So, it seems that when medical device manufacturers release products for children, they are usually just adult products with small adjustments for a child.  Devices are almost never designed specifically for children because the market is not big enough.  But, it is important to consider issues like growth and long-term effects when applying devices for children’s use. 

Lawmakers are taking notice on this one.  According to the Associated Press article, “Congress asked the Institute of Medicine — an independent group that advises the government on health matters — to study postmarket safety monitoring of children’s medical devices.” Lack of data is a huge problem----parents do not always know who to report problems to when they occur, and the recommendations include increased FDA involvement.

If you have a child who uses a medical device, check out this story. 

Yahoo! brings us this Associated Press article on children’s medical devices.  Hopefully, more consideration will be given to children’s needs, and the research will incorporate their lifestyles and growth patterns into these products.