Description
For questions regarding this document, contact John Baxley at (301) 796-6549 or via email atJohn.Baxley@fda.hhs.gov.
Key Topics
Terms and concepts identified from this document
Scope & Applicability
Product Classes
5Scope of the guidance document
Guidance focuses on clinical investigations for these specific devices.; Clinical investigations of devices indicated for the treatment of urinary incontinence; certain prior incontinence treatments may confound the study results
Low risk medical devices
Devices subject to section 522 postmarket surveillance orders; devices subject to postmarket surveillance orders
Generally recommended for Enhanced Documentation; Regulatory classification mentioned for implantable sensors and HPV tests; Mentioned in the context of an in vitro nucleic acid test for CMV DNA.
Stakeholders
6Entity responsible for submitting applications under section 524B
identification of a trained and qualified monitor for monitoring procedures
Dosage recommendations for pediatric subpopulations
An independent third-party body that can categorize adverse events.
Governs top dose in clinical studies
facilitate discussions between a prospective subject and an investigator; Responsible for conducting research and providing informed consent
Regulatory Context
Regulatory Activities
8FDA-regulated studies where electronic source data is captured
postmarket surveillance study required by statutory authority
Recommendations for contents of submissions for AI-enabled devices; sponsors provide device description and labeling
Used to help power and carry out subsequent pivotal studies.
Later stage clinical investigations requiring robust statistical validity
Premarket notification submission type
Premarket Approval Application
Investigational Device Exemption submissions; Submission Documentation for Investigational Device Exemptions; Investigational Device Exemption submission recommendations
Document Types
10Used to delineate dose and timing of administration
should include the date and reason for patient discontinuation
should identify and describe each adverse event
should identify and describe each protocol deviation
should list all medications and dietary supplements taken by the subject
should include all data collected at each follow-up visit
should include all relevant information regarding the treatment procedure
should include all relevant information from the pre-treatment evaluation
must include reasonably foreseeable risks or discomforts
Document for protocol execution; The sponsor should develop a statistical analysis plan that is consistent with the trial protocol; Deviations from this plan must be justified
Attributes
10Primary outcomes to be measured in the study
documentation of inclusion and exclusion criteria in pre-treatment form
recommend the protocol describe comprehensive covariate analyses
Uroflowmetry should include a measure of PVR
clinically meaningful level of improvement
maximum tolerable difference that is clinically insignificant
Capable of providing clinically relevant evidence related to the primary objective
Risk classification for medical device clinical investigations.; A classification for medical device studies.; A risk determination for a clinical study.
Specific outcome measure for the study
Specific outcome measure for the study
Technical Details
Substances
2Example of a device where randomized studies compare safety and effectiveness.; subjects treated previously with a device type similar to the one under investigation
device material used near the bladder
Testing Methods
10Least burdensome means of collecting data to demonstrate safety and effectiveness
Used to evaluate the robustness of overall survival results
Multiplicity adjustment strategy
Multiplicity adjustment strategy
Common statistical method for addressing multiple-endpoint-related multiplicity problems; Endpoints are tested using Bonferroni procedure at each step.
Performed to identify uncertainties that could affect HCEI conclusions.
Clinical data required for safety evaluation; Safety assessment parameter (UA)
screen subjects for pregnancy
exclude patients with active UTI
Pressure/flow studies used to support claims for reduction of obstruction.; assessment of intravesical and intra-abdominal pressure
Processes
4Observation method for urinary efflux from ureteric orifices.
A method to balance the assignment of subjects within each site.
Initial feasibility study to gain clinical experience
Clinical investigations to collect definitive evidence of safety and effectiveness; Study initiated to provide primary clinical evidence for safety and effectiveness.
Clinical Concepts
10specific adverse events to be sought in the geriatric population
recommend performing this primary analysis using the intent-to-treat (ITT) population
To assess for UTI, we recommend performing urinalysis
condition posing additional risks to subjects
confounding condition for exclusion; exclude pelvic organ prolapse or neurologic disorders
Condition for which specific quality of life changes are defined; category of incontinence for patient selection; 1-hour provocative pad weight test specifically targets stress urinary incontinence
Events associated with the urinary tract or surrounding genital region
Safety findings including deaths and post-mortem examinations
Urinary loss during physical activities increasing intra-abdominal pressure; A specific category of urinary incontinence mentioned regarding pad weight testing.
