers-find-ways-to-keep-medical-tools-pathogen-free-119120800893_1.html|title=Researchers find ways to keep medical tools pathogen free|last=ANI|date=2019-12-08|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-12-10}}</ref>

====Safety standards====

==Design, prototyping, and product development==
{{Main|Medicine:Medical device manufacturing}}
Medical device manufacturing requires a level of process control according to the classification of the device. Higher risk; more controls. When in the initial R&D phase, manufacturers are now beginning to design for manufacturability. This means products can be more precision-engineered to for production to result in shorter lead times, tighter tolerances and more advanced specifications and prototypes. These days, with the aid of CAD or modelling platforms, the work is now much faster, and this can act also as a tool for strategic design generation as well as a marketing tool.<ref name=bemd>{{cite book | vauthors = Wong K, Tu J, Sun Z, Dissanayake DW | title = Methods in Research and Development of Biomedical Devices | publisher = World Scientific Publishing | doi = 10.1142/8621 | year = 2013 | isbn = 978-981-4434-99-7 }}{{page needed|date=May 2019}}</ref>

Failure to meet cost targets will lead to substantial losses for an organisation. In addition, with global competition, the R&D of new devices is not just a necessity, it is an imperative for medical device manufacturers. The realisation of a new design can be very costly, especially with the shorter product life cycle. As technology advances, there is typically a level of quality, safety and reliability that increases exponentially with time.<ref name="bemd" />

For example, initial models of the artificial cardiac pacemaker were external support devices that transmits pulses of electricity to the heart muscles via electrode leads on the chest. The electrodes contact the heart directly through the chest, allowing stimulation pulses to pass through the body. Recipients of this typically developed an infection at the entrance of the electrodes, which led to the subsequent trial of the first internal pacemaker, with electrodes attached to the myocardium by thoracotomy. Future developments led to the isotope-power source that would last for the lifespan of the patient.{{page needed|date=May 2019}}

==Software==
{{Main|Medicine:Medical software}}

===Mobile medical applications===
With the rise of smartphone usage in the medical space, in 2013, the FDA issued to regulate mobile medical applications and protect users from their unintended use, soon followed by European and other regulatory agencies. This guidance distinguishes the apps subjected to regulation based on the marketing claims of the apps.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ConnectedHealth/MobileMedicalApplications/ucm255978.htm |title=Mobile Medical Applications |website=[[Organization:Food and Drug Administration|Food and Drug Administration]] |access-date=2020-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904095950/http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ConnectedHealth/MobileMedicalApplications/ucm255978.htm |archive-date=2015-09-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Incorporation of the guidelines during the development phase of such apps can be considered as developing a medical device; the regulations have to adapt and propositions for expedite approval may be required due to the nature of 'versions' of mobile application development.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Yetisen AK, Martinez-Hurtado JL, da Cruz Vasconcellos F, Simsekler MC, Akram MS, Lowe CR | title = The regulation of mobile medical applications | journal = Lab on a Chip | volume = 14 | issue = 5 | pages = 833–840 | date = March 2014 | pmid = 24425070 | doi = 10.1039/C3LC51235E | s2cid = 16910239 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Vincent CJ, Niezen G, O'Kane AA, Stawarz K | title = Can standards and regulations keep up with health technology? | journal = JMIR mHealth and uHealth | volume = 3 | issue = 2 | pages = e64 | date = June 2015 | pmid = 26041730 | pmc = 4526895 | doi = 10.2196/mhealth.3918 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

On September 25, 2013, the FDA released a draft guidance document for regulation of mobile medical applications, to clarify what kind of mobile apps related to health would not be regulated, and which would be.<ref>{{cite web | publisher = U.S. Food and Drug Administration | url = https://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/UCM263366.pdf | title = Mobile Medical Applications | work = Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff | date = 27 September 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | vauthors = Piccardo C |title=FDA Eases the Way for New Product Development |url=http://www.npiservices.com/fda-eases-product-development/ |publisher=NPI Services, Inc |date=28 July 2014 |access-date=17 February 2016}}</ref>

