In the realm of modern healthcare, the role of system and procedure packs cannot be overstated. These packs serve as invaluable tools, simplifying intricate medical procedures and enhancing patient outcomes. By providing pre-packaged solutions, they streamline complex medical, surgical, or therapeutic processes, eliminating the need for healthcare professionals to gather individual components separately. This approach offers numerous advantages, including reduced preparation time, prevention of contamination, and decreased packaging waste.
The European Union Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR) has ushered in significant changes in the regulatory landscape for medical devices in Europe. Amidst the various provisions and requirements, the regulation of medical procedure packs and system packs have undergone notable adjustments. Article 22 of EU MDR 2017/745 outlines the regulatory requirements for both system and procedure packs.
Understanding System and Procedure Packs.
As per MDR Article 2(10), a procedure pack is a combination of products packaged together and marketed for use in a specific medical procedure. These packs consist of a set of medical devices and/or accessories bundled together to facilitate a particular medical task. Examples include orthodontic procedure packs, skin traction kits, first aid kits, catheterization kits, and wound change kits.
According to EU MDR Article 2(11), a system refers to a combination of products, whether packaged together or not, intended for interconnection or combination to achieve a specific medical purpose. System packs contain various products designed to function as a cohesive system, serving a specific medical purpose. These can encompass a wide range of items, from diagnostic equipment to surgical instruments, often assembled for specific medical specialties or clinical applications. Examples include X-ray systems.
Components of System and Procedure Packs
A procedure pack can include solely medical devices, but it may also contain other product types that are subject to different regulations. Medical devices bearing a CE marking can be combined in a manner consistent with their intended purpose and manufacturer's usage limits, allowing them to be marketed as a system pack. The following types of devices can be combined together:
Other devices bearing the CE marking.
CE marked In vitro diagnostic medical devices in compliance with EU IVDR
2017/746.
Other products, including non-medical devices, provided they adhere to relevant legislation whose inclusion in system or procedure pack is justified within a medical procedure context.
CE Marking of System and Procedure Packs
The System and procedure packs themselves are not considered medical devices and do not require a CE marking. Producers of these packs are not subjected to the same requirements as medical device manufacturers. They shall bear the name, registered trade name, or registered trademark of the person along with the contact address. The system and procedure pack may be deemed a device on its own and must undergo CE marking in circumstances where -
The pack contains devices without CE marking.
The combination of devices is incompatible with their original intended purpose.
The sterilization has not been carried out as per manufacturer's instructions.
Conformity Assessment of System and Procedure Packs
The SPP containing devices without CE marking or those sterilized not in line with manufacturer's instructions, or the combination of devices is incompatible with their original intended purpose must undergo a conformity assessment as a device on its own. In such cases, the SPP takes on the obligations of a manufacturer and must comply with the relevant conformity assessment procedure outlined in MDR Article 52.
System and Procedure Pack Producer vs. Manufacturer
According to MDCG 2018-03 guidance both System and procedure pack producers and manufacturers are categorized as "Economic Operators", each having specific obligations. System or procedure pack producers are natural or legal persons who combine medical devices bearing a CE marking, either alone or with other products that comply with the relevant legislation, to place them on the market as system or procedure packs.
Under certain conditions, a system or procedure pack producer may become a manufacturer.
The pack contains devices without CE marking.
The combination of devices is incompatible with their original intended purpose.
The sterilization has not been carried out as per manufacturer's instructions.
In such cases, they must comply with the same legal obligations as a medical device manufacturer, including conducting the relevant conformity assessment procedure for the system and procedure pack, essentially designating it as a medical device in its own right.
Risk Classification of Systems and Procedure Packs
Systems and procedure packs themselves are not assigned individual risk classifications. The risk classification, however, is required for entering information in the EUDAMED registration database and determining applicable MDR deadlines, such as when affixing the UDI carrier. The manufacturers should apply the classification of the highest-risk device within the System and Procedure pack.
Technical File for Systems and Procedure Packs
Unlike medical devices, systems and procedure packs do not require a Technical Documentation File. However, system and procedure pack producers should maintain documentation -
Contents of the procedure pack.
Descriptions of the products.
Labeling, including instructions for use (and implant cards, if applicable).
Packaging information.
An outline of the UDI procedure.
Verification of the mutual compatibility of the products within the pack.
Information regarding the process of combining products.
Details related to the sterilization including the Notified Body certificate.
The system/procedure pack declaration.
Utilizing MDD/AIMDD Legacy Devices in Systems and Procedure Packs
A system/procedure pack may include only legacy devices compliant with the Medical Devices Directive (MDD) or the Active Implantable Medical Devices Directive (AIMDD), only MDR CE-marked devices, or a combination of both.