Urinary loss secondary to sudden strong desire to void; category of incontinence for patient selection
Identified Hazards
Hazards
7Challenge in designing clinical studies for urinary incontinence
bias that occurs when a patient exposed to an inactive therapy believes they are being treated
person measuring the outcome variable intentionally or unintentionally records measurements in favor of one intervention
concern in open-label comparative trials
A type of bias to be addressed in the study design; Evaluation of any potential biases such as information bias and selection bias.
Risk mitigated by special controls
mitigate potential unwanted bias in learning or performance estimation
Standards & References
Specifications
5Subject inclusion criteria for selection and withdrawal.
Secondary endpoint if device impacts bladder emptying
Urodynamic parameter recommended as a secondary endpoint
Defined as pad weight increase of less than 1 gram for 1-hour test or 1.3 grams for 24-hour test
Subject exclusion criteria for selection and withdrawal.
Related CFR Sections (15)
- 21CFR812.25§ 812.25 Investigational plan.
The investigational plan shall include, in the following order:Read full regulation →
- 21CFR814.82§ 814.82 Postapproval requirements.
(a) FDA may impose postapproval requirements in a PMA approval order or by regulation at the time of approval of the PMA or by regulation subsequent to approval. Postapproval requirements may include as a condition to approval of the device:Read full regulation →
- 21CFR860.7§ 860.7 Determination of safety and effectiveness.
(a) The classification panels, in reviewing evidence concerning the safety and effectiveness of a device and in preparing advice to the Commissioner, and the Commissioner, in making determinations concerning the safety and effectiveness of a device, will apply the rules in this section.Read full regulation →
- 21CFR812.3§ 812.3 Definitions.
(a) Act means the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (sections 201-901, 52 Stat. 1040 et seq., as amended ( 21 U.S.C. 301-392 )).Read full regulation →
- 21CFR876.5270§ 876.5270 Implanted electrical urinary continence device.
(a) Identification. An implanted electrical urinary device is a device intended for treatment of urinary incontinence that consists of a receiver implanted in the abdomen with electrodes for pulsed-stimulation that are implanted either in the bladder wall or in the pelvic floor, and a battery-powereRead full regulation →
- 21CFR876.5280§ 876.5280 Implanted mechanical/hydraulic urinary continence device.
(a) Identification. An implanted mechanical/hydraulic urinary continence device is a device used to treat urinary incontinence by the application of continuous or intermittent pressure to occlude the urethra. The totally implanted device may consist of a static pressure pad, or a system with a contaRead full regulation →
- 21CFR876.5160§ 876.5160 Urological clamp.
(a) Identification. A urological clamp for males is a device used to close the urethra of a male to control urinary incontinence or to hold anesthetic or radiography contrast media in the urethra temporarily. It is an external clamp.Read full regulation →
- 21CFR876.5310§ 876.5310 Nonimplanted, peripheral electrical continence device.
(a) Identification. A nonimplanted, peripheral electrical continence device is a device that consists of an electrode that is connected by an electrical cable to a battery-powered pulse source. The electrode is placed onto or inserted into the body at a peripheral location and used to stimulate the Read full regulation →
- 21CFR876.5320§ 876.5320 Nonimplanted electrical continence device.
(a) Identification. A nonimplanted electrical continence device is a device that consists of a pair of electrodes on a plug or a pessary that are connected by an electrical cable to a battery-powered pulse source. The plug or pessary is inserted into the rectum or into the vagina and used to stimulaRead full regulation →
- 21CFR876.5920§ 876.5920 Protective garment for incontinence.
(a) Identification. A protective garment for incontinence is a device that consists of absorbent padding and a fluid barrier and that is intended to protect an incontinent patient's garment from the patient's excreta. This generic type of device does not include diapers for infants.Read full regulation →
- 21CFR878.3300§ 878.3300 Surgical mesh.