===Cybersecurity===
{{Further|Medicine:Medical device hijack}}
Medical devices such as [[Artificial cardiac pacemaker|pacemakers]], insulin pumps, operating room monitors, defibrillators, and surgical instruments, including deep-brain stimulators, can incorporate the ability to transmit vital health information from a patient's body to medical professionals.<ref>Jordan Robertson.  Associated Press 8/4/2011</ref> Some of these devices can be remotely controlled. This has engendered concern about privacy and security issues,<ref>{{cite journal| vauthors = Altawy R, Youssef A|title=Security Trade-offs in Cyber Physical Systems: A Case Study Survey on Implantable Medical Devices|journal=IEEE Access|volume=4|pages=959–979|doi=10.1109/ACCESS.2016.2521727|year=2016|doi-access=free|bibcode=2016IEEEA...4..959A }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-17 |title=Cybersecurity risks in professional services |url=https://skynetmts.com/cybersecurity-risks-in-professional-services/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=SkyNet Managed IT Services |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Human error|human error]], and technical glitches with this technology. While only a few studies have looked at the susceptibility of medical devices to hacking, there is a risk.<ref>New Health Hazard:Hackable Medical Implants. MSNBC.com's Technology</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Camara C, Peris-Lopez P, Tapiador JE | title = Security and privacy issues in implantable medical devices: A comprehensive survey | journal = Journal of Biomedical Informatics | volume = 55 | pages = 272–289 | date = June 2015 | pmid = 25917056 | doi = 10.1016/j.jbi.2015.04.007 | doi-access = free | hdl = 10016/26173 | hdl-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Pycroft L, Boccard SG, Owen SL, Stein JF, Fitzgerald JJ, Green AL, Aziz TZ | title = Brainjacking: Implant Security Issues in Invasive Neuromodulation | journal = World Neurosurgery | volume = 92 | pages = 454–462 | date = August 2016 | pmid = 27184896 | doi = 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.05.010 | url = https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:72f1b591-da44-475f-8145-c1d29ad91094 }}</ref> In 2008, computer scientists proved that pacemakers and defibrillators can be hacked wirelessly via radio hardware, an antenna, and a personal computer.<ref>{{cite web | vauthors = Takahashi D | title=Excuse Me While I turn off Your Pacemaker|url=https://venturebeat.com/2008/08/08/defcon-excuse-me-while-i-turn-off-your-pacemaker/|work=Venture Beat|date=8 Aug 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite conference | vauthors = Halperin D, Heydt-Benjamin TS, Ransford B, Clark SS, Defend B, Morgan W, Fu K, Kohno T, Maisel WJ | title =  Pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators: Software radio attacks and zero-power defenses. | conference = Proceedings of the 29th Annual IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy | url=https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/4531149 | doi=10.1109/SP.2008.31 | date=May 2008 | pages=129–142 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/12/business/12heart-web.html | title=A Heart Device is Found Vulnerable to Hacker Attacks | newspaper=The New York Times | date=12 March 2008 | vauthors = Feder BJ }}</ref> These researchers showed they could shut down a combination heart defibrillator and pacemaker and reprogram it to deliver potentially lethal shocks or run out its battery. Jay Radcliff, a security researcher interested in the security of medical devices, raised fears about the safety of these devices. He shared his concerns at the Black Hat security conference.