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FDA released a draft guidance document for patient matched guides for orthopedic implants.  The guidance provides recommendations to manufacturers regarding the design-and-production process for these types of devices.  Patient matched guides, as the name implies, are unique to the patient and are created to assist pre-surgical planning.  The clinician is better able to visualize proper...
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Our partner Windi Hary and I annotated a recent FDA Warning Letter.  There is much one can learn from Warning Letters and we highly encourage our clients to make review and analysis of warning letters a regular part of your quality program. Click here to download this teaching aid:  Warning Letter – iRhythm Technologies, Inc...
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When developing medical devices, a manufacturer may have difficulty knowing when (or what) the transition from research phase activities to design controls has begun.  Often this is due to the nature of research itself – one is exploring a concept or design approach that may or may not pan out in the end.  The US...
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This post discusses some code review basics – concepts and inspection ideas that one might use when performing a code review.  A code review is a technical verification activity.  The purpose is most often to identify coding errors against the design intent – one is verifying that the code actually accomplishes what that author intended....
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When considering software process and software validation requirements for product software versus tool software, it can be very confusing and challenging.  We have created a job aid that can help facilitate the discussion of the differences between the two.  Available to our premium (or higher) level subscribers. The QSR which requires that “when computers or...
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Most medical device manufacturers use many, many software programs, systems, or services to automate quality system This software is not to be confused with product software – that is, software that runs as part of a medical device.  Medical device in this context could be custom hardware devices or Software as a Medical Device (SaMD)....
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As the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning methods expand in medical devices and HealthIT software, an oft asked question is whether the data sets used for training should be retained as part of the design history file (DHF) or other long term storage mechanisms.  SoftwareCPR partners Alan Kusinitz, Sherman Eagles, John Murray,...
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This content is only available to our Premium subscribers. See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. ISO 14971 was updated and released in 2019.  We previously discussed the internal debate regarding ISO 14917 in this post ISO 14971 versus the EU Commission. There are several items to consider with the new update: Section 10.1 – “The manufacturer...
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This content is only available to our Premium subscribers. See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. Raffaele Caliri and Jordan Pate have recently updated our 62366-1 Assessment Checklist to align with the 2020 amendment.  This version of the standard has been pared down a bit and looks a lot different than the familiar 2008 version...
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This content is only available to our Premium subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions.   The agency rule list for Spring 2020, accessible at https://www.reginfo.gov/public, announced that the “Medical Device De Novo Classification Process” rule is in the final rule stage. Although the FDA has previously written a guidance document about the...
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This content is only available to our Premium subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. What is a Real-Time PMA Supplement? Section 737(4)(D) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines a Real-Time PMA Supplement as: “a supplement to an approved premarket application or premarket report under section 515 that requests a...
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This content is only available to our Premium subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. You are likely aware of the CAPA process overall and how it fits in to the quality management system for a medical device manufacturer or supplier.  Just the name itself, corrective and preventive action, describes one of the...
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This “FDA GPSV Traceability Expectations” post is only available to Premium subscribers. See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. Going way back to the late 1990’s, FDA had an expectation that safe and effective software would require a well thought out development lifecycle that includes many activities designed to ensure the correctness and robustness...
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ISO 14971 Risk Analysis Identifying safety risks in medical devices is a challenging and laborious process.  The process standard, ISO 14971, is a systematic, total product risk management lifecycle process to identify, control, and evaluate risk, where risk is defined as the combination of severity of the harm (to people, property, or environment) and probability...
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This content is only available to Premium subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. As more “software as a medical device” (SaMD) applications are developed and marketed, there has been an increased focus on what activities and documentation are required for compliance with US medical device regulations and applicable ISO standards.  Along with...
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This content is only available to Premium subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. This template is conceived as a partial example template for a generic small device with embedded real time control. Explanatory comments are included in << comment >>. Other text is example definition that you should replace with your own...
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This content is only available to Standards Navigator subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. A SoftwareCPR example for software release note and revision history.  Software Revision Level History Example
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The West Australian reported that two autonomous haulage systems (AHS) trucks experienced a collision when one of the trucks backed into the cab of the second truck that was stationary at the time.  This is of interest to us as the AHS trucks are software controlled and they crashed.  Clearly a failure mode.  The initial report is...
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FDA issued a Safety Communication on January 31, 2019, (see Safety Communication Link) warning of the risk of air being introduced in a blood vessel (air-in-line) and air embolism for infusion pumps, fluid warmers, rapid infusers, and accessory devices.  This communication is directed toward users (both clinical and service personnel) and patients.  However, what can system architects,...
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One of the most difficult challenges for medical device and HealthIT manufacturers is to properly "level" the design requirements for their medical device systems such that it is clear when it comes to design validation versus design verification.
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This content is only available to our Premium subscribers. A presentation on IEC 62304 Second Edition may be found at the following link: IEC 62304 2nd Edition Presentation
