#383: What Standards Apply to My Device?

Global Medical Device Podcast powered by Greenlight Guru

In this episode, Etienne Nichols talks with Leo Eisner, renowned as the "IEC 60601 Guy" and founder of Eisner Safety Consultants, about the importance of selecting the right standards in medical device development.

Leo shares his journey into the world of medical device standards, offering a detailed look into the role that standards play in ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance. They dive deep into IEC 60601, ISO 15223, and the regulatory landscape across global markets.

Leo also shares actionable advice on avoiding pitfalls, prioritizing standards, and ensuring compliance to bring safe, effective devices to market without delays.

Key Timestamps:

• [03:20] – Introduction to Leo Eisner and his background in medical device standards
• [10:15] – Why standards like IEC 60601 are crucial for medical device development
• [18:45] – Steps for identifying the right standards for your product
• [27:00] – Common mistakes and the consequences of ignoring standards
• [38:50] – How to integrate standards into your design process
• [47:35] – How startups can navigate standards with limited resources
• [58:00] – Tools for staying updated on changing standards and regulations
• [1:09:40] – Final advice from Leo on ensuring regulatory success

Notable Quotes:

• "When you really think about it, all this work leads to safer medical devices on the market—that’s crucial." – Leo Eisner
• "Standards may seem like obstacles, but they’re design inputs that ensure your device will work as intended in every scenario." – Etienne Nichols
• "If you don’t integrate standards early in the design phase, you bring design risk later into the project, which can be very costly." – Leo Eisner

Key Takeaways:

MedTech Trends:

1. Regulatory Compliance as a Design Input – Standards such as IEC 60601 are not just hurdles but key design inputs.
2. Global Market Variations – Different countries have unique regulatory demands; understanding these early can avoid costly delays.
3. Atomic Standards – Future standards are becoming more "atomic," meaning they’ll be broken down into more easily applicable, smaller parts.

Practical Tips for MedTech Professionals:

1. Start Early with Standards – Review applicable standards in the initial design phase to avoid costly delays later.
2. Use the Right Tools – Tools like MedBoard and the FDA’s guidance database can help you stay updated.
3. Seek Expert Help – If you're a startup or lack in-house resources, work with a qualified consultant to navigate the regulatory landscape efficiently.

Questions for Future Developments in MedTech:

1. Will the move toward "atomic" standards streamline regulatory processes for startups?
2. How will global regulatory bodies harmonize standards across different markets?
3. What emerging standards will impact next-gen MedTech innovations like AI and robotic surgery?

References:

• Greenlight Guru - Quality Management System & Electronic Data Capture solutions built by Medtech professionals for Medtech professionals.
• Leo Eisner on LinkedIn – Connect with Leo for expert insights on compliance and regulatory standards.
• IEC Standards – The international standard for the safety of electrical medical equipment.
• ISO 15223 – Standard for symbols to be used with medical device labeling.
• MedBoard – A platform for regulatory intelligence, tracking medical device standards.
• Etienne Nichols on LinkedIn – Connect with the podcast host for ongoing discussions on medical device development.

MedTech 101:

Consensus Standards – These are standards developed by experts in the field and recognized by regulatory bodies like the FDA. While they are technically voluntary, using them greatly simplifies the regulatory approval process.

Audience Poll:

What aspect of medical device standards do you find most challenging?

1. Understanding which standards apply
2. Incorporating standards into product design
3. Keeping up with regulatory changes
4. Managing costs associated with compliance

Send us your thoughts at [e-mail]!

Sponsor Mentions:

Greenlight Guru – Today’s episode is brought to you by Greenlight Guru, the only quality management software designed specifically for the medical device industry. Built for MedTech professionals by MedTech professionals, Greenlight Guru’s EQMS software helps you manage compliance, quality, and innovation all in one. Learn more at greenlight.guru.

Rook Quality Systems – Need quality expertise on demand? Rook Quality Systems provides “quality as a service,” giving you access to their seasoned quality professionals as quickly as you need them. Whether it’s for a project or ongoing support, Rook offers tailored consulting services to help meet your quality and compliance needs. Learn more at rookqs.com.

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