Develop software components compliant with IEC 62304 and FDA

Medical software manufacturers must meet the legal requirements for software components in order to “approve” their devices. This article presents these requirements and gives seven tips on how to fulfill them quickly and easily. 1. What software components / items are There are different definitions of “software component”, also referred to as software items as…

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Clinical endpoints: Why they are important

When notified bodies identify discrepancies in clinical evaluations, in many cases, these relate to the clinical endpoints. It is, therefore, essential for medical device manufacturers to specify the clinical endpoints precisely and to demonstrate that they have actually been achieved. This article explains what manufacturers should pay particular attention to. 1. Clinical endpoints: The basics…

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Probability of software defects

The probability of software defects is difficult to estimate. It’s so difficult that the “old” DIN EN IEC 62304:2006 wrote: “However, there is no agreement on how to determine the probability of the occurrence of software failures using traditional statistical methods.” The standard concluded that “the probability of such a malfunction must be assumed to…

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Finally understandable: use scenario – user story – user task

IEC 62366-1 uses the concept of (hazard-related) use scenario. The FDA uses the concept of critical (user) tasks. In development, one works with use cases and user stories. This diversity of terms makes a common understanding difficult. However, this is necessary to create consistent and legally compliant usability files and to avoid regulatory problems. This…

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Risk management report: There are options

Laws and standards require organizations to prepare a risk management report. Notified bodies and authorities examine these reports intensively because risk management is a key regulatory requirement. Therefore, it is important (not only) for manufacturers to prepare precise, complete, and correct risk management reports. This article provides assistance in this regard. 1. What is a…

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Special authorizations for medical devices: Last resort for manufacturers?

Special authorizations are a concept of the MDR (Article 59). In this way, the legislator wants to create a possibility to place medical devices on the market in emergency or exceptional cases, even without having gone through a complete or successful conformity assessment procedure. Special authorizations should not be confused with concessions and exemptions under…

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