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. It contains all software and computer related recall excerpts for the years listed. Some of the newest recalls on the site may not be included. This compilation is provided in reverse chronological order and is useful for quick review,...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. The attached pdf file contains all software and computer related warning letter excerpts posted on this site for the years listed. Some of the newest warning letters on the site may not be included since we only update this...
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This update addresses International and US National medical device standards (“a view of the landscape”) being developed or revised that may be of interest to developers of software for medical devices or healthcare. Some of these standards are used directly for regulatory purposes and others may be valuable in demonstrating to regulatory authorities that a...
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Summary of primary medical device standards as well as standards specific to Medical Device and Health IT software
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. Created a job aide which compares the IEC 62304 and IEC 82304 elements for requirements. This is only intended to be used as a starting point and requires interpretation based on knowledge of each standard and the type of...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. Use this as a starting point to gather information on the software development environment (and related information) as required in FDA’s Guidance for Software Information to be included in open market submissions. It is only intended as a starting...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. SoftwareCPR checklist for “IEC 82304-1: Health software – Part 1: General requirements for product safety.”  Download: IEC 82304 SoftwareCPR Checklist SoftwareCPR can provide conformance assessments, training, or expert consultation for efficient use and implementation of 82304 for medical device...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. The attached pdf file contains all Part 11 related warning letter excerpts included on this site as of the date above.  This file is updated periodically, but for the most recent warning letters between these updates, do text...
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The link provided is our revised checklist for changes in Amendment 1. You will need to login as a paid subscriber to download this checklist.
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. It contains a training aid that provides an overview comparison between the 2015 Amendment of IEC 62304 and FDA requirements based on 62304 Safety Classes. SCPRed_SoftwareCPR-FDA-62304SafetyClasscomparisonTrainingAide
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. A sample checklist for releasing or updating software is at the link provided. GoLiveiChecklistTrainingExample111115  
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. It contains all software and computer related recall excerpts for the years listed. Some of the newest recalls on the site may not be included. This compilation is provided in reverse chronological order and is useful for quick review,...
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This content is only available to our Premium subscribers. See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. In SoftwareCPR training classes on IEC 62304 and FDA regulation, we sometimes use a fabricated example of a vertical slice of software documentation. This example includes requirements specification, risk analysis, design, and testing along with commentary for one functional...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. It contains all software and computer related warning letter excerpts included on this site. Some of the newest warning letters on the site may not be included since we only update this comprehensive document periodically. This compilation is provided...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. Mary Decareau of SoftwareCPR prepared a tiered checklist for EN 62366 Medical devices – Application of usability engineering to medical devices for our internal use and we are making it available to paid subscribers at the link provided and...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. The SFDA prepared a draft document entitled “Explanations on the Basic Requirements of Application for Registration of Medical Device Software” on April 28, 2012, which is linked below. This was initially translated to English by JIRA (Japan Industries Association...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. The attached pdf file contains all software and computer related warning letter excerpts included on this site. Some of the newest warning letters on the site may not be included since we only update this comprehensive document periodically. This...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. The pdf at the link provided contains a training template used in SoftwareCPR training on production and quality system software validation. It presents a general validation form for discussion that can be used itself for simple applications or tools...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. The pdf at the link provided contains selected templates used in SoftwareCPR training on medical device software standards focused on IEC 62304. These are not intended to be ideal for all situations or comprehensive but are intended to serve...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. Slides from a 2010 presentation by Molly Ray of SoftwareCPR are at the link provided as a pdf. These slides provide an introduction to pre-market submissions for devices that are, or contain, software. SoftwareCPRPresentation-510ks-101510
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. The attached zip file contains 3 training templates. One is for an example software development SOP, one is a companion software development plan, and one is a template for software risk analysis incorporating the concept of predefined categories of...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. The attached pdf is a SoftwareCPR training aide and should not be used blindly to fill in the blanks. It is a partial example of a software risk analysis procedure and report. It is just one partial approach that...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. The pdf at the link provided contains a set of FDA reference documents and partial examples used in SoftwareCPR training courses on Validation of Production and Quality System Software and Part 11. This is just a partial set and...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. The attached pdf is a training aide and should not be used blindly to fill in the blanks. It is a partial example of Software Design Specification tailored from an IEEE standard. Design Spec – SoftwareCPR Template-Rev3
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. The attached pdf is a training aide and should not be used blindly to fill in the blanks. It is a partial example of a User Interface Design Specification. UI Design – SoftwareCPR Template-Rev2
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. The attached pdf is a SoftwareCPR training aide and should not be used blindly to fill in the blanks. It is a partial example for a software requirements specification (SRS) for a small surgical device. SRS-template-embeddev-SoftwareCPRtrainingdocRev2
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. Prepared this example Device Risk Management SOP for the purpose of risk analysis training where the pros and cons could be further discussed.  This example is modeled on the approach required by ISO 14971 and expands on it with...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. This reference manual includes select FDA documents as well as SoftwareCPR training aides and checklists that SoftwareCPR uses in its training courses on Validation of Clinical Trials Computer Systems. The PDF is over 2 MB so be patient downloading...
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This content is only available to Premium and higher subscribers.  See our Subscribe page for information on subscriptions. 21 CFR Part 11 is a topic of current focus for FDA and industry.  This manual contains the most important FDA documents related to Part 11 as well as some key SoftwareCPR educational Aides as listed below: This manual...
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SoftwareCPR Training Courses:

