What aspect of medical devices does the FDA regulate?

The FDA's primary responsibility when it comes to medical devices is to ensure their safety and effectiveness. This involves evaluating devices before they can be marketed to ensure they meet certain standards for health and safety. The FDA conducts a rigorous approval process that assesses how well a device performs its intended use and whether it poses any risks to patients. This regulation covers a wide range of devices, from simple items like bandages to complex equipment like pacemakers.

In contrast, marketing strategies are not the FDA's focus; instead, they ensure that marketing claims made about devices are substantiated by scientific evidence. Additionally, while the FDA does oversee the development of new technologies, it does not limit its role to just this area. Cost efficiency, although important in the broader context of healthcare, is not a specific concern of the FDA regarding medical devices. Instead, the FDA's regulatory framework prioritizes patient safety and the efficacy of medical interventions. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the FDA’s critical role in safeguarding public health through its oversight of medical devices.