Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Devine Guidance

MDD–Article 11

By Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine
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Article 11 of the Medical Device Directive aligns the actual classification of devices with the applicable Annex in order to affix a CE mark containing the notified body’s registration number. There are three important takeaways from this week: one, device manufacturers need to understand the link between device classification and the appropriate Annexes; two, notified bodies are permitted to grant application extensions for up to five years and; three, the Competent Authority can grant device entry…

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Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Devine Guidance

MDD–Article 10

By Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine
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This week we discuss Article 10 of the Medical Device Directive which establishes the reporting requirements for incidents within the European Union, also known as vigilance reports. The key takeaway is that there is an incident reporting system alive and well within the EU. Device manufacturers are expected to act immediately when reports of patient and user injury or death occur.

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Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Devine Guidance

MDD–Article 9

By Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine
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This week, we discuss Article 9 of the Medical Device Directive that delineates the requirements for Classification. In fact it is Dr. D’s opinion that the European approach to device classification is significantly better than the approach pursued by FDA. Remember, device classification will drive the path for conformity for devices entering the EU, and ultimately, the need for compiling a technical file or a design dossier to support the application process.

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Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Devine Guidance

MDD–Article 8

By Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine
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Article 8, of Council Directive 93/42/EEC, a.k.a., the Medical Device Directive (MDD) delineates the requirements for the “Safeguard Clause.” The takeaway from this edition is simple: device manufacturers are expected to react quickly when their devices have been identified as posing a threat to public health and safety within the EU.

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Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Devine Guidance

MDD–Articles 6 & 7

By Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine
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This week, we briefly discuss Articles 6 and 7. For this edition, the takeaway is simple, read and understand Articles 6 and 7; however, do not lose sleep worrying over their impact on device manufacturers. Why? Because Articles 6 and 7 pertain to the Commission, the Committee and the establishment of rules for the oversight of standards, period.

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Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Devine Guidance

MDD–Article 5

By Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine
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Article 5 of Council Directive 93/42/EEC, a.k.a., the Medical Device Directive (MDD) defines the requirement for “reference to standards.” For this week, there is just one takeaway. The notified bodies like the harmonized standards. They will make the lives of device manufacturers miserable if the manufacturers fail to embrace these same standards.

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Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Devine Guidance

MDD–Article 4

By Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine
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Article 4 of the Medical Device Directive establishes the requirements for “free movement, devices intended for special purposes.” This week’s Devine Guidance will provide some insight needed for complying with Article 4 of the MDD. In my opinion, the language issue will continue to be a challenge for the device industry, for the foreseeable future.

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Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Devine Guidance

MDD–Article 3

By Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine
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There are three takeaways from this week’s edition: one, Article 3 of the MDD establishes the need for compliance to Essential Requirements with a mandate to comply with Annex I; two, completion of the ERC is not optional, it is a requirement, and you are expected to keep the checklist current; and three, Dr. D strongly suggests adhering to harmonized standards.

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Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine, President, Devine Guidance International
Devine Guidance

MDD – Definitions and Scope

By Dr. Christopher Joseph Devine
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The Medical Device Directive encompasses a far more complex array of documents than the Quality System Regulation. The major takeaways from this edition of DG are: (a) significant changes made to the definitions of the MDD (21 March 10) should be clearly understood; (b) PPE requires a stand-alone and unique ERC; (c) depending on the application, software is now in scope of the MDD; and (d) combination devices require compliance to requirements delineated in multiple Directives.

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