ISO/TS 17137:2021
(Main)Cardiovascular implants and extracorporeal systems — Cardiovascular absorbable implants
Cardiovascular implants and extracorporeal systems — Cardiovascular absorbable implants
This document establishes design evaluation requirements and recommendations for absorbable cardiovascular implants used to treat vessels and/or the vascular space within the circulatory system, including the heart and all vasculature. This document is intended to supplement device-specific standards by providing guidelines specific for either absorbable implants or components, or both. This document is applicable to implants in direct contact with the cardiovascular system, where the intended action is upon the circulatory system. This document does not address the specific evaluation of issues associated with viable tissues, viable cells, and/or implants with non-viable biological materials and their derivatives. Additionally, procedures and devices used prior to and following the introduction of the absorbable cardiovascular implant (e.g. balloon angioplasty devices) are excluded from the scope of this document if they do not affect the absorption aspects of the implant. A cardiovascular absorbable implant can incorporate substance(s) which, if used separately, can be considered to be a medicinal product (drug product) but the action of the medicinal substance is ancillary to that of the implant and supports the primary mode of action of the implant. NOTE 1 Some aspects of absorbable components of cardiovascular device-drug combination products (e.g. coatings) in their connection with drug-related aspects of the device are addressed in ISO 12417-1. NOTE 2 An explanation of the nomenclature of absorb, degrade and related terms can be found in Annex A.
Implants cardiovasculaires et systèmes extracorporels — Implants cardiovasculaires absorbables
General Information
Relations
Buy Standard
Standards Content (Sample)
TECHNICAL ISO/TS
SPECIFICATION 17137
Third edition
2021-09
Cardiovascular implants and
extracorporeal systems —
Cardiovascular absorbable implants
Implants cardiovasculaires et systèmes extracorporels — Implants
cardiovasculaires absorbables
Reference number
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
©
ISO 2021
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Device design, fabrication, packaging, and use considerations . 2
4.1 Classification . 2
4.2 Intended clinical performance . 3
4.3 Intended clinical use . 3
4.4 Materials . 3
4.5 Packaging, labelling and sterilization . 4
4.5.1 Packaging. 4
4.5.2 Labelling . 4
4.5.3 Sterilization . 5
4.6 Product shelf-life considerations . 6
4.6.1 General information . 6
4.6.2 Real-time aging. 6
4.6.3 Accelerated aging . 7
4.7 Risk management . 7
4.7.1 General. 7
4.7.2 Failure modes . 7
4.7.3 Risk mitigation . . 8
4.7.4 Specific aspects for absorbable implants . 8
5 Design evaluation . 9
5.1 E valuation overview and general considerations . 9
5.1.1 Overview . 9
5.1.2 General considerations .11
5.2 In vitro procedural evaluation .12
5.2.1 Summary of in vitro evaluation steps .12
5.2.2 Conditioning of test samples .13
5.2.3 Assessment of delivery and placement .13
5.2.4 Assessment of initial function post-deployment .14
5.3 In vitro degradation evaluation .14
5.3.1 General.14
5.3.2 Sample conditioning .15
5.3.3 Mechanical evaluation.15
5.3.4 Cyclic fatigue durability evaluation .16
5.3.5 Physical and chemical degradation evaluation.17
5.3.6 Imaging compatibility evaluation .20
5.4 Biological evaluation .20
5.4.1 General considerations .20
5.4.2 Particulate observation, measurement and assessment — In vivo .21
5.4.3 Sterilization considerations .21
5.4.4 Drug-device combination product considerations .22
5.5 In vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) .22
5.6 In vivo preclinical evaluation .22
5.6.1 Purpose .22
5.6.2 Specific objectives .23
5.6.3 Protocol .24
5.6.4 Data collection .26
5.6.5 Test report and additional information .26
5.7 Clinical evaluation .27
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved iii
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
5.7.1 Purpose .27
5.7.2 Specific objectives .27
5.7.3 Clinical investigation plan (CIP) .28
5.7.4 Data collection .29
5.7.5 Final report .29
5.8 Post-market surveillance .29
5.9 Select clinical trials of absorbable cardiovascular implants .29
Annex A (informative) Explanation on nomenclature of absorb, degrade and related terms .31
Bibliography .32
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 150, Implants for surgery, Subcommittee
SC 2, Cardiovascular implants and extracorporeal systems.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO/TS 17137:2019), which has been
technically revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— considerations have been added to multiple clauses regarding degradation-induced device fracture
and the generation of absorbable particulate matter after mechanical attributes are lost;
— clauses about labelling and instructions for use (IFU) have been modified;
— Figure 2 has been modified to facilitate translation into multiple languages;
— standards with guidance for characterization of absorbable polymers and metals have been
elaborated.