<ref>Hacking Medical Devices for Fun and Insulin: Breaking the Human SCADA System</ref> Radcliff fears that the devices are vulnerable and has found that a lethal attack is possible against those with insulin pumps and glucose monitors. Some medical device makers downplay the threat from such attacks and argue that the demonstrated attacks have been performed by skilled security researchers and are unlikely to occur in the real world. At the same time, other makers have asked software security experts to investigate the safety of their devices.<ref>Globe and Mail. Thursday Oct. 27, 2011 Jim Finkle.  Insulin Pumps Vulnerable to Attacks by Hackers</ref> As recently as June 2011, security experts showed that by using readily available hardware and a user manual, a scientist could both tap into the information on the system of a wireless insulin pump in combination with a glucose monitor. With the PIN of the device, the scientist could wirelessly control the dosage of the insulin.<ref name="ReferenceA">Daily Tech June 15, 2011 Nidhi Subbaraman</ref> Anand Raghunathan, a researcher in this study, explains that medical devices are getting smaller and lighter so that they can be easily worn. The downside is that additional security features would put an extra strain on the battery and size and drive up prices. Dr. William Maisel offered some thoughts on the motivation to engage in this activity. Motivation to do this hacking might include acquisition of private information for financial gain or competitive advantage; damage to a device manufacturer's reputation; sabotage; intent to inflict financial or personal injury or just satisfaction for the attacker.<ref>Daily Tech June 15, 2011 Nidhi SubbaramanDaily Tech</ref> Researchers suggest a few safeguards. One would be to use rolling codes. Another solution is to use a technology called "body-coupled communication" that uses the human skin as a wave guide for wireless communication. On 28 December 2016, the US [[Organization:Food and Drug Administration|Food and Drug Administration]] released its recommendations that are not legally enforceable for how medical [[Medicine:Medical device manufacturing|device manufacturers]] should maintain the security of Internet-connected devices.<ref>{{cite web| vauthors = Becker R |title=New cybersecurity guidelines for medical devices tackle evolving threats|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/27/14095166/fda-guidance-medical-device-cybersecurity-cyberattack-hacking-guidelines|website=The Verge|access-date=29 December 2016|date=27 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Postmarket Management of Cybersecurity in Medical Devices|website=[[Organization:Food and Drug Administration|Food and Drug Administration]]|url=https://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/UCM482022.pdf|access-date=29 December 2016|date=28 December 2016}}</ref>

