Often, too, regulators approve devices based on relatively short-term evidence of benefits that may not end up justifying their costs.

The committee will specify changes to the standards and approve new devices.

The FDA has approved the following medicines and devices for birth control:

Their biggest concern has been the agency's increasing delays in approving new devices.

Although the MHRA licenses drugs, it has no responsibility for approving medical devices.

But now the F.D.A. has come under fire for taking too long to approve drugs and medical devices.

That encapsulates a right-wing view that delay in approving new drugs and medical devices is hurting American manufacturers.

The inability of the overburdened Food and Drug Administration to act quickly on petitions to approve new medical devices is also hurting.

Although given no role in approving medical devices such as breast implants, it is supposed to be aware if such devices cause health concerns.

In fact, the commission said, no Government agency approves such devices for cars.