— additional guidance regarding animal and clinical study design, limitations, and assessment has
been added.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved v
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
Introduction
Absorbable cardiovascular implants are medical devices with various clinical indications for use in
the human cardiovascular blood system. An absorbable cardiovascular implant, or at least a portion
thereof, is designed to intentionally degrade over time into degradation products that are absorbed by
the body through either metabolism, assimilation, or excretion (elimination), or all. Such implants can
be either surgically introduced or introduced through intervention to the site of treatment.
This document outlines requirements for intended performance, design attributes, materials, design
evaluation, manufacturing, sterilization, packaging, and information supplied by the manufacturer.
This document is intended to be a supplement to ISO 14630, which specifies general requirements for
the performance of non-active surgical implants. This document is intended to also be a supplement
to relevant device-specific standards such as the ISO 25539 series specifying requirements for
endovascular devices, which do not address degradation and other time dependent aspects of
absorbable implants and coatings. Additionally, this document should be considered in conjunction
with ISO 14155, which specifies proper practices in clinical investigations.
This document is not comprehensive with respect to the pharmacological evaluation of cardiovascular
absorbable implants. More detailed safety and performance requirements for pharmacological agents
included in the absorbable cardiovascular implant are described in ISO 12417-1.
Only issues related to degradation and absorption combined with the cardiovascular implant are
covered by this document. Due to the variations in the design of implants covered by this document
and in some cases due to the relatively recent development of some of these implants (e.g. absorbable
stents), acceptable standardized in vitro tests and clinical results are not always available. As further
scientific and clinical data become available, appropriate revision of this document will be necessary.
NOTE For issues related to the common mechanical function of the cardiovascular implant, it can be useful
to consider a number of other international standards that are given in the Bibliography.
vi © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
Cardiovascular implants and extracorporeal systems —
Cardiovascular absorbable implants
1 Scope
This document establishes design evaluation requirements and recommendations for absorbable
cardiovascular implants used to treat vessels and/or the vascular space within the circulatory system,
including the heart and all vasculature. This document is intended to supplement device-specific
standards by providing guidelines specific for either absorbable implants or components, or both.
This document is applicable to implants in direct contact with the cardiovascular system, where the
intended action is upon the circulatory system. This document does not address the specific evaluation
of issues associated with viable tissues, viable cells, and/or implants with non-viable biological materials
and their derivatives. Additionally, procedures and devices used prior to and following the introduction
of the absorbable cardiovascular implant (e.g. balloon angioplasty devices) are excluded from the scope
of this document if they do not affect the absorption aspects of the implant. A cardiovascular absorbable
implant can incorporate substance(s) which, if used separately, can be considered to be a medicinal
product (drug product) but the action of the medicinal substance is ancillary to that of the implant and
supports the primary mode of action of the implant.
NOTE 1 Some aspects of absorbable components of cardiovascular device-drug combination products (e.g.
coatings) in their connection with drug-related aspects of the device are addressed in ISO 12417-1.