Similar to hazards, cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities cannot be eliminated but must be managed and reduced to a reasonable level.<ref>{{cite web |title=Content of Premarket Submissions for Management of Cybersecurity in Medical Devices |url=http://www.fda.gov |publisher=U.S. Food & Drug Administration |access-date=15 March 2019}}</ref> When designing medical devices, the tier of cybersecurity risk should be determined early in the process in order to establish a cybersecurity vulnerability and management approach (including a set of cybersecurity design controls). The medical device design approach employed should be consistent with the [[NIST Cybersecurity Framework]] for managing cybersecurity-related risks.

In August 2013, the FDA released over 20 regulations aiming to improve the security of data in medical devices,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-08-06/pdf/2013-19020.pdf |title=''Federal Register'' Vol 78, No 151, page 47712 |date=6 August 2013 |access-date=17 February 2016 |publisher=U.S. Government Publishing Office}}</ref> in response to the growing risks of limited cybersecurity.

=== Artificial intelligence ===
The number of approved medical devices using artificial intelligence or machine learning (AI/ML) is increasing. As of 2020, there were several hundred AI/ML medical devices approved by the US FDA or CE-marked devices in Europe.<ref name=":02">{{cite journal | vauthors = Benjamens S, Dhunnoo P, Meskó B | title = The state of artificial intelligence-based FDA-approved medical devices and algorithms: an online database | journal = npj Digital Medicine | volume = 3 | pages = 118 | date = 2020 | pmid = 32984550 | pmc = 7486909 | doi = 10.1038/s41746-020-00324-0 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="Muehlematter 2021">{{cite journal | vauthors = Muehlematter UJ, Daniore P, Vokinger KN | title = Approval of artificial intelligence and machine learning-based medical devices in the USA and Europe (2015-20): a comparative analysis | journal = The Lancet. Digital Health | volume = 3 | issue = 3 | pages = e195–e203 | date = March 2021 | pmid = 33478929 | doi = 10.1016/S2589-7500(20)30292-2 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="Wu 2021">{{cite journal | vauthors = Wu E, Wu K, Daneshjou R, Ouyang D, Ho DE, Zou J | title = How medical AI devices are evaluated: limitations and recommendations from an analysis of FDA approvals | journal = Nature Medicine | volume = 27 | issue = 4 | pages = 582–584 | date = April 2021 | pmid = 33820998 | doi = 10.1038/s41591-021-01312-x | s2cid = 233037201 }}</ref>  Most AI/ML devices focus upon radiology.  As of 2020, there was no specific regulatory pathway for AI/ML-based medical devices in the US or Europe.<ref name=":1">{{cite journal | vauthors = Gerke S, Babic B, Evgeniou T, Cohen IG | title = The need for a system view to regulate artificial intelligence/machine learning-based software as medical device | journal = npj Digital Medicine | volume = 3 | pages = 53 | date = 2020 | pmid = 32285013 | pmc = 7138819 | doi = 10.1038/s41746-020-0262-2 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="Muehlematter 2021" /><ref name="Wu 2021" /> However, in January 2021, the FDA published a proposed regulatory framework for AI/ML-based software,<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-releases-artificial-intelligencemachine-learning-action-plan|access-date=10 April 2021|title=FDA Releases Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Action Plan|website=[[Organization:Food and Drug Administration|Food and Drug Administration]]|date=12 January 2021}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web|title=Proposed Regulatory Framework for Modifications to Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)-Based Software as a Medical Device (SaMD)|url=https://www.fda.gov/files/medical%20devices/published/US-FDA-Artificial-Intelligence-and-Machine-Learning-Discussion-Paper.pdf|access-date=10 April 2021|website=[[Organization:Food and Drug Administration|Food and Drug Administration]]}}</ref> and the EU medical device regulation which replaces the EU Medical Device Directive in May 2021, defines regulatory requirements for medical devices, including AI/ML software.<ref name=":4">{{cite journal | vauthors = Beckers R, Kwade Z, Zanca F | title = The EU medical device regulation: Implications for artificial intelligence-based medical device software in medical physics | journal = Physica Medica | volume = 83 | pages = 1–8 | date = March 2021 | pmid = 33657513 | doi = 10.1016/j.ejmp.2021.02.011 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

==Medical equipment==

{{Hatnote|For other types of equipment, see Equipment}}
[[File:Marcelletti SO2.jpg|thumb|300px|Medical equipment]]

'''Medical equipment''' (also known as '''armamentarium'''<ref>{{cite web|title=ar·ma·men·tar·i·um|url=http://www.thefreedictionary.com/armamentarium|publisher=www.thefreedictionary.com|access-date=14 November 2013}}</ref>) is designed to aid in the [[Medicine:Diagnosis|diagnosis]], monitoring or treatment of medical conditions.

