A novel method for conformity assessment testing of mechanical ventilators for post-market surveillance purposes

BACKGROUND

Mechanical ventilators are medical devices used in intensive care units when patients are in need of mechanical aid to facilitate the process of breathing. As the function of breathing is the exchange of gases, the mechanical ventilator takes over that function while the patient is incapable to spontaneous breathing. As these devices are used to maintain the life of patents, their performance must be ensured and there cannot be significant deviations in the volumes and pressure of gases they introduce to the patient. The new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) defines medical device post-market surveillance (PMS) as performed by independent, third-party, notified bodies more strategically in hope to improve traceability of device performance. However, there is still an apparent gap in terms of standardised conformity assessment testing methods.

OBJECTIVE

This paper proposes a novel method for conformity assessment testing of mechanical ventilators for post-market surveillance purposes.

METHOD

The method was developed on the basis of metrology characteristics of mechanical ventilators and evaluation of their vital safety and performance parameters. In addition to the evaluation of essential safety and visual integrity of mechanical ventilators, their performance in terms of volume of oxygen delivered to the patient as well as the flow and pressure of the delivered gas is evaluated.

RESULTS

The developed method was validated between 2018 and 2021 in healthcare institutions of all levels. The results obtained during validation suggest that conformity assessment testing of mechanical ventilators as a method used during PMS contributes to significant improvement in devices' accuracy and reliability.

CONCLUSION

A standardized approach in conformity assessment testing of mechanical ventilators during PMS, besides increasing reliability of the devices, is the first step in digital transformation of management of these devices in healthcare institutions opening possibility for use of artificial intelligence.

A novel method for conformity assessment testing of patient monitors for post-market surveillance purposes

BACKGROUND

Patient monitors are medical devices used to monitor vital parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and body temperature during inpatient treatment. As such, patient monitors provide physicians with information necessary to adjust the treatment as well as evaluate the overall status and recovery of the patient. Measurements made by intrinsic sensors of patient monitors must be compliant and provide reliable readings in order to ensure safety and optimal quality of care to the patients.

OBJECTIVE

This paper proposes a novel method for conformity assessment testing of patient monitors in healthcare institutions for post-market surveillance purposes.

METHOD

The method was developed on the basis of metrology characteristics of sensors used to monitor vital parameters observed by patient monitors and evaluation of their vital safety and performance parameters. In addition to the evaluation of essential safety and visual integrity of patient monitors, their performance in terms of accuracy of the readings is evaluated.

RESULTS

The developed method was validated between 2018 and 2021 in healthcare institutions of all levels. The results obtained during validation suggest that conformity assessment testing of patient monitors as a method used during PMS contributes to significant improvement in devices' accuracy and reliability.

CONCLUSION

A standardized approach in conformity assessment testing of patient monitors during PMS, besides increasing reliability of the devices, is the first step in digital transformation of management of these devices in healthcare institutions opening possibility for use of artificial intelligence.

A novel method for conformity assessment testing of dialysis machines for post-market surveillance purposes

BACKGROUND

Dialysis machines are used regularly in healthcare practice. They are classified as a type of medical device with moderate and high risk therefore significant requirements are placed on their safety and performance every time they are used on patients. The new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) defines medical device post-market surveillance (PMS) as performed by independent, third-party, notified bodies more strategically in hope to improve traceability of device performance. However, there is still an apparent gap in terms of standardised conformity assessment testing methods.

OBJECTIVE

This paper proposes a novel evidence-based method for conformity assessment testing of dialysis machines for post-market surveillance purposes.

METHOD

The novel method is developed according to the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) guidelines and is to be used for the purpose of conformity assessment testing of Dialysis machines with respect to their metrological characteristics during PMS.

RESULTS

The developed method was validated between 2018 and 2021 in healthcare institutions of all levels. The results obtained during validation suggest that conformity assessment testing of dialysis machines as a method used during PMS contributes to significant improvement in devices' accuracy and reliability.

CONCLUSION

A standardized approach in conformity assessment testing of dialysis machines during PMS, besides increasing reliability of the devices, is the first step in digital transformation of management of these devices in healthcare institutions opening possibility for use of artificial intelligence.

A novel method for conformity assessment testing of infusion and perfusion pumps for post-market surveillance purposes

BACKGROUND

Introduction of fluids, medicaments and nutrients into the human body during hospitalization is fundamental for treatment and healing of patients. Fluids are introduced by means of infusion pumps while nutrients and medicaments are introduced by perfusion pumps. It is of vital importance for these devices to deliver exact amounts of the aforementioned substances as significant deviations can result in severe patient harm. Therefore it is important to effectively monitor their performance and prevent failures.

OBJECTIVE

This paper proposes a novel method for conformity assessment testing of infusion and perfusion pumps for post-market surveillance purposes.