NOTE 2 An explanation of the nomenclature of absorb, degrade and related terms can be found in Annex A.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 5840 (all parts), Cardiovascular implants — Cardiac valve prostheses
ISO 10993 (all parts), — Biological evaluation of medical devices
ISO 11135, Sterilization of health-care products — Ethylene oxide — Requirements for the development,
validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices
ISO 11137-1, Sterilization of health care products — Radiation — Part 1: Requirements for development,
validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices
ISO 11137-2, Sterilization of health care products — Radiation — Part 2: Establishing the sterilization dose
ISO 11137-3, Sterilization of health care products — Radiation — Part 3: Guidance on dosimetric aspects of
development, validation and routine control
ISO 11607-1, Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices — Part 1: Requirements for materials,
sterile barrier systems and packaging systems
ISO 12417-1, Cardiovascular implants and extracorporeal systems — Vascular device-drug combination
products — Part 1: General requirements
ISO 14155, Clinical investigation of medical devices for human subjects — Good clinical practice
ISO 14630:2012, Non-active surgical implants — General requirements
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved 1
---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
ISO 14937, Sterilization of health care products — General requirements for characterization of a sterilizing
agent and the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices
ISO 14971, Medical devices — Application of risk management to medical devices
ISO 17665-1, Sterilization of health care products — Moist heat — Part 1: Requirements for the development,
validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices
ISO 25539 (all parts), Cardiovascular implants — Endovascular devices
ISO/TS 37137-1, Biological evaluation of absorbable medical devices — Part 1: General requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
absorb
absorption
action of a non-endogenous (foreign) material or substance or its degradation products
passing through or being assimilated by either cells or tissue, or both over time
3.2
degradation product
intermediate or final result from the physical, metabolic, and/or chemical decomposition, of a material
or substance
3.3
degrade
physically, metabolically, and/or chemically decompose a material or substance
3.4
leachable
substance that can be released from a medical device or material during clinical use
Note 1 to entry: In absorbable devices, leachables can be substances released from the as-manufactured product
or substances generated and released as a consequence of its degradation (i.e. degradation products).
3.5
particulate
particle
particulate matter
mobile material (other than gas bubbles) that are either present on or arise from the presence or use of
the device
4 Device design, fabrication, packaging, and use considerations
4.1 Classification
A cardiovascular absorbable implant is a product that accomplishes its intended clinical use and
performance through primarily either physical or mechanical, or both, means over a defined time
period. An absorbable cardiovascular implant may also incorporate a medicinal substance. A
cardiovascular absorbable implant accomplishes its intended clinical use and is then fully or partially
absorbed by the body over a finite period of time. The implant’s temporary nature is provided by its
2 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
ability to degrade and the resulting degradation products’ ability to be metabolized, assimilated, and/
or excreted (eliminated) over time.
The manufacturer shall determine the acceptability of the product for clinical use at all stages of the
product life cycle.
4.2 Intended clinical performance
The intended performance of an absorbable implant shall be described and documented by addressing
at least the following, with particular regard to the patient’s safety:
a) intended purpose(s);
b) functional lifetime – duration of intended mechanical function;
c) in vivo longevity – approximate time to full absorption of the absorbable components; absence of
histological (physical) presence in tissue.
4.3 Intended clinical use
The intended clinical use shall, if applicable, be preferentially identified as one or more of the following:
a) abdominal aorta;
b) arterio-venous shunt for vascular access;
c) carotid artery;
d) coronary artery;
e) heart chambers;
f) femoral artery;
g) iliac artery;
h) popliteal artery;
i) intra-cerebral artery;
j) renal artery;
k) thoracic aorta;
l) thoraco-abdominal aorta;
m) tibial artery;
n) heart valve;
o) venous valve;
p) other heart, arterial, or venous anatomy to be specified as appropriate.
4.4 Materials
The requirements of ISO 14630:2012, Clause 6, shall apply.
Additional testing appropriate to specific material types (e.g. metals, polymers, drugs) shall be
performed to determine material acceptability for use in the design. For example, guidance for
[39] [42]
assessing absorbable polymeric implants can be found in ASTM F2902 , with ASTM F3160 useful
for absorbable metal materials testing. In a more specific example, absorbable materials dependent
on shape memory properties should be subjected to testing that assesses transformation properties.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved 3
---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
For drug-eluting absorbable implants, the requirements of ISO 12417-1 should be addressed. Electro-
chemical potentials of differing metals (stents, guidewires, other accessory devices) can require
additional types of testing.
4.5 Packaging, labelling and sterilization
4.5.1 Packaging
4.5.1.1 General
The requirements of ISO 11607-1 and ISO 14630:2012, Clause 10 shall apply.
Each device shall be packaged in a unit container with a sterile barrier, or a combination of unit
container and an outer container. The unit container (within its outer container if applicable) may be
packaged in a shipping container during transit and storage.