===Types===
There are several basic types:
* [[Medicine:Medical diagnosis|Diagnostic]] equipment includes [[Medicine:Medical imaging|medical imaging]] machines, used to aid in diagnosis. Examples are ultrasound and MRI machines, [[Physics:Positron emission tomography|PET]] and CT scanners, and [[Physics:X-ray machine|x-ray machine]]s.
* Treatment equipment includes [[Engineering:Infusion pump|infusion pump]]s, medical [[Physics:Laser|laser]]s and LASIK surgical machines.
* Life support equipment is used to ''maintain'' a patient's bodily function. This includes [[Medicine:Medical ventilator|medical ventilator]]s, incubators, [[Engineering:Anaesthetic machine|anaesthetic machine]]s, heart-lung machines, ECMO, and dialysis machines.
* Medical monitors allow medical staff to measure a patient's medical state. Monitors may measure patient vital signs and other parameters including ECG, [[Biology:Electroencephalography|EEG]], and [[Physics:Blood pressure|blood pressure]].
* Medical laboratory equipment automates or helps analyze [[Biology:Blood|blood]], [[Biology:Urine|urine]], [[Biology:Gene|gene]]s, and dissolved gases in the blood.
* Diagnostic medical equipment may also be used in the home for certain purposes, e.g. for the control of [[Medicine:Diabetes|diabetes]] mellitus, such as in the case of [[Medicine:Continuous glucose monitor|continuous glucose monitoring]].
* Therapeutic: physical therapy machines like [[Medicine:Continuous passive motion|continuous passive range of motion (CPM) machines]]
* Air purifying equipment may be used in the periphery of the operating room<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Carroll GT, Kirschman DL | title = A Peripherally Located Air Recirculation Device Containing an Activated Carbon Filter Reduces VOC Levels in a Simulated Operating Room | journal = ACS Omega | volume = 7 | issue = 50 | pages = 46640–46645 | date = December 2022 | pmid = 36570243 | pmc = 9774396 | doi = 10.1021/acsomega.2c05570 }}</ref> or at point sources including near the surgical site for the removal of surgical plume.<ref>{{Cite journal | vauthors = Carroll GT, Kirschman DL |date=2023-01-23 |title=Catalytic Surgical Smoke Filtration Unit Reduces Formaldehyde Levels in a Simulated Operating Room Environment = |journal=ACS Chemical Health & Safety |language=en |volume=30 |issue=1 |pages=21–28 |doi=10.1021/acs.chas.2c00071 |s2cid=255047115 |issn=1871-5532}}</ref>

The identification of medical devices has been recently improved by the introduction of [[Unique Device Identification]] (UDI) and standardised naming using the [[Medicine:Global Medical Device Nomenclature|Global Medical Device Nomenclature]] (GMDN) which have been endorsed by the International Medical Device Regulatory Forum (IMDRF).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdrf.org|title=International Medical Device Regulators Forum|website=www.imdrf.org}}</ref>

A [[Medicine:Biomedical equipment technician|biomedical equipment technician]] (BMET) is a vital component of the healthcare delivery system. Employed primarily by hospitals, BMETs are the people responsible for maintaining a facility's medical equipment. BMET mainly act as an interface between doctor and equipment.

===Medical equipment donation===
There are challenges surrounding the availability of medical equipment from a global health perspective, with low-resource countries unable to obtain or afford essential and life-saving equipment. In these settings, well-intentioned equipment donation from high- to low-resource settings is a frequently used strategy to address this through individuals, organisations, manufacturers and charities. However, issues with maintenance, availability of [[Medicine:Biomedical equipment technician|biomedical equipment technician]]s (BMET), supply chains, user education and the appropriateness of donations means these frequently fail to deliver the intended benefits. The WHO estimates that 95% of medical equipment in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is imported and 80% of it is funded by international donors or foreign governments. While up to 70% of medical equipment in sub-Saharan Africa is donated, only 10%–30% of donated equipment becomes operational.<ref>{{Cite web | publisher = WHO |title= Barriers to innovation in the field of medical devices: background paper 6|year=2010 | url = https://policycommons.net/artifacts/561640/barriers-to-innovation-in-the-field-of-medical-devices/1539593/ }}</ref> A review of current practice and guidelines for the donation of medical equipment for surgical and anaesthesia care in LMICs has demonstrated a high level of complexity within the donation process and numerous shortcomings. Greater collaboration and planning between donors and recipients is required together with evaluation of donation programs and concerted advocacy to educate donors and recipients on existing equipment donation guidelines and policies.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Marks IH, Thomas H, Bakhet M, Fitzgerald E | title = Medical equipment donation in low-resource settings: a review of the literature and guidelines for surgery and anaesthesia in low-income and middle-income countries | journal = BMJ Global Health | volume = 4 | issue = 5 | pages = e001785 | year = 2019 | pmid = 31637029 | pmc = 6768372 | doi = 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001785 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

