What is the first recommended course of action for a company wishing to market a new Class III medical device quickly?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of collecting required clinical data as the first step in marketing a new Class III medical device. This is crucial because Class III devices, which are typically higher risk, necessitate comprehensive clinical evidence to demonstrate their safety and efficacy before they can be marketed.

Collecting clinical data is essential to support regulatory submissions and to gain the necessary approvals from regulatory bodies such as the FDA or EMA. The data collected will serve as the foundation for the device's risk assessment and will inform the device's safety and effectiveness during trials. Additionally, this data is pivotal for establishing compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, which is a prerequisite for entering the market.

While the other provided options, such as defining the product's purpose to classify it as Class IIb or working with a physician for Special Access, might have merit in specific contexts, they do not align with the immediate steps required to ensure that a Class III device meets regulatory standards for market entry. Collecting clinical data is a foundational step that must be undertaken prior to any other marketing strategies or regulatory maneuvers.