The device packaging configuration should be designed to protect the implant during normal conditions
of handling, storage and transport such that device specifications are maintained. The sterile barrier
shall be maintained throughout its designated shelf-life to permit the contents to be presented for use
in an aseptic manner.
4.5.1.2 Considerations for absorbable product
For absorbable products, non-standard packaging attributes may be needed to mitigate or eliminate
the effects of environmental factors in order to maintain the physical, chemical and/or mechanical
specifications of the implant. Where the absorbable product is susceptible to hydrolytic or corrosive
degradation, consideration should be given toward the control and/or removal of moisture from the
package interior (e.g. through the use of moisture resistant packaging materials and/or desiccants).
In addition, absorbable products may also be susceptible to physical, chemical, and/or mechanical
degradation under extreme temperature conditions. For example, storage of polymeric products or
components at temperatures that approach or exceed a glass transition temperature (T ) can adversely
g
affect the physical and chemical state of the implant. Therefore, storage conditions should specify the
acceptable temperature range and limit the duration of packaged product exposure to elevated thermal
conditions.
4.5.2 Labelling
4.5.2.1 Label(s)
Each device shall be accompanied by one or more labels, one on each of the containers.
The requirements of ISO 14630:2012, Clause 11, and the requirements of relevant device-specific
standard (e.g. relevant parts of the ISO 25539 series) shall apply, with the following information to be
supplied as part of the label(s):
a) identification of the device;
b) expiration date (indication of shelf-life) and the recommended storage conditions;
c) indication of storage conditions to avoid (i.e. conditions that can have an impact on performance of
the absorbable device or components thereof).
4.5.2.2 Instructions for use (IFU)
The requirements of ISO 14630:2012, Clause 11, and the requirements of relevant device-specific
standard (e.g. relevant parts of the ISO 25539 series) shall apply together with the following information
to be included:
a) identification and description of the absorbable device or components thereof;
4 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
b) recommendations for storage conditions and ranges determined to be acceptable for the packaged
device, taking into consideration the absorbable properties of the implant or components thereof;
c) location of the absorbable part of the device, if only a portion of the implant is absorbable;
d) a general description of the principle of degradation along with both the expected time frame for
loss of mechanical function and absorption of the implant;
e) intended use or indications for use;
f) contraindications, warnings and precautions;
g) potential for interaction of the absorbable material with other materials used in the handling,
preparation and implantation of the implant, considering direct contact and the effect of procedural
fluids;
h) potential adverse events, including known adverse events associated with either implant (or
portion thereof) degradation or in vivo absorption process, or both;
i) known device-specific adverse events with potential for increased occurrence due to absorbable
material;
j) recommended methods for the aseptic presentation and preparation of the implant considering the
potential for interaction of
...
TECHNICAL ISO/TS
SPECIFICATION 17137
Third edition
Cardiovascular implants and
extracorporeal systems —
Cardiovascular absorbable implants
Implants cardiovasculaires et systèmes extracorporels — Implants
cardiovasculaires absorbables
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Reference number
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
©
ISO 2021
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii PROOF/ÉPREUVE © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Device design, fabrication, packaging, and use considerations . 2
4.1 Classification . 2
4.2 Intended clinical performance . 3
4.3 Intended clinical use . 3
4.4 Materials . 3
4.5 Packaging, labelling, and sterilization . 4
4.5.1 Packaging. 4
4.5.2 Labelling . 4
4.5.3 Sterilization . 5
4.6 Product shelf-life considerations . 6
4.6.1 General information . 6
4.6.2 Real-time aging. 6
4.6.3 Accelerated aging . 7
4.7 Risk management . 7
4.7.1 General. 7
4.7.2 Failure modes . 7
4.7.3 Risk mitigation . . 8
4.7.4 Specific aspects for absorbable implants . 8
5 Design evaluation . 9
5.1 E valuation overview and general considerations . 9
5.1.1 Overview . 9
5.1.2 General considerations .11
5.2 In vitro procedural evaluation .12
5.2.1 Summary of in vitro evaluation steps .12
5.2.2 Conditioning of test samples .13
5.2.3 Assessment of delivery and placement .13
5.2.4 Assessment of initial function post-deployment .14
5.3 In vitro degradation evaluation .14
