🇫🇮 Submissions in Finland under MDR
This article provides a structured overview for MR-scientists on how to prepare and where to submit the required documents for a medical-device clinical investigation in Finland — including studies using non-CE-marked pulse sequences and/or non-CE-marked RF coils.
Authorities to Submit To
In Finland, “Requests for authorisation of a clinical investigation” must be made to both:
- Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea) — Clinical investigations of medical devices (Competent Authority).
- National Committee on Medical Research Ethics (TUKIJA) / regional medical research ethics committees (Ethics).
Both approvals are required before starting the investigation.
Key Documents Required
The required documents can be divided in 5 groups:
1. Application Forms
- MDR Clinical Investigation application to the Competent Authority:
- Fimea — Investigations with devices (overview) and Clinical investigations.
- Fimea — Notifications and applications (e-services & fees).
- When the EUDAMED CI/PS module is required in Finland, submit in EUDAMED.
- Cover letter summarising device, investigational components (non-CE sequence/coil), sites, participants, timelines.
2. Clinical Investigation Documentation
- Clinical Investigation Plan (CIP) — MDR Annex XV format.
- Investigator’s Brochure (IB) — device/system description (scanner + software + coil + sequences), risk profile, MR-specific precautions.
- Risk Management File (ISO 14971), Monitoring Plan, CRFs, AE/SAE reporting procedures.
3. Safety and Performance Evidence (MR-specific)
- IEC 60601-2-33 rationale for MR environments (SAR/local SAR limits; simulations and phantom measurements).
- RF coil dossier (manufacturer ISO 13485 certificate, coil-file, FDTD/Sim4Life B1+/SAR simulations, phantom thermometry, safety report).
- Sequence safety (vendor statements that scanner safety controls remain active; watchdogs/limits; access controls to prevent accidental use).
- Best practices (e.g., ISMRM recommendations for experimental RF hardware) referenced in IB/annexes.
4. Regulatory and Legal Documents
- Insurance certificate covering participants in Finland.
- EU Authorised Representative (if sponsor is outside the EU).
- Data protection: GDPR compliance statement and (where applicable) DPIA.
5. Ethics Committee Package (TUKIJA / Regional ECs)
- PIS & ICF (languages per TUKIJA / regional EC requirements), privacy wording aligned to GDPR.
- Recruitment materials (flyers/posters).
- Investigator CVs & GCP certificates, site suitability, institutional permissions.
Submission Pathway
- Competent Authority (Fimea): submit the full MDR clinical investigation dossier via the national process (see Investigations with devices and Notifications and applications); when mandated, use the EUDAMED CI/PS module.
- Ethics (TUKIJA / regional ECs): submit the ethics dossier per TUKIJA/regional guidance.
Note: In Finland, obtain the regional ethics committee opinion before submitting your clinical investigation application to Fimea.
MR-specific notes for studies using non-CE sequences and/or non-CE RF coils
- Define the investigational device system clearly (CE-marked scanner/software + investigational coil/sequence package) and state risk class in CIP/IB.
- Evidence package: B1+ maps, SAR/local-SAR analyses, worst-case duty-cycle temperature estimates, phantom thermometry at hotspot locations (e.g., eye and cortical regions).
- Operational controls: show that scanner SAR/gradient watchdogs remain active with investigational components; document password-protected access and prevention of accidental use.
- Standards mapping: cross-reference IB/CIP evidence to IEC 60601-2-33 and your applicable standards list; cite ISMRM RF-hardware safety recommendations.
Relevant References
- EU MDR 2017/745 (esp. Articles 62–82, Annex XV).
- EUDAMED CI/PS submission (when applicable).
- MDCG guidance and MDCG 2021-8 application template.
- IEC Webstore — download/purchase IEC standards (e.g., IEC 60601-2-33 and the IEC 60601 series).
- ISO Standards Catalogue — download/purchase ISO standards (e.g., ISO 14971 and the ISO 10993 series).