In January 2024, a series of new MDCG Guidance documents relating to medical device and in vitro diagnostic medical device vigilance were published on the European Commission website.
These five documents – the first MDCG guidance published this year, consist of a Device Specific Vigilance Guidance (DSVG) Template (MDCG 2024-1) and four further DSVGs for ‘Specific Devices’ including devices for cardiac ablation, coronary stents, cardiac implantable electronic devices and breast implants.
Since this is not an exhaustive list, it is assumed that further DSVGs for said ‘Specific Devices’ will be available in the future.
The purpose of the template and associated examples is to “harmonize vigilance reporting and provide guidance for manufacturers of Specific Devices” and provide clarification for vigilance reporting of such devices to the relevant Competent Authority.
MDCG 2024-1 should be read in conjunction with the requirements of the MDR and IVDR.
These new documents seek to help manufacturers on what to report–specifically incidents, serious incidents, periodic summary reports (PSR) and trends. Examples for certain ‘Specific Devices’ are provided, with applicable clinical references and guidelines also suggested. Notably, these MDCG guidances advise manufacturers to utilize IMDRF codes to categorize the medical device problem (IMDRF Annex A) and associated clinical signs and symptoms (IMDRF Annex A). Manufacturers should consult the most recent version of IMDRF codes provided within each MDCG.
How Can NAMSA Help?
Through experience supporting manufacturers to CE mark approval under the MDR, NAMSA has observed that trending and trend reporting requirements under the MDR are often overlooked and inadequately maintained.
NAMSA’s regulatory consultants can provide practical advice and hands-on support to enable manufacturers to implement and manage trending processes that are robust and applicable to their organization. If you require support with your post-market surveillance, vigilance and trending, Contact Us or learn more about our Regulatory experts here.