Role of the ACMD
The Advisory Committee on Medical Devices (ACMD) is a statutory advisory committee established under the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990. The committee provides independent expert advice on specific scientific and technical matters to support the TGA's decision-making and regulatory processes.
While the advice provided by the ACMD is an important component of the TGA's regulatory functions, it is only part of the information considered by delegates when making decisions under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
It is important to note that while the TGA gives appropriate consideration to ACMD advice, it is not obliged to follow the committee's recommendations. Additionally, information about the advice provided by the committee may not become publicly available.
The purpose of this meeting statement is to outline, in general terms, the matters considered by the committee at each meeting. The statement is made publicly available as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant meeting.
Update on previous advice and decisions
- An application for a hip replacement device (considered at ACMD 86) has been rejected.
- An application for a device for abdominal surgery (considered at ACMD 86) was withdrawn.
- An application for a permanent cardiac implant (considered at ACMD 87) was withdrawn.
No other decisions have been made recently for items previously considered by the committee.
Overview of medical devices referred for advice
At the 88th ACMD meeting, the committee considered the following items:
- A device used to treat peripheral vessel haemorrhages
- A software device using artificial intelligence algorithms for use in breast screening
- An artificial intelligence-based skin lesion analysis device
The committee assessed whether the benefits outweighed the risks for these devices and whether sufficient evidence had been provided to demonstrate their safety and performance, in accordance with the Essential Principles.
The committee also provided advice on the Treatment of Tricuspid Regurgitation.
Conflict of interest management
Declarations of actual or potential conflicts of interest by committee members are managed by the Chair, committee members, and the Department, both prior to and during meetings, as appropriate.
At Meeting #88, a committee member disclosed that they are an investigator in an international breast screening programme trial involving a system from one of the companies whose devices were under consideration. The committee discussed the declaration and agreed that this role did not compromise the member’s capacity to contribute to ACMD discussion and advice.
Contact
Meeting statements are made publicly available after each meeting.
Contact the ACMD Secretariat by email TGAMedicalDevices@health.gov.au.