MDR 2017/745 Specialist
EU MDR compliance patterns for medical device classification, technical documentation, and clinical evidence.
Table of Contents
Device Classification Workflow
Classify device under MDR Annex VIII:
Identify device duration (transient, short-term, long-term)
Determine invasiveness level (non-invasive, body orifice, surgical)
Assess body system contact (CNS, cardiac, other)
Check if active device (energy dependent)
Apply classification rules 1-22
For software, apply MDCG 2019-11 algorithm
Document classification rationale
Validation: Classification confirmed with Notified Body
Classification Matrix
| Factor | Class I | Class IIa | Class IIb | Class III |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Any | Short-term | Long-term | Long-term |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive | Body orifice | Surgical | Implantable |
| System | Any | Non-critical | Critical organs | CNS/cardiac |
| Risk | Lowest | Low-medium | Medium-high | Highest |
Software Classification (MDCG 2019-11)
| Information Use | Condition Severity | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Informs decision | Non-serious | IIa |
| Informs decision | Serious | IIb |
| Drives/treats | Critical | III |
Classification Examples
Example 1: Absorbable Surgical Suture
Rule 8 (implantable, long-term)
Duration: > 30 days (absorbed)
Contact: General tissue
Classification: Class IIb
Example 2: AI Diagnostic Software
Rule 11 + MDCG 2019-11
Function: Diagnoses serious condition
Classification: Class IIb
Example 3: Cardiac Pacemaker
Rule 8 (implantable)
Contact: Central circulatory system
Classification: Class III
Technical Documentation
Prepare technical file per Annex II and III:
Create device description (variants, accessories, intended purpose)
Develop labeling (Article 13 requirements, IFU)
Document design and manufacturing process
Complete GSPR compliance matrix
Prepare benefit-risk analysis
Compile verification and validation evidence
Integrate risk management file (ISO 14971)
Validation: Technical file reviewed for completeness
Technical File Structure
ANNEX II TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION
├── Device description and UDI-DI
├── Label and instructions for use
├── Design and manufacturing info
├── GSPR compliance matrix
├── Benefit-risk analysis
├── Verification and validation
└── Clinical evaluation report
GSPR Compliance Checklist
| Requirement | Evidence | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Safe design (GSPR 1-3) | Risk management file | ☐ |
| Chemical properties (GSPR 10.1) | Biocompatibility report | ☐ |
| Infection risk (GSPR 10.2) | Sterilization validation | ☐ |
| Software requirements (GSPR 17) | IEC 62304 documentation | ☐ |
| Labeling (GSPR 23) | Label artwork, IFU | ☐ |
Conformity Assessment Routes
| Class | Route | NB Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| I | Annex II self-declaration | None |
| Is/Im | Annex II + IX/XI | Sterile/measuring aspects |
| IIa | Annex II + IX or XI | Product or QMS |
| IIb | Annex IX + X or X + XI | Type exam + production |
| III | Annex IX + X | Full QMS + type exam |
Clinical Evidence
Develop clinical evidence strategy per Annex XIV:
Define clinical claims and endpoints
Conduct systematic literature search
Appraise clinical data quality
Assess equivalence (technical, biological, clinical)
Identify evidence gaps
Determine if clinical investigation required
Prepare Clinical Evaluation Report (CER)
Validation: CER reviewed by qualified evaluator
Evidence Requirements by Class
| Class | Minimum Evidence | Investigation |
|---|---|---|
| I | Risk-benefit analysis | Not typically required |
| IIa | Literature + post-market | May be required |
| IIb | Systematic literature review | Often required |
| III | Comprehensive clinical data | Required (Article 61) |
Clinical Evaluation Report Structure
CER CONTENTS
├── Executive summary
├── Device scope and intended purpose
├── Clinical background (state of the art)
├── Literature search methodology
├── Data appraisal and analysis
├── Safety and performance conclusions
├── Benefit-risk determination
└── PMCF plan summary
Qualified Evaluator Requirements
Medical degree or equivalent healthcare qualification
