In this Medtech Matters podcast episode of Mike on Medtech with Mike Drues, president of Vascular Sciences, we look at the 483s and warning letters that resulted from FDA inspections in 2022. The list is alarmingly similar to previous years and the discussion explores why that’s the case. The discussion also centers around ways device manufacturers can avoid making many of these same mistakes that get other companies into trouble with the agency. Specifically, the following questions are addressed: Can run through the top reasons for 483s and warning letters? Can you provide some examples of ..read more

In this Medtech Matters podcast episode of Mike on Medtech with Mike Drues, president of Vascular Sciences, we continue to discuss lab developed tests (LDTs) and whether or not the FDA should have the authority to regulate them. How would FDA oversight impact quality and timeliness of care? How do LDTs relate to what happened with Theranos? Specifically, the following questions are addressed between the two parts of this podcast presentation: Can you start today’s conversation by explaining why we’ve selected this topic for today’s discussion? Has there been an update to this debate? What is ..read more

In this Medtech Matters podcast episode of Mike on Medtech with Mike Drues, president of Vascular Sciences, we look at the debate over lab developed tests (LDTs) and whether or not the FDA should have the authority to regulate them. What would this type of oversight do to the need for speed with these types of tests? Would FDA supervision make things safer and also avoid future situations like the Theranos debacle? Specifically, the following questions are addressed between the two parts of this podcast presentation: Can you start today’s conversation by explaining why we’ve selected this to ..read more

In this Medtech Matters podcast episode of Mike on Medtech with Mike Drues, president of Vascular Sciences, we look at what happens to products on the market under the FDA’s emergency use authorization (EUA). Once the EUA period ends, what happens to these products? As President Biden has already declared the pandemic to be over, this timeframe will be approaching quickly. Specifically, the following questions are addressed: Could you please explain what an EUA is within the regulatory context of the pandemic? Under whose authority is the pandemic deemed over such that the status of devices ..read more

In this Medtech Matters podcast episode of Mike on Medtech with Mike Drues, president of Vascular Sciences, we look at how a company can promote the off-label use of a medical device. It would seem to go against FDA regulation to do so, but there are acceptable methods that can be utilized that essentially promote the off-label use. Specifically, the following questions are addressed: Since this discussion came out of the last podcast on intended use, can you give a very quick summation of that rule? Can you speak to the relationship between intended use and off-label use? When it comes to a ..read more

In this Medtech Matters podcast episode of Mike on Medtech with Mike Drues, president of Vascular Sciences, we look at the FDA’s Intended Use rule and how it impacts device labeling. It is also revealed how labeling can be used by medical device OEMs as a competitive advantage. Specifically, the following questions are addressed: Could you please explain exactly what we mean by labeling, and further, clarify the difference between high level and low level labeling? How can labeling, both high level and low level, be used as a strategic advantage? Could you please explain the difference betwe ..read more

In this Medtech Matters podcast episode of Mike on Medtech with Mike Drues, president of Vascular Sciences, we look at the Special Controls that are part of the FDA’s regulatory requirements for Class II devices. During the conversation, the purpose of these Special Controls is presented. Additionally, ways to use these regulatory requirements to gain a competitive advantage is also discussed. Specifically, the following questions are addressed: Would you please explain what we mean by Special Controls? What are they, and how and when are they used? What makes these “special”? Would you mind ..read more

In this Medtech Matters podcast episode of Mike on Medtech with Mike Drues, president of Vascular Sciences, we look at the FDA’s policy known as Refuse to Accept (RTA) as it relates to 510k submissions. Sadly, some companies are rejected due to Refuse to Accept as many as three times, which is a completely avoidable problem. Specifically, the following questions are addressed: Please start with an explanation of the FDA’s review process. What happens after the agency receives a submission? This is the third Refuse to Accept guidance from FDA. Can you provide an overview of all three and expl ..read more

In this Medtech Matters podcast episode of Mike on Medtech with Mike Drues, president of Vascular Sciences, we examine medical device recalls. More specifically, the focus of the discussion is on voluntary recalls, why they occur, and why companies need to be ready to conduct a recall. The FDA’s involvement with a recall is also presented as well as what “recall ready” means. Specifically, the following questions are addressed: Can you start by explaining what a voluntary recall is and why or when it’s used? Is there any differences in the process for a voluntary recall across any of FDA’s c ..read more

In this Medtech Matters podcast episode of Mike on Medtech with Mike Drues, president of Vascular Sciences, we highlight a number of areas in which the agency’s regulatory oversight could be considered lacking. If the agency incorporated the highlighted ideas from this podcast, might it smooth the pathway to market for some products? Might it enhance communication with the FDA? Could they be welcome additions? Specifically, the following questions are addressed: Can you please take a minute to explain why we are dedicating an episode to what’s missing from regulatory and quality systems? Fir ..read more