5.3.1 General.14
5.3.2 Sample conditioning .15
5.3.3 Mechanical evaluation.15
5.3.4 Cyclic fatigue durability evaluation .16
5.3.5 Physical or chemical degradation evaluation .17
5.3.6 Imaging compatibility evaluation .20
5.4 Biological evaluation .20
5.4.1 General considerations .20
5.4.2 Particulate observation, measurement or assessment — In vivo .21
5.4.3 Sterilization considerations .21
5.4.4 Drug-device combination product considerations .22
5.5 In vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) .22
5.6 In vivo preclinical evaluation .22
5.6.1 Purpose .22
5.6.2 Specific objectives .23
5.6.3 Protocol .24
5.6.4 Data collection .26
5.6.5 Test report and additional information .26
5.7 Clinical evaluation .27
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved PROOF/ÉPREUVE iii
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
5.7.1 Purpose .27
5.7.2 Specific objectives .27
5.7.3 Clinical investigation plan (CIP) .28
5.7.4 Data collection .29
5.7.5 Final report .29
5.8 Post-market surveillance .29
5.9 Select clinical trials of absorbable cardiovascular implants .29
Annex A (informative) Explanation on nomenclature of absorb, degrade and related terms .31
Bibliography .32
iv PROOF/ÉPREUVE © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 150, Implants for surgery, Subcommittee
SC 2, Cardiovascular implants and extracorporeal systems.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO/TS 17137:2019), which has been
technically revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— considerations have been added to multiple clauses regarding degradation-induced device fracture
and the generation of absorbable particulate matter after mechanical attributes are lost;
— clauses about labelling and instructions for use (IFU) have been modified;
— Figure 2 has been modified to facilitate translation into multiple languages;
— standards with guidance for characterization of absorbable polymers and metals have been
elaborated.
— additional guidance regarding animal and clinical study design, limitations, and assessment has
been added.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved PROOF/ÉPREUVE v
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
Introduction
Absorbable cardiovascular implants are medical devices with various clinical indications for use in
the human cardiovascular blood system. An absorbable cardiovascular implant, or at least a portion
thereof, is designed to intentionally degrade over time into degradation products that are absorbed by
the body through metabolism, assimilation, and/or excretion (elimination). Such implants can be either
surgically introduced or introduced through intervention to the site of treatment.
This document outlines requirements for intended performance, design attributes, materials, design
evaluation, manufacturing, sterilization, packaging, and information supplied by the manufacturer.
This document is intended to be a supplement to ISO 14630, which specifies general requirements for
the performance of non-active surgical implants. This document is intended to also be a supplement
to relevant device-specific standards such as the ISO 25539 series specifying requirements for
endovascular devices, which do not address degradation and other time dependent aspects of
absorbable implants and coatings. Additionally, this document should be considered in conjunction
with ISO 14155, which specifies proper practices in clinical investigations.
This document is not comprehensive with respect to the pharmacological evaluation of cardiovascular
absorbable implants. More detailed safety and performance requirements for pharmacological agents
included in the absorbable cardiovascular implant are described in ISO 12417-1.
Only issues related to degradation and absorption combined with the cardiovascular implant are
covered by this document. Due to the variations in the design of implants covered by this document
and in some cases due to the relatively recent development of some of these implants (e.g. absorbable
stents), acceptable standardized in vitro tests and clinical results are not always available. As further
scientific and clinical data become available, appropriate revision of this document will be necessary.
NOTE For issues related to the common mechanical function of the cardiovascular implant, it can be useful
to consider a number of other international standards that are given in the Bibliography.
vi PROOF/ÉPREUVE © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
Cardiovascular implants and extracorporeal systems —
Cardiovascular absorbable implants
1 Scope
This document establishes design evaluation requirements and recommendations for absorbable
cardiovascular implants used to treat vessels and/or the vascular space within the circulatory system,
including the heart and all vasculature. This document is intended to supplement device-specific
standards by providing guidelines specific for either absorbable implants or components, or both.