4+ years clinical experience in relevant field
Training in clinical evaluation methodology
Understanding of MDR requirements
Post-Market Surveillance
Establish PMS system per Chapter VII:
Develop PMS plan (Article 84)
Define data collection methods
Establish complaint handling procedures
Create vigilance reporting process
Plan Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSUR)
Integrate with PMCF activities
Define trend analysis and signal detection
Validation: PMS system audited annually
PMS System Components
| Component | Requirement | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| PMS Plan | Article 84 | Maintain current |
| PSUR | Class IIa and higher | Per class schedule |
| PMCF Plan | Annex XIV Part B | Update with CER |
| PMCF Report | Annex XIV Part B | Annual (Class III) |
| Vigilance | Articles 87-92 | As events occur |
PSUR Schedule
| Class | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Class III | Annual |
| Class IIb implantable | Annual |
| Class IIb | Every 2 years |
| Class IIa | When necessary |
Serious Incident Reporting
| Timeline | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 2 days | Serious public health threat |
| 10 days | Death or serious deterioration |
| 15 days | Other serious incidents |
EUDAMED and UDI
Implement UDI system per Article 27:
Obtain issuing entity code (GS1, HIBCC, ICCBBA)
Assign UDI-DI to each device variant
Assign UDI-PI (production identifier)
Apply UDI carrier to labels (AIDC + HRI)
Register actor in EUDAMED
Register devices in EUDAMED
Upload certificates when available
Validation: UDI verified on sample labels
EUDAMED Modules
| Module | Content | Actor |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | Company registration | Manufacturer, AR |
| UDI/Device | Device and variant data | Manufacturer |
| Certificates | NB certificates | Notified Body |
| Clinical Investigation | Study registration | Sponsor |
| Vigilance | Incident reports | Manufacturer |
| Market Surveillance | Authority actions | Competent Authority |
UDI Label Requirements
Required elements per Article 13:
[ ] UDI-DI (device identifier)
[ ] UDI-PI (production identifier) for Class II+
[ ] AIDC format (barcode/RFID)
[ ] HRI format (human-readable)
[ ] Manufacturer name and address
[ ] Lot/serial number
[ ] Expiration date (if applicable)
Reference Documentation
MDR Classification Guide
references/mdr-classification-guide.md contains:
Complete Annex VIII classification rules (Rules 1-22)
Software classification per MDCG 2019-11
Worked classification examples
Conformity assessment route selection
Clinical Evidence Requirements
references/clinical-evidence-requirements.md contains:
Clinical evidence framework and hierarchy
Literature search methodology
Clinical Evaluation Report structure
PMCF plan and evaluation report guidance
Technical Documentation Templates
references/technical-documentation-templates.md contains:
Annex II and III content requirements
Design History File structure
GSPR compliance matrix template
Declaration of Conformity template
Notified Body submission checklist
Tools
MDR Gap Analyzer
# Quick gap analysis
python scripts/mdr_gap_analyzer.py --device "Device Name" --class IIa
# JSON output for integration
python scripts/mdr_gap_analyzer.py --device "Device Name" --class III --output json
# Interactive assessment
python scripts/mdr_gap_analyzer.py --interactive
Analyzes device against MDR requirements, identifies compliance gaps, generates prioritized recommendations.
Output includes:
Requirements checklist by category
Gap identification with priorities
Critical gap highlighting
Compliance roadmap recommendations
Notified Body Interface
Selection Criteria
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Designation scope | Covers your device type |
| Capacity | Timeline for initial audit |
| Geographic reach | Markets you need to access |
| Technical expertise | Experience with your technology |
| Fee structure | Transparency, predictability |
Pre-Submission Checklist
[ ] Technical documentation complete
[ ] GSPR matrix fully addressed
[ ] Risk management file current
[ ] Clinical evaluation report complete
[ ] QMS (ISO 13485) certified
[ ] Labeling and IFU finalized
[ ] Validation: Internal gap assessment complete