For latest version: please go to https://academicentrepreneurship.pubpub.org/pub/gxp74m44/release/4 In the U.S., medical devices are classified into one of three groups based on potential risk to patients and this plays an important role in determining the appropriate FDA regulatory pathway. The three most common regulatory pathways through which the FDA clears or approves devices are: 1) exemption status, 2) 510(k), and 3) premarket approval (PMA). Early understanding of likely pathways is essential for planning device design and research strategy. All devices with more than a low or non-significant risk potential must be granted clearance, approval, or an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the FDA prior to use in human subjects. Pre-submission, or Q-sub meetings, allow innovators and device companies to meet with the FDA for free and obtain feedback on the potential pathway and research protocols in an effort to have higher success with a future formal application. Early involvement of a regulatory expert or consultant can lead to a reduction in time to market and important cost savings.