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I’m new to my orthopedic implants and associated instrument company and inherited a 510(k) in review. In this 510(k) and those cleared in the last year, we had no discussion on usability 62366-1. We also didn’t discuss evidence for biocompatibility beyond materials standards, and predicate comparison. That was not the case in my previous company (external communicating devices, short-term). Can you help me understand why these devices are being treated differently? Marked as spam
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Private answer
Robert Packard
You have observed one of the perceived inconsistencies between the various branches of the FDA. However, there is in fact a good explanation. Regarding usability, most implants are implanted in accordance with surgical technique guides, the manufacturer often provides cadaver labs for surgeons that are new to the devices and most of the devices are implanted using similar techniques. Since orthopedic surgeons are trained in a variety of implant fixation methods, usability would only be required if the technique was novel and/or novel instruments were being used for alignment and cutting guides. With regards to biocompatibility, the FDA has no question that the materials are biocompatible. The only question is whether residuals remain on the parts from the manufacturing process. I have seen new companies demonstrate there are no residuals remaining on the parts, while most established companies provide a biocompatibility certification statement that indicates the devices are identical in biocompatibility to other devices that the company already has on the market. Marked as spam
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