IEC 62304 and other emerging standards for Medical Device and HealthIT Software

Our flagship course for preparing regulatory, quality, engineering, operations, and others for the activities and documentation expected for IEC 62304 conformance and for FDA expectations. The goal is to educate on the intent and purpose so that the participants are able to make informed decisions in the future.  Focus is not simply what the standard says, but what is meant and discuss examples and approaches one might implement to comply.  Special deep discount pricing available to FDA attendees and other regulators.

3-days onsite with group exercises, quizzes, examples, Q&A.

Instructor: Brian Pate

Next public offering:  TBD

Email training@softwarecpr.com to request a special pre-registration discount.  Limited number of pre-registration coupons.

Registration Link:

TBD

 


 

Being Agile & Yet Compliant (Public or Private)

Our SoftwareCPR unique approach to incorporating agile and lean engineering to your medical device software process training course is now open for scheduling!

  • Agile principles that align well with medical
  • Backlog management
  • Agile risk management
  • Incremental and iterative software development lifecycle management
  •  Frequent release management
  • And more!

2-days onsite (4 days virtual) with group exercises, quizzes, examples, Q&A.

Instructors: Mike Russell, Ron Baerg

Next public offering: March 7 & 28, 2024

Virtual via Zoom

Registration Link:

Register Now

 


 

Medical Device Cybersecurity (Public or Private)

This course takes a deep dive into the US FDA expectations for cybersecurity activities in the product development process with central focus on the cybersecurity risk analysis process. Overall approach will be tied to relevant standards and FDA guidance documentation. The course will follow the ISO 14971:2019 framework for overall structure but utilize IEC 62304, IEC 81001-5-1, and AAMI TIR57 for specific details regarding cybersecurity planning, risk characterization, threat modeling, and control strategies.

2-days onsite with group exercises, quizzes, examples, Q&A.

Instructor: Dr Peter Rech, 2nd instructor (optional)

Next public offering:  TBD

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