MDR 2017/745 Specialist
EU MDR compliance patterns for medical device classification, technical documentation, and clinical evidence.
Table of Contents
- Device Classification Workflow
- Technical Documentation
- Clinical Evidence
- Post-Market Surveillance
- EUDAMED and UDI
- Reference Documentation
- Tools
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
Software Classification (MDCG 2019-11)
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
GSPR Compliance Checklist
Conformity Assessment Routes
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
Clinical Evaluation Report Structure
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
PSUR Schedule
Serious Incident Reporting
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
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
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
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