METHOD

The method was developed on the basis of metrology characteristics of the devices. In addition to the evaluation of essential safety and visual integrity of infusion and perfusion pumps, their performance in terms of delivered volumes was assessed and monitored.

RESULTS

The developed method was validated between 2018 and 2021 in healthcare institutions of all levels. The results obtained during validation suggest that conformity assessment testing of infusion and perfusion pumps as a method used during PMS contributes to significant improvement in devices' accuracy and reliability.

CONCLUSION

A standardized approach in conformity assessment testing of infusion and perfusion pumps during PMS, besides increasing reliability of the devices, is the first step in digital transformation of management of these devices in healthcare institutions opening possibility for use of artificial intelligence.

A novel method for conformity assessment testing of anaesthesia machines for post-market surveillance purposes

BACKGROUND

Anaesthesia machines, as moderate to high-risk medical devices intended for use on patients during surgical procedures must be safe and reliable with traceable performance every time they are used in healthcare practice. The new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) defines medical device post-market surveillance (PMS) as performed by independent, third-party, notified bodies more strategically in hope to improve traceability of device performance. However, there is still an apparent gap in terms of standardised conformity assessment testing methods.

OBJECTIVE

This paper proposes a novel evidence-based method for conformity assessment testing of anaesthesia machines for post-market surveillance purposes.

METHOD

The novel method is developed according to the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) guidelines and is to be used for the purpose of conformity assessment testing of anaesthesia machines with respect to their technical and metrological characteristics during PMS.

RESULTS

The developed method was validated between 2018 and 2021 in healthcare institutions of all levels. The results obtained during validation suggest that conformity assessment testing of anaesthesia machines as a method used during PMS contributes to significant improvement in devices' accuracy and reliability.

CONCLUSION

A standardized approach in conformity assessment testing of anaesthesia machines during PMS, besides increasing reliability of the devices, is the first step in digital transformation of management of these devices in healthcare institutions opening possibility for use of artificial intelligence.

A novel method for conformity assessment testing of defibrillators for post-market surveillance purposes

BACKGROUND

Defibrillators are medical devices (MDs) used in the most critical situations, hence their performance must be ensured at all times. This requires defibrillators to be subjected to regular performance assessments after they have been placed on the market. The new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) defines medical device post-market surveillance (PMS) as performed by independent, third-party, notified bodies more strategically in hope to improve traceability of device performance. However, there is still an apparent gap in terms of standardised conformity assessment testing methods.

OBJECTIVE

This paper proposes a novel evidence-based method for conformity assessment testing of defibrillators.

METHOD

The proposed method is developed in accordance with the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) guidelines and is intended to be used for conformity assessment testing of defibrillators for post-market surveillance purposes.

RESULTS

The developed method was validated from 2018 to 2021 in healthcare institutions of all levels. The results obtained during validation suggest that conformity assessment testing of defibrillators as a method used during PMS contributes to significant improvement in devices' accuracy and reliability.

CONCLUSION

A standardized approach in conformity assessment testing of defibrillators during PMS, besides increasing reliability of the devices, is the first step in the digital transformation of the management of these devices in healthcare institutions opening possibility for use of artificial intelligence.

A novel method for conformity assessment testing of therapeutic ultrasounds for post-market surveillance purposes

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic ultrasounds are medical devices used for treatment of conditions such muscle spasms, joint contractures or general muscle pain. Their function relies in the delivery of ultrasonic pulses that generate heat in tissue thus relieving the symptoms of aforementioned conditions. Accuracy of the delivered pulses directly affects the quality and effectiveness of the treatment and has to be ensured throughout the utilization of the therapeutic ultrasound in practice. The new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) defines medical device post-market surveillance (PMS) as performed by independent, third-party, notified bodies more strategically in hope to improve traceability of device performance. However, there is still an apparent gap in terms of standardised conformity assessment testing methods.

OBJECTIVE

This paper proposes a novel method for conformity assessment testing of therapeutic ultrasounds for post-market surveillance purposes.

METHOD

The method was developed based on metrology characteristics of therapeutic ultrasounds and includes visual, electrical safety and performance inspections of therapeutic ultrasounds to ensure that both safety and treatment reliability are achieved.

RESULTS

The developed method was validated between 2018 and 2021 in healthcare institutions of all levels. The results obtained during validation suggest that conformity assessment testing of therapeutic ultrasounds as a method used during PMS contributes to significant improvement in devices' accuracy and reliability.

CONCLUSION

A standardized approach in conformity assessment testing of therapeutic ultrasounds during PMS, besides increasing reliability of the devices, is the first step in digital transformation of management of these devices in healthcare institutions opening possibility for use of artificial intelligence.