If the pack contains only legacy devices, it is treated as a legacy system/procedure pack and continues to be marketed under Article 12 of the MDD, with additional requirements under MDR Article 120(3) for legacy devices.
If the pack contains only MDR devices, it is subject to Article 22 of the MDR.
If the pack combines legacy and MDR devices, it is considered a transitional system/procedure pack. In such cases, it must be CE marked under the MDR, but the legacy devices may be marketed in the pack until their certificate's expiration or until
May 27, 2024, whichever comes first.
Importantly, any modification or extension of the intended purpose of a legacy device in a transitional system and procedure pack will subject that device to full MDR compliance, including the need for a new conformity assessment.
Appointing a European Authorized Representative for System and Procedure Packs
The System and Procedure Pack producers based outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) need not appoint a European Authorized Representative (EAR). It is essential for the non-EEA manufacturers of individual CE-marked devices within the System and Procedure Packs that can be sold separately to appoint an EU Authorized Representative.
Basic UDI-DI Assignment and UDI Database Registration:
The natural or legal person responsible for assembling a system or procedure pack should assign a Basic UDI-DI in compliance with the issuing entity and provide this information, along with other core data elements, to the UDI database.
Labeling Requirements for System and Procedure Packs under Article 22(5)
Under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR), SPPs are subject to specific labeling requirements, including:
SPPs themselves should not bear an additional CE marking.
The labeling must include the name, registered trade name, or registered trademark of
the SPP Producer, along with their contact address for location identification.
The label should contain information specified in MDR Annex I(23) and/or IVDR
Annex I(20).
The UDI carrier must be affixed to the outside of the packaging, including both the
UDI-DI and UDI-PI, in accordance with Annex VI, part C (6.3.3).
The label should display the expiration date based on the shortest shelf life among the
components.
A specific lot number should be provided.
Information on packaging that maintains the sterile condition of the device.
The label, declaration, or instructions for use should include a list of components.
The Statement for Systems and Procedure Packs
The System and Procedure Packs Producer must draw a Statement that declares:
Verification of mutual compatibility of the devices and, if applicable, other products,
following manufacturers' instructions.
Packaging of the system or procedure pack and provision of relevant information to
users, incorporating the manufacturers' information for the devices or other products
Adherence to appropriate methods of internal monitoring, verification, and validation
for the combination of devices and products as a system or procedure pack.
MDR Article 22(5) specifies that a template statement can be created by copying the relevant points applicable to the Procedure Pack or System. The Producers of SPPs should maintain evidence of compliance with these requirements. The statement must be available to competent authorities for a specified period, which varies depending on the applicable Article 10(8) duration. For most devices, documentation must be retained for at least 10 years after the last device covered by the EU Declaration of Conformity is placed on the market, or 15 years for implantable devices.
There is no explicit requirement in the MDR to sign and date the statement or add the EUDAMED Actor ID or Basic UDI-DI. However, producers are not prohibited from including these additional identifying details if they wish.
Handling Post-market Vigilance of System and Procedure Packs
The MDR does not provide clear guidance on vigilance reporting for Systems and Procedure Packs. Nonetheless, it is considered best practice for device manufacturers and SPP producers to include vigilance reporting obligations within their agreements. In the event of an incident related to a device within the SPP, the SPP producer should promptly notify the manufacturer to initiate an investigation. The manufacturer is responsible for reporting incidents in line with their vigilance procedure. Similarly, manufacturers should notify the SPP producer of any incidents they become aware of. In cases where the incident directly relates to the SPP producer's activities, such as combination or sterilization, the responsibility falls on them. However, the MDR does not explicitly require SPP producers to report incidents; reporting obligations are identified for manufacturers as a different economic operator role.
Sterilization of System and Procedure Packs
For SPPs that require sterilization before being placed on the market, the natural or legal person responsible for sterilization must obtain certification from a Notified Body. This certification is required under MDR Article 22(3) and must adhere to specific procedures outlined in MDR Annex IX or Part A of Annex XI.
Steps to Place Systems and Procedure Packs on the EU Market:
To bring Systems and Procedure Packs to the EU market, producers should prepare a Technical File, add the producer's name and address to the pack, appoint an EAR (if applicable), draw up the declaration statement, implement appropriate labels and IFUs, obtain Notified Body involvement for sterilization aspects, receive a CE Certificate, register in the UDI database, and ensure compliance with the minimum information required by MDR Article 22(5).
The regulation of System and Procedure Packs under the EU MDR represents a significant advancement in ensuring patient safety and product quality in the European medical device industry. These packs, designed to simplify complex medical procedures, offer efficiency and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. Collaboration between manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies is crucial to maintaining high standards and ensuring the benefits of these essential tools for patients across Europe.
If you require guidance on regulatory compliance, our expert team is ready to assist. Together, we can contribute to a safer and more efficient healthcare system for all.