1.1 This document specifies an approach for verifying and validating the design and manufacture of a heart valve repair system through risk management. The selection of appropriate verification and validation tests and methods are derived from the risk assessment. The tests include assessments of the physical, chemical, biological and mechanical properties of components and materials of heart valve repair systems. The tests also include preclinical in vivo evaluation and clinical investigation of the finished heart valve repair system to assess the safety and effectiveness of the heart valve repair system.

NOTE            For the purposes of this document, effectiveness end point includes clinical performance and benefits.

1.2 This document defines operational conditions and performance requirements for heart valve repair systems where adequate scientific and/or clinical evidence exists for their justification. It also describes the labels and packaging of the device.

1.3 This document applies to all heart valve repair systems that have an intended use to repair and/or improve the function of native human heart valves by acting either on the valve apparatus or on the adjacent anatomy (e.g. ventricle, coronary sinus).

1.4 This document does not apply to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, paravalvular leakage closure devices, systems that do not leave an implant in place (e.g. ablation, radio frequency annuloplasty), apical conduits and devices with components containing viable cells. This document also excludes materials not intended for repairing and/or improving the function of human heart valves according to its intended use (e.g. patch material and sutures used in general surgical practice).

NOTE            A rationale for the provisions of this document is given in Annex A.