Embedded systems have become a key technology for the evolution of medical devices. However, the regulatory requirements that must be met make designing and developing these devices challenging. As a result, many start-ups attempting to develop medical devices fail. Therefore, this article presents a methodology to design and develop embedded medical devices while minimising the economic investment during the technical risk stages and encouraging customer feedback. The proposed methodology is based on the execution of three stages: Development Feasibility, Incremental and Iterative Prototyping, and Medical Product Consolidation. All this is completed in compliance with the applicable regulations. The methodology mentioned above is validated through practical use cases in which the development of a wearable device for monitoring vital signs is the most relevant. The presented use cases sustain the proposed methodology, for the devices were successfully CE marked. Moreover, ISO 13485 certification is obtained by following the proposed procedures.

The evolution of technology enables the design of smarter medical devices. Embedded Sensor Systems play an important role, both in monitoring and diagnostic devices for healthcare. The design and development of Embedded Sensor Systems for medical devices are subjected to standards and regulations that will depend on the intended use of the device as well as the used technology. This article summarizes the challenges to be faced when designing Embedded Sensor Systems for the medical sector. With this aim, it presents the innovation context of the sector, the stages of new medical device development, the technological components that make up an Embedded Sensor System and the regulatory framework that applies to it. Finally, this article highlights the need to define new medical product design and development methodologies that help companies to successfully introduce new technologies in medical devices.

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