Case Study

MEDICAL DEVICE: “Tackling Major Data Insufficiency Findings from Notified Body Review”

Introduction: In the dynamic landscape of medical device regulations, a small yet innovative manufacturer recently encountered a formidable obstacle. The submission of their flagship orthopedic device for MDR review resulted in major findings of clinical data insufficiency from the Notified Body (NB). Recognizing the need for adept navigation through these challenges, the company sought the expertise of Criterion Edge.

Challenges Unveiled: The intricate examination of the Clinical Evaluation Report (CER) through a meticulous gap analysis by Criterion Edge unearthed a series of pivotal challenges:


Systematic Literature Review (SLR) Methodology Critique:

  • The SLR exhibited unclear and poorly designed search protocols.
  • Essential documentation of screening decisions and reasons for exclusion was absent.
  • Data extraction suffered from inaccuracies, compromising the integrity of the review.

Competitor Device Search Precision:

  • Errors in the competitor device search were identified, including the inclusion of irrelevant devices.
  • This oversight not only affected the accuracy of the data but also the relevance of the comparative analysis.

Safety and Performance Objectives (SPOs) Realignment:

  • The safety and performance objectives were scrutinized and found to be inadequately designed.
  • They failed to seamlessly support the intended use of the device, as outlined in the Instructions for Use (IFU).

Strategic Responses Deployed: A collaborative partnership between Criterion Edge and the client paved the way for targeted and effective responses to the identified challenges:

SPOs Redesign for Precision:

  • The safety and performance objectives underwent a comprehensive redesign.
  • The objective was to realign them with precision to harmonize with the intended use of the subject device.

Precision in Competitor Device Search:

  • Criterion Edge meticulously pruned irrelevant devices from the competitor device search.
  • The search was rerun, emphasizing the identification of acceptance criteria relevant to the subject device's updated safety and performance objectives.

Navigating the Regulatory Seas: The outcome of this collaborative endeavor was nothing short of a triumph. The concerted efforts between the client and Criterion Edge, demonstrated in the strategic updates to the CER, were met with approval during the second round of NB feedback. This success not only addressed the NB's concerns but also highlighted the resilience and adaptability essential in overcoming regulatory challenges.

In Retrospect: This case study serves as a testament to the intricate dance between regulatory demands and strategic responses. It underscores the vital role that specialized expertise and collaborative partnerships play in steering medical devices through the intricate seas of regulatory compliance.

Conclusion: In the realm of medical device regulations, the journey is often fraught with challenges. Yet, as exemplified in this case study, strategic collaboration and meticulous guidance from Criterion Edge not only led to overcoming the hurdles but also illuminated a pathway for future successes in the complex regulatory landscape.
 

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With over 4 decades of regulatory writing experience and thousands of gap analyses produced, Criterion Edge not only provides experienced writers with PhDs and MDs, but also expertise in regulatory writing best practices, methodologies, and technologies.

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What is Criterion Edge?

Criterion Edge is a focused service provider, delivering medical/regulatory writing and clinical safety services to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The company’s expertise in regulatory writing and safety, honed over decades, utilizes best practice processes, produces superior deliverables, and provides budget, resource and timeline flexibility for clients. Criterion Edge empowers companies to deliver superior health care solutions.

Pillars of Success

Expertise

Criterion Edge management has over 40 years of industry experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and in vitro diagnostics regulatory space.

Flexibility

All our medical writers and quality-control experts are trained to industry best practices, and kept current on changing global regulatory guidelines.

Quality

We have developed state-of-the-art templates, tools and analysis practices to quickly identify the root cause of quality issues, and implement solutions for our clients.

Specialized Team Members

Allows each member of the team to concentrate on an area of expertise finding quality writers.

Distributed Resources

Removes geographic dependence in finding quality writers.

Flexible Staffing Model

Designed by writers, for experienced medical writers, reducing turnover to nearly zero.