FDA Proposes Lower Risk Classification, Special Controls for External Pacemakers

Classification of "preamendment" device clarifies FDA review process

SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a proposed rule and draft special controls guidance lowering the risk classification for external pacemaker pulse generators from Class III (high-risk) to Class II (moderate-risk).

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External pacemaker pulse generators are used temporarily to regulate a patient's heartbeat until a permanent pacemaker can be implanted. They are also used following heart surgery or after a heart attack to control irregular heartbeats.  

"The FDA has assessed the benefits and risks of external pacemaker pulse generators," said Christy Foreman, director of the Office of Device Evaluation at the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). "The special controls outlined in this draft guidance, along with general controls, will assure the safety and efficacy of these devices and provide manufacturers with a more predictable path to market."  

General controls include requirements regarding good manufacturing practice, labeling, registering all establishments with the FDA, listing all devices to be marketed and submitting a premarket notification [510(k)] before marketing a device.

However, general controls alone are insufficient to assure safety and effectiveness of Class II devices. In addition to complying with general controls, Class II devices are also subject to special controls, which may include special labeling requirements, mandatory performance standards and postmarket surveillance.

External pacemaker pulse generators are "preamendment" devices, meaning they were on the market prior to the Medical Device Amendments Act of 1976. Approximately 100 preamendment device types were classified as Class III devices, but many continued to be reviewed under the 510(k) program because the FDA did not issue regulations requiring applications for premarket approval (PMAs).

In 2009, CDRH began the process for the review of the remaining Class III preamendment device types subject to 510(k) review to determine whether to reclassify them or require PMAs.  

External pacemaker pulse generators are one of the 22 remaining Class III preamendment devices that have been regulated through the 510(k) premarket submission program, rather than the premarket approval program required for other Class III devices.  

The proposed rule and draft special controls guidance do not significantly change the FDA's review of external pacemakers pulse generators, but they do provide manufacturers with clarity and specific guidance on what information is needed in a 510(k) for these products.

For more information:

Draft Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: External Pacemaker Pulse Generator

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm275701.htm

Proposed Rule: Reclassification of External Pacemaker Pulse Generator Devices

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-10-17/html/2011-26625.htm

515 Program Initiative

http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHTransparency/ucm240310.htm

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration