An implant is a medical device manufactured to replace a missing biological structure, support a damaged biological structure, or enhance an existing biological structure. For example, an implant may be a rod, used to strengthen weak bones. Medical implants are human-made devices, in contrast to a transplant, which is a transplanted biomedical tissue. The surface of implants that contact the body might be made of a biomedical material such as titanium, silicone, or apatite depending on what is the most functional. In 2018, for example, American Elements developed a nickel alloy powder for 3D printing robust, long-lasting, and biocompatible medical implants. In some cases implants contain electronics, e.g. artificial pacemaker and cochlear implants. Some implants are bioactive, such as subcutaneous drug delivery devices in the form of implantable pills or drug-eluting stents.
Orthopedic implants to repair fractures to the radius and ulna. Note the visible break in the ulna. (right forearm)
A coronary stent — in this case a drug-eluting stent — is another common item implanted in humans.
Complications can arise from implant failure. Internal rupturing of a breast implant can lead to bacterial infection, for example.
A medical device is any device intended to be used for medical purposes. Significant potential for hazards are inherent when using a device for medical purposes and thus medical devices must be proved safe and effective with reasonable assurance before regulating governments allow marketing of the device in their country. As a general rule, as the associated risk of the device increases the amount of testing required to establish safety and efficacy also increases. Further, as associated risk increases the potential benefit to the patient must also increase.
Tongue depressor, a Class I medical device in the United States
Infusion pump, a Class II medical device in the United States
Artificial pacemaker, a Class III device in the United States
Medical devices were used for surgery in ancient Rome.