(a) Identification. Surgical mesh is a metallic or polymeric screen intended to be implanted to reinforce soft tissue or bone where weakness exists. Examples of surgical mesh are metallic and polymeric mesh for hernia repair, and acetabular and cement restrictor mesh used during orthopedic surgery.Read full regulation →
- 21CFR878.4400§ 878.4400 Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories.
(a) Identification. An electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories is a device intended to remove tissue and control bleeding by use of high-frequency electrical current.Read full regulation →
- 21CFR884.1425§ 884.1425 Perineometer.
(a) Identification. A perineometer is a device consisting of a fluid-filled sack for intravaginal use that is attached to an external manometer. The devices measure the strength of the perineal muscles by offering resistence to a patient's voluntary contractions of these muscles and is used to diagnRead full regulation →
- 21CFR884.1720§ 884.1720 Gynecologic laparoscope and accessories.
(a) Identification. A gynecologic laparoscope is a device used to permit direct viewing of the organs within the peritoneum by a telescopic system introduced through the abdominal wall. It is used to perform diagnostic and surgical procedures on the female genital organs. This generic type of deviceRead full regulation →
- 21CFR884.3575§ 884.3575 Vaginal pessary.
(a) Identification. A vaginal pessary is a removable structure placed in the vagina to support the pelvic organs and is used to treat conditions such as uterine prolapse (falling down of uterus), uterine retroposition (backward displacement), or gynecologic hernia.Read full regulation →
Enforcement Impact
Deficiencies cited in Warning Letters referencing the same regulations
Recent Cases
- 2026-02-24
Investigational Device Exemptions (IDE)/Premarket Approval Application (PMA)
ExThera Medical Corporation
- 2025-09-09
Clinical Investigator
Shirish M. Gadgeel, M.D.
- 2025-07-15
Clinical Investigator
Mark J. Savant, M.D
- 2025-05-20
Bioresearch Monitoring Program/Institutional Review Board (IRB)
United Health Products, Inc.
- 2025-03-25
Clinical Investigator
Americo F. Padilla, M.D.
Related Warning Letters (10)
- 2026-02-24
Investigational Device Exemptions (IDE)/Premarket Approval Application (PMA)
ExThera Medical Corporation
- 2025-09-09
Clinical Investigator
Shirish M. Gadgeel, M.D.
- 2025-07-15
Clinical Investigator
Mark J. Savant, M.D
- 2025-05-20
Bioresearch Monitoring Program/Institutional Review Board (IRB)
United Health Products, Inc.
- 2025-03-25
Clinical Investigator
Americo F. Padilla, M.D.
- 2024-11-05
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Armstrong County Memorial Hospital
- 2024-10-22
Clinical Investigator
Namita A. Goyal, M.D.
- 2024-10-08
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Louisiana State University Health Science Center IRB
- 2024-07-16
Bioresearch Monitoring Program/IRB
Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT
- 2024-06-18
Clinical Investigator (Sponsor)
Angela D. Ritter, M.D.
Related MFDS Guidelines
Korean regulatory guidelines covering similar topics
See Also (8)
- Clinical Study Designs for Catheter Ablation Devices for Treatment of Atrial Flutter: Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff (Status: Final)
- Clinical Study Designs for Surgical Ablation Devices for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation - Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff (Status: Final)
- Oversight of Clinical Investigations — A Risk-Based Approach to Monitoring: Guidance for Industry (Status: Final)
- Investigational Device Exemptions (IDEs) for Early Feasibility Medical Device Clinical Studies, Including Certain First in Human (FIH) Studies: Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff (Status: Final)
- Study of Sex Differences in the Clinical Evaluation of Medical Products (Status: Draft)
- Preparation and Review of Investigational Device Exemption Applications (IDEs) for Total Artificial Discs: Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff (Status: Final)
- In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Device Studies - Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff (Status: Final)
- Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) Guidance for Retinal Prostheses: Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff (Status: Final)