Question-based development of high-risk medical devices

Question-based development of high-risk medical devices: A proposal for a structured design and review process

White, N.A. (TU Delft Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology; Leiden University Medical Center)
Oude Vrielink, Timo J.C. (Leiden University Medical Center)
van der Bogt, Koen E.A. (Leiden University Medical Center)
Cohen, Adam F. (Leiden University Medical Center; Centre for Human Drug Research)
Rotmans, Joris I. (Leiden University Medical Center)
Horeman, T. (TU Delft Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology)

2023

Introduction: The recent introduction of the European Medical Device Regulation poses stricter legislation for manufacturers developing medical devices in the EU. Many devices have been placed into a higher risk category, thus requiring more data before market approval, and a much larger focus has been placed on safety. For implantable and Class III devices, the highest risk class, clinical evidence is a necessity. However, the requirements of clinical study design and developmental outcomes are only described in general terms due to the diversity of devices. Methods: A structured approach to determining the requirements for the clinical development of high-risk medical devices is introduced, utilizing the question-based development framework, which is already used for pharmaceutical drug development. An example of a novel implantable device for haemodialysis demonstrates how to set up a relevant target product profile defining the device requirements and criteria. The framework can be used in the medical device design phase to define specific questions to be answered during the ensuing clinical development, based upon five general questions, specified by the question-based framework. Results: The result is a clear and evaluable overview of requirements and methodologies to verify and track these requirements in the clinical development phase. Development organizations will be guided to the optimal route, also to abandon projects destined for failure early on to minimize development risks. Conclusion: The framework could facilitate communication with funding agencies, regulators and clinicians, while highlighting remaining ‘known unknowns’ that require answering in the post-market phase after sufficient benefit is established relative to the risks.

clinical trials
framework
Medical Device Regulation
medical devices
question-based development

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:85e3c366-5c6b-475b-82df-f2f5b0fba736

https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.15685

0306-5251

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 89 (7), 2144-2159

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2023 N.A. White, Timo J.C. Oude Vrielink, Koen E.A. van der Bogt, Adam F. Cohen, Joris I. Rotmans, T. Horeman