Emergency Use of Unapproved Medical Devices
For the purpose of this Web site, an unapproved medical device is defined as a device that is used for a purpose or condition for which the device requires, but does not have, an approved application for premarket approval under section 515 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 360(e)]. An unapproved device may be used in human subjects only if it is approved for clinical testing under an approved application for an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) under section 5 20(g) of the Act [21 U. S. C.3 360(j)(g)] and 21 CFR part 812.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes that emergencies arise where an unapproved device may offer the only possible life-saving alternative, but an IDE for the device does not exist, or the proposed use is not approved under an existing IDE, or the physician or institution is not approved under the IDE. Using its enforcement discretion, FDA has not objected if a physician chooses to use an unapproved device in such an emergency, provided that the physician later justifies to FDA that an emergency actually existed.
Requirements for Emergency Use
Each of the following conditions must exist to justify emergency use:
1. the patient is in a life-threatening condition that needs immediate treatment;
2. no generally acceptable alternative for treating the patient is available; and
3. because of the immediate need to use the device, there is no time to use existing procedures to get FDA approval for the use.
FDA expects the physician to determine whether these criteria have been met, to assess the potential for benefits from the unapproved use of the device, and to have substantial reason to believe that benefits will exist. The physician may not conclude that an "emergency" exists in advance of the time when treatment may be needed based solely on the expectation that IDE approval procedures may require more time than is available. Physicians should be aware that FDA expects them to exercise reasonable foresight with respect to potential emergencies and to make appropriate arrangements under the IDE procedures far enough in advance to avoid creating a situation in which such arrangements are impracticable.
In the event that a device is to be used in circumstances meeting the criteria listed above, the device developer should notify the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), Pro-ram Operation Staff by telephone (301-594-1190) immediately after shipment is made. [Note: an unapproved device may not be shipped in anticipation of an emergency.] Nights and week-ends, contact the Division of Emergency and Epidemiological Operations (202-857-8400).
FDA would expect the physician to follow as many subject protection procedures as possible. These include:
1. obtaining an independent assessment by an uninvolved physician;
2. obtaining informed consent from the patient or a legal representative;
3. notifying institutional officials as specified by institutional policies;
4. notifying the Institutional Review Board (IRB); and
5. obtaining authorization from the IDE holder, if an approved IDE for the device exists.
After-use Procedures
After an unapproved device is used in an emergency, the physician should:
1. report to the IRB within five days [21 CFR 56.104(c)] and other-wise comply with provisions of the IRB regulations [21 CFR part 56];
2. evaluate the likelihood of a similar need for the device occurring again, and if future use is likely, immediately initiate efforts to obtain IRB approval and an approved IDE for the device's subsequent use; and
3. if an IDE for the use does exist, notify the sponsor of the emergency use, or if an IDE does not exist, notify FDA of the emergency use (CDRH Program Operation Staff 301-594-1190) and provide FDA with a written summary of the conditions constituting the emergency, subject protection measures, and results.
Subsequent emergency use of the device may not occur unless the physician or another person obtains approval of an IDE for the device and its use. If an IDE application for subsequent use has been filed with FDA and FDA disapproves the IDE application, the device may not be used even if the circumstances constituting an emergency exist. Developers of devices that could be used in emergencies should anticipate the likelihood of emergency use and should obtain an approved IDE for such uses.
Also see " Emergency Use of an Investigational Drug or Biologic "
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