The circulation of medical equipment is not limited to donations. The rise of reuse and recycle-based solutions, where gently-used medical equipment is donated and redistributed to communities in need, is another form of equipment distribution. An interest in reusing and recycling emerged in the 1980s when the potential health hazards of medical waste on the East Coast beaches became highlighted by the media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=US EPA |first=OLEM |date=2016-02-17 |title=Medical Waste |url=https://www.epa.gov/rcra/medical-waste |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=www.epa.gov |language=en}}</ref> Connecting the large demand for medical equipment and single-use medical devices, with a need for waste reduction, as well as the problem of unequal access for low-income communities led to the Congress enacting the Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |last=US EPA |first=OLEM |date=2016-02-17 |title=Medical Waste |url=https://www.epa.gov/rcra/medical-waste |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=www.epa.gov |language=en}}</ref> Medical equipment can be donated either by governments or non-governmental organizations, domestic or international.<ref name = "Eze_2020">{{Cite journal | vauthors = Eze S, Ijomah W, Wong TC | date = July 2020 |title=Remanufacturing: a potential sustainable solution for increasing medical equipment availability |journal=Journal of Remanufacturing |language=en |volume=10 |issue=2 |pages=141–159 |doi=10.1007/s13243-020-00080-0 |issn=2210-4690|hdl=10419/232989 | s2cid = 256063823 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> Donated equipment ranges from bedside assistance to radiological equipment.

Medical equipment donation has come under scrutiny with regard to donated-device failure and loss of warranty in the case of previous-ownership. Most medical devices and production company warranties to do not extend to reused or donated devices, or to devices donated by initial owners/patients. Such reuse raises matters of patient autonomy, medical ethics, and legality.<ref name = "Eze_2020" /> Such concerns conflict with the importance of equal access to healthcare resources, and the goal of serving the greatest good for the greatest number.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Runge MW, Baman TS, Davis S, Weatherwax K, Goldman E, Eagle KA, Crawford TC | title = Pacemaker recycling: A notion whose time has come | journal = World Journal of Cardiology | volume = 9 | issue = 4 | pages = 296–303 | date = April 2017 | pmid = 28515847 | pmc = 5411963 | doi = 10.4330/wjc.v9.i4.296 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

== Academic resources ==
* ''Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing journal''
* ''[[Medicine:Expert Review of Medical Devices|Expert Review of Medical Devices journal]]''

=== University-based research packaging institutes ===
* [[Organization:University of Minnesota|University of Minnesota]] - Medical Devices Center (MDC)
* [[Organization:University of Strathclyde|University of Strathclyde]] - Strathclyde Institute of Medical Devices (SIMD)
* Flinders University - Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI)
* [[Organization:Michigan State University|Michigan State University]] - School of Packaging (SoP)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canr.msu.edu/packaging/|title=School of Packaging|website=School of Packaging|language=en|access-date=2017-08-23}}</ref>
* IIT Bombay - Biomedical Engineering and Technology (incubation) Centre (BETiC)

== See also ==
* [[Engineering:Assistive technology|Assistive technology]]
* Clinical engineer
* [[Medicine:Design history file|Design history file]]
* [[Medicine:Durable medical equipment|Durable medical equipment]]
* [[Engineering:Electromagnetic compatibility|Electromagnetic compatibility]]
* Electronic health record
* Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices
* GHTF
* [[Medicine:Health Level 7|Health Level 7]]
* [[Medicine:Home medical equipment|Home medical equipment]]
* [[Medicine:Instruments used in general medicine|Instruments used in general medicine]]
* [[Engineering:List of common EMC test standards|List of common EMC test standards]]
* [[Medicine:Medical grade silicone|Medical grade silicone]]
* [[Medicine:Medical logistics|Medical logistics]]
* Medical technology
* Pharmacopoeia
* [[Engineering:Safety engineer|Safety engineer]]
* [[Medicine:Telemedicine|Telemedicine]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite book |title=The Danger Within Us: America's Untested, Unregulated Medical Device Industry and One Man's Battle to Survive It |year=2017 | vauthors = Lenzer J |isbn=978-0316343763 |publisher=Little, Brown and Company}}

== External links ==


[[Category:Medical devices| ]]
[[Category:Health care]]

{{Sourceattribution|Medical device}}