Pre-Market Approval (PMA)
Class III devices are known as “PMA.” Compared to 510(k), PMA is a more rigorous,data-intensive approval process. Once the reclassification efforts are completed (by 2005), all devices remaining in class III will require a PMA (or a Product Development Protocol). In addition to devices classified as class III by statute, the 510(k) mechanism, which is itself a classification process, may result in a device being classified into class III and thus subject to PMA.
Standards
The FDA currently has promulgated one medical device mandatory-performance standard in Part 898 for electrode lead wires and cables. Performance standards also exist for radiation-emitting devices such as X-ray equipment. Recently, the FDA “recognized” hundreds of U.S. industry and international performance standards that can be used to establish safety and effectiveness in 510(k)s and PMAs. The standards page on the CDRH web site describes the use of voluntary standards, lists the ones recognized by FDA, and provides source information.