This document is applicable to implants in direct contact with the cardiovascular system, where the
intended action is upon the circulatory system. This document does not address the specific evaluation
of issues associated with viable tissues, viable cells, and/or implants with non-viable biological materials
and their derivatives. Additionally, procedures and devices used prior to and following the introduction
of the absorbable cardiovascular implant (e.g. balloon angioplasty devices) are excluded from the scope
of this document if they do not affect the absorption aspects of the implant. A cardiovascular absorbable
implant can incorporate substance(s) which, if used separately, can be considered to be a medicinal
product (drug product) but the action of the medicinal substance is ancillary to that of the implant and
supports the primary mode of action of the implant.
NOTE 1 Some aspects of absorbable components of cardiovascular device-drug combination products (e.g.
coatings) in their connection with drug-related aspects of the device are addressed in ISO 12417-1.
NOTE 2 An explanation of the nomenclature of absorb, degrade and related terms can be found in Annex A.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 5840 (all parts), Cardiovascular implants — Cardiac valve prostheses
ISO 10993 (all parts), Biological evaluation of medical devices
ISO 11135, Sterilization of health-care products — Ethylene oxide — Requirements for the development,
validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices
ISO 11137-1, Sterilization of health care products — Radiation — Part 1: Requirements for development,
validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices
ISO 11137-2, Sterilization of health care products — Radiation — Part 2: Establishing the sterilization dose
ISO 11137-3, Sterilization of health care products — Radiation — Part 3: Guidance on dosimetric aspects of
development, validation and routine control
ISO 11607-1, Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices — Part 1: Requirements for materials,
sterile barrier systems and packaging systems
ISO 12417-1, Cardiovascular implants and extracorporeal systems — Vascular device-drug combination
products — Part 1: General requirements
ISO 14155, Clinical investigation of medical devices for human subjects — Good clinical practice
ISO 14630:2012, Non-active surgical implants — General requirements
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved PROOF/ÉPREUVE 1
---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
ISO 14937, Sterilization of health care products — General requirements for characterization of a sterilizing
agent and the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices
ISO 14971, Medical devices — Application of risk management to medical devices
ISO 17665-1, Sterilization of health care products — Moist heat — Part 1: Requirements for the development,
validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices
ISO 25539 (all parts), Cardiovascular implants — Endovascular devices
ISO/TS 37137-1, Biological evaluation of absorbable medical devices — Part 1: General requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
absorb
absorption
action of a non-endogenous (foreign) material or substance or its degradation products
passing through or being assimilated by cells and/or tissue over time
3.2
degradation product
intermediate or final result from the physical, metabolic, and/or chemical decomposition of a material
or substance
3.3
degrade
physically, metabolically, and/or chemically decompose a material or substance
3.4
leachable
substance that can be released from a medical device or material during clinical use
Note 1 to entry: In absorbable devices, leachables can be substances released from the as-manufactured product
or substances generated and released as a consequence of its degradation (i.e degradation products).
3.5
particulate
particle
particulate matter
mobile material (other than gas bubbles) that are either present on or arise from the presence or use of
the device
4 Device design, fabrication, packaging, and use considerations
4.1 Classification
A cardiovascular absorbable implant is a product that accomplishes its intended clinical use and
performance through primarily either physical or mechanical, or both, means over a defined time
period. An absorbable cardiovascular implant may also incorporate a medicinal substance. A
cardiovascular absorbable implant accomplishes its intended clinical use and is then fully or partially
absorbed by the body over a finite period of time. The implant’s temporary nature is provided by its
2 PROOF/ÉPREUVE © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
ability to degrade and the resulting degradation products’ ability to be metabolized, assimilated, and/
or excreted (eliminated) over time.
The manufacturer shall determine the acceptability of the product for clinical use at all stages of the
product life cycle.
4.2 Intended clinical performance
The intended performance of an absorbable implant shall be described and documented by addressing
at least the following, with particular regard to patient’s safety:
a) intended purpose(s);
b) functional lifetime – duration of intended mechanical function;
c) in vivo longevity – approximate time to full absorption of the absorbable components; absence of
histological (physical) presence in tissue.
