A Special 510(k) is used for existing devices that have well-established methods to evaluate changes to one technical discipline. A special 510(k) should be submitted when:
- The proposed change is submitted by a manufacturer legally authorized to market the existing device
- Performance data is unnecessary
- All data necessary to support substantial equivalence can be reviewed in a summary or risk analysis format
Some questions to consider in the development of your special 510(k) submission include:
- Is it a change to the manufacturer’s own device?
The special 510(k) should be for a change to the submitter’s own legally marketed predicated device. It relies on the previous review of detailed information, and a manufacturer who modifies its own device is able to conduct the risk analysis necessary to demonstrate that design output meets design input. - Are performance data needed to evaluate the change?
Manufacturers should use their design control procedures and consider the information necessary to support substantial equivalence to determine whether performance data is needed. Verification and validation testing may not be necessary to support SE. - Is there a well-established method to evaluate the change?
Well-established methods should be available to evaluate the change under design controls. These methods may include:
Submitter’s methods, protocols, and acceptance criteria to support previously cleared 510(k)
FDA-recognized voluntary consensus standard or FDA guidance document
Qualified medical device development tools (MDDTs)
Widely available and accepted methods in the public domain or found acceptable by FDA through the submitter’s won 510(k) clearance, a granted De Novo classification request, or a PMA approval - Can the data be reviewed in a summary or risk analysis format?
The results from verification and validation associated with design or labeling changes should be able to be placed in a summary or risk analysis format without losing information necessary to support substantial equivalence. If it cannot, the FDA will consider converting to a Traditional 510(k).
The average review time for this submission is 30 days.
