Regulatory Requirements For Medical Devices And Vascular Ageing: An Overview

A comparative study of medical device regulation between countries based on their economies

INTRODUCTION

Medical devices play a crucial role in healthcare, addressing the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various medical conditions. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of medical device regulations across nations, considering the economic contexts of diverse countries.

AREAS COVERED

The research involves a comparative examination of medical device regulations, dissecting unique frameworks in countries like the United States (US), European Union (EU), India, and Africa. These nations were chosen based on economic significance, market influence, and regulatory structures. The study aims to achieve a nuanced understanding of global medical device regulation, develop strategies to enhance guidelines, especially in developing nations, and provide recommendations for improvements in relevant regions.

EXPERT OPINION

Through this study, valuable insights are gained into the diverse regulatory frameworks governing medical devices globally. The analysis identifies areas within these frameworks that require improvement, as well as strategies to enhance regulatory guidelines, particularly addressing the specific needs of developing economies. Ultimately, the research provides significant recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders. By offering a deeper understanding of regulatory intricacies, this study establishes pragmatic approaches to address challenges within the medical device industry and improve the regulatory landscape on a global scale.

Medical device regulation in vascular ageing assessment: a VascAgeNet survey exploring knowledge and perception

BACKGROUND

Regulation has a key role for medical devices throughout their lifecycle aiming to guarantee effectiveness and safety for users. Requirements of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) have an impact on novel and previously approved systems. Identification of key stakeholders' needs can support effective implementation of MDR improving the translation to clinical practice of vascular ageing assessment. The aim of this work is to explore knowledge and perception of medical device regulatory framework in vascular ageing field.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A survey was developed within VascAgeNet and distributed in the community by means of the EUSurvey platform.

RESULTS

Results were derived from 94 participants (27% clinicians, 62% researchers, 11% companies) and evidenced mostly a fair knowledge of MDR (despite self-judged as poor by 51%). Safety (83%), validation (56%), risk management (50%) were considered relevant and associated with the regulatory process. Structured support and regulatory procedures connected with medical devices in daily practice at the institutional level are lacking (only 33% report availability of a regulatory department).

CONCLUSIONS

Regulation was recognized relevant by the VascAgeNet community and specific support and training in medical device regulatory science was considered important. A direct link with the regulatory sector is not yet easily available.

Medical Device Regulation: Should We Care About It?

Medical devices are subject to strict regulatory and approval processes to enter the market and to be used by operators and patients. These are needed to guarantee the users’ safety. The different activities of these processes have important implications for all involved stakeholders and for the whole lifecycle of a medical device. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of some key aspects of the new EU Medical Device Regulation and to show why researchers, innovators and clinicians should care about it. Awareness of regulatory requirements can improve the innovation process and its efficiency in terms of both social and ethical impact, but this awareness needs to be raised in the upcoming months and years. One can shortly say “yes, one needs to take care” of the new EU Medical Device Regulation. First and foremost, it is crucial for the sake of the users’ safety, which is the regulation’s intrinsic goal. Second, it should not just be seen as an obstacle for new innovations in the medical domain, but as a chance as it can provide new opportunities.