4.3 Intended clinical use
The intended clinical use shall, if applicable, be preferentially identified as one or more of the following:
a) abdominal aorta;
b) arterio-venous shunt for vascular access;
c) carotid artery;
d) coronary artery;
e) heart chambers;
f) femoral artery;
g) iliac artery;
h) popliteal artery;
i) intra-cerebral artery;
j) renal artery;
k) thoracic aorta;
l) thoraco-abdominal aorta;
m) tibial artery;
n) heart valve;
o) venous valve;
p) other heart, arterial, or venous anatomy to be specified as appropriate.
4.4 Materials
The requirements of ISO 14630:2012, Clause 6, shall apply.
Additional testing appropriate to specific material types (e.g. metals, polymers, drugs) shall be
performed to determine material acceptability for use in the design. For example, guidance for
[39] [42]
assessing absorbable polymeric implants can be found in ASTM F2902 , with ASTM F3160 useful
for absorbable metal materials testing. In a more specific example, absorbable materials dependent
on shape memory properties should be subjected to testing that assesses transformation properties.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved PROOF/ÉPREUVE 3
---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
For drug-eluting absorbable implants, the requirements of ISO 12417-1 should be addressed. Electro-
chemical potentials of differing metals (stents, guidewires, other accessory devices) might require
additional types of testing.
4.5 Packaging, labelling, and sterilization
4.5.1 Packaging
4.5.1.1 General
The requirements of ISO 11607-1 and ISO 14630:2012, Clause 10 shall apply.
Each device shall be packaged in a unit container with a sterile barrier, or a combination of unit
container and an outer container. The unit container (within its outer container if applicable) may be
packaged in a shipping container during transit and storage.
The device packaging configuration should be designed to protect the implant during normal conditions
of handling, storage and transport such that device specifications are maintained. The sterile barrier
shall be maintained throughout its designated shelf-life to permit the contents to be presented for use
in an aseptic manner.
4.5.1.2 Considerations for absorbable product
For absorbable products, non-standard packaging attributes may be needed to mitigate or eliminate
the effects of environmental factors in order to maintain the physical, chemical and/or mechanical
specifications of the implant. Where the absorbable product is susceptible to hydrolytic or corrosive
degradation, consideration should be given toward the control and/or removal of moisture from the
package interior (e.g. through the use of moisture resistant packaging materials and/or desiccants).
In addition, absorbable products may also be susceptible to physical, chemical, and/or mechanical
degradation under extreme temperature conditions. For example, storage of polymeric products or
components at temperatures that approach or exceed a glass transition temperature could adversely
affect the physical and chemical state of the implant. Therefore, storage conditions should specify the
acceptable temperature range and limit the duration of packaged product exposure to elevated thermal
conditions.
4.5.2 Labelling
4.5.2.1 Label(s)
Each device shall be accompanied by one or more labels, one on each of the containers.
The requirements of ISO 14630:2012, Clause 11, and the requirements of relevant device-specific
standard (e.g. relevant parts of the ISO 25539 series) shall apply, with the following information to be
supplied as part of the label(s):
a) identification of the device;
b) expiration date (indication of shelf-life) and the recommended storage conditions;
c) indication of storage conditions to avoid (i.e. conditions that could have an impact on performance
of the absorbable device or components thereof).
4.5.2.2 Instructions for use (IFU)
The requirements of ISO 14630:2012, Clause 11, and the requirements of relevant device-specific
standard (e.g. relevant parts of the ISO 25539 series) shall apply together with the following information
to be included:
a) identification and description of the absorbable device or components thereof;
4 PROOF/ÉPREUVE © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
ISO/TS 17137:2021(E)
b) recommendations for storage conditions and ranges determined to be acceptable for the packaged
device, taking into consideration the absorbable properties of the implant or components thereof;
c) location of the absorbable part of the device, if only a portion of the implant is absorbable;
d) a general description of the principle of degradation along with both the expected time frame for
loss of mechanical function and absorption of the implant;
e) intended use or indications for use;
f) contraindications, warnings and precautions;
g) the potential for interaction of the absorbable material with other materials used in the handling,
preparation and implantation of the implant, considering direct contact and the effect of procedural
fluids;
h) potential adverse events, including known adverse events associated with either implant (or
portion thereof) degradation or in vivo absorption process, or both;
i) known device-specific adverse events with potential for increased occurrence due to absorbable
material;
j) recommended methods for
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.