Quality Systems
241 articles
FDA Breast Implant Recalls: Allergan, BIA-ALCL, and the 580,000-Report MAUDE Record
Breast implant analysis: 16 Class I FDA recalls (Allergan BIOCELL), 1,380 BIA-ALCL cases, and 580,000 MAUDE reports. Capsular contracture and implant failure lead complications.
FDA Pacemaker and ICD Recalls: 451 Enforcement Actions and the Lead-Failure Record
Pacemaker and ICD analysis: 451 FDA enforcement actions (188 Class I) and 558,000 MAUDE reports. Boston Scientific and Medtronic lead; software and lead-impedance faults dominate Class I.
FDA Surgical Mesh Recalls: 171 Actions and the Polymeric-Mesh MAUDE Record
Surgical mesh analysis: 171 FDA recalls, 15 Class II enforcements, and 145,000 MAUDE reports. Bard/Davol leads recalls and reports; the POP-mesh 510(k) line was pulled to Class III in 2016.
Hemodialysis Recalls: 821 Events Show the Burden Sits in Disposables, Not Machines
FDA hemodialysis recall analysis: 821 events across 26 dialysis codes — 96.6% in disposables and catheters, not machines. 82 Class I actions; Fresenius and Baxter lead.
Home Oxygen Concentrator Recalls: 44 FDA CAW Records and 11 Class I Actions
Home oxygen concentrator CAW recall analysis: 44 FDA recall records; 33 have enforcement classifications, including 11 Class I. Nidek leads the Class I fire record across 52,664 MAUDE reports.
FDA Infusion Pump Recalls: 1,180 Events and the Class I Software-and-Alarm Causes
FDA infusion pump recall analysis: 1,180 events, 189 Class I actions. Software and alarm defects dominate the most serious recalls, led by BD, Baxter, and ICU Medical.
FDA Surgical Stapler Recalls: 19 Class I Actions and the Misfire-and-Fragmentation Record
FDA surgical stapler analysis: 222 enforcement actions, 19 Class I recalls. Ethicon dominates the most-serious actions; malformation, misfire, and fragmentation lead, across 31,000 MAUDE reports.
510(k)-Exempt in 2026: How to Check the QMSR, Registration, and UDI Duties You Owe
A 510(k) exemption removes one filing, not your compliance program. How to confirm exempt status and the QMSR, registration, and UDI duties that survive.
PMA Supplement Types Explained: 180-Day, Panel-Track, Real-Time, 30-Day, and Special
How to choose the right PMA supplement type under 21 CFR 814.39 — 180-day, panel-track, real-time, 30-day notice, and special — with data on what changes actually drive supplements.
FDA QMSR Remediation Mandate: Pre-2026 Findings Now Require ISO 13485
IsoTis and Longhorn warning letters set FDA precedent: pre-QMSR corrective actions must now meet ISO 13485. Internal audit exposure, risk citations, and prep steps.
EU MDR Post-Market Surveillance Plan: MDCG 2025-10 Practical Guide
Build a PMS plan aligned with MDCG 2025-10 guidance: proactive data collection, QMS integration, trend reporting, PMS reports vs PSURs, and custom-made device obligations.
21 CFR Part 4: Combination Product cGMP Quality Systems for Drug-Device Manufacturers
How drug-device combination product manufacturers implement quality systems under 21 CFR Part 4 — streamlined approach, QMSR update, design controls, stability, and EU MDR Article 117.
ISO 19011:2026: What the Updated Audit Standard Means for Medical Device Manufacturers
ISO 19011:2026 embeds hybrid auditing, digital evidence management, and updated auditor competence across the audit lifecycle — what ISO 13485 and QMSR programs need to update.
UK MHRA International Reliance Pathway: Draft Regulations 2026 Analysis
MHRA's draft Medical Devices Regulations 2026: International Reliance Pathway for US, Canada, and Australia approvals, IVD reclassification, PCCPs for AI software, and what manufacturers must prepare.
FDA 510(k) Exemptions for Unclassified Devices: June 2026 Guidance Update
FDA's June 5, 2026 guidance adds five unclassified device product codes to the 510(k) exemption list. Covers all 13 codes, enforcement policy, remaining obligations, and next steps.
Medical Device Cybersecurity Is Now a Procurement Gate: 2026 Hospital Buying Data
RunSafe's 2026 Index: 56% of hospitals reject devices over cybersecurity, 35% won't buy without an SBOM, and 84% include security in RFPs. What manufacturers must do now.
ISO 13485 Audit Findings: Most Common Nonconformities by Clause and How to Prevent Them
The ISO 13485 clauses most cited in audit findings — root causes and corrective actions for document control, CAPA, design controls, suppliers, internal audits, and process validation.
Medical Device Software Verification vs Validation: FDA and IEC 62304 Requirements
Software verification vs validation for medical devices — FDA expectations, IEC 62304 activities, documentation, traceability, and the design control process.
FDA 510(k) Guidance Documents: Device-Specific Requirements and Special Controls
How to find and use FDA 510(k) guidance documents, Class II special controls, device-specific submission requirements, and the CDRH FY 2026 guidance agenda to prepare stronger premarket submissions.
eDHR for Medical Devices: QMSR, Part 11 & Digital Manufacturing (2026)
eDHR implementation guide for medical device manufacturers: QMSR requirements, 21 CFR Part 11, MES integration, ISO 13485, paper-to-digital migration